Log in
Business

Vietnam’s banks requested tighter control over corporate bonds

In the first six months of 2019, total corporate bond issuance reached VND116 trillion (US$5 billion), up 7.4% year-on-year, including VND36.7 trillion (US$1.58 billion) from commercial banks, and VND22.12 trillion (US$953.53 million) from realty firms, among others.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the country’s central bank, has requested domestic commercial banks to control risks related to corporate bonds investments. 
 
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.
According to the SBV, there are potential risks in corporate bonds investments by commercial banks since the start of 2019, particularly as the funds set aside for such investments make up a big proportion in total assets and continue to rise. 

The SBV pointed out a large amount of capital pouring into the real estate and construction sector, in spite of the fact that realty firms are facing difficulties in operation.

Moreover, certain banks have been investing in corporate bonds issued for debt rollover, which has now been forbidden by the SBV to ensure safety in banking operation. 

The SBV requested commercial banks to tighten their management in corporate bond investments in the real estate sector or for the purpose of capital mobilization of issuers which are realty firms. 

More importantly, banks have to step up efforts to supervise the cash flow after lending, so that they could detect irregularities of the repayment capabilities of enterprises, as well as internal violations within the banks themselves.

In the first six months of 2019, total corporate bond issuance reached VND116 trillion (US$5 billion), up 7.4% year-on-year, including VND36.7 trillion (US$1.58 billion) or 36% of the total from commercial banks, and VND22.12 trillion (US$953.53 million) or 19% from realty firms, among others. 

The average coupon rate of corporate bonds is in a range of 9.5% - 11% per year, which is 0.5 percentage points higher than the rates levels offered by commercial banks. 

As of the end of June, the capitalization of Vietnam’s corporate bond market was equal to 10.22% of the country's GDP, up 21% year-on-year and exceeding the target of 7% of GDP set for 2020. 

Deputy Minister Vuong Dinh Hue said the local corporate bond market has been growing at a rapid rate due to huge capital needs of the businesses. 

Meanwhile, the government has tightened credit growth quota, especially in risky sectors such as real estate. 

Hue said the strong growth of the corporate bond market in the January – June period has laid solid foundation for a capital channel to come into being in mid- and long-terms for enterprises, relieving pressures for banks. 

Moreover, the maturity period of corporate bonds is lengthy, of which the 5-year maturity period accounted for 66% of total bonds issued, with the majority of investors being organizations, while individuals made up 6.1% of the total. 

Hue, nevertheless, noted that without appropriate supervision of corporate bond issuances could lead to risks to the credit market and the macro economy. 
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Vietnam to tighten biometric authentication for new bank cards next year

Vietnam to tighten biometric authentication for new bank cards next year

Bank card issuers must conduct a face-to-face meeting and match the biometric data of individual customers or the legal representative of organizational customers with their identity documents.

Make in Vietnam forum spotlights breakthroughs shaping digital future in the country

Make in Vietnam forum spotlights breakthroughs shaping digital future in the country

Vietnam will host the seventh National Forum on Vietnamese Digital Technology Enterprises on December 25 in Hanoi, highlighting policy directions, strategic technologies and progress under the “Make in Vietnam” initiative as the country pushes toward a stronger digital economy.

Hanoi and Moscow seek new economic momentum as partnership marks 75 years

Hanoi and Moscow seek new economic momentum as partnership marks 75 years

At the Moscow–Hanoi Business Forum, leaders from both capitals said 75 years of Vietnam–Russia ties provide a strong foundation to deepen economic and investment cooperation, especially in technology, trade and urban development.

Vietnam manufacturing maintains strong momentum despite storms disrupting supply chains

Vietnam manufacturing maintains strong momentum despite storms disrupting supply chains

Vietnam’s manufacturing sector continued to expand in November, marking the fifth straight month of improvement, even as severe storms caused supply-chain delays and slowed production, according to S&P Global.

Techfest 2025 returns to Hanoi, spotlighting Vietnam’s vibrant startup community

Techfest 2025 returns to Hanoi, spotlighting Vietnam’s vibrant startup community

Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem pedestrian street will host Techfest Vietnam 2025 from December 12 to December 14, welcoming entrepreneurs, investors and the public to explore emerging technologies and celebrate the country’s growing culture of innovation.

Vietnam expands major entrepreneurship program to unlock opportunities for women nationwide

Vietnam expands major entrepreneurship program to unlock opportunities for women nationwide

The Vietnam Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Program has surpassed nearly every target set for 2017–2025, empowering more than 118,000 women to launch new ventures and laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the next decade.

HHTIP accompanies businesses in efficient energy use for sustainability

HHTIP accompanies businesses in efficient energy use for sustainability

As green transition becomes a decisive factor shaping future growth, Hanoi is intensifying efforts to push energy efficiency across its industrial zones. The city’s management board is building a development model centered on clean energy, responsible production and sustainable operations.

Vietnam launches Semiconductor Alliance to build skilled workforce, strengthen global industry ties

Vietnam launches Semiconductor Alliance to build skilled workforce, strengthen global industry ties

The newly launched Semiconductor Alliance in Vietnam seeks to develop skilled professionals, foster collaboration between universities and businesses while preparing the country to play a more active role in the global semiconductor industry.