Banks confident of 2025 targets amid global uncertainties

Banks confident of 2025 targets amid global uncertainties

Banks are navigating headwinds with flexible, well-prepared strategies, aiming to maintain credit momentum and financial stability amid global headwinds.

Photo: baodautu.vn

At the AGM 2025 of major state lender VietinBank in Hanoi on April 18, regarding the new US reciprocal tariff policy, chairman Tran Minh Binh revealed that this is a significant issue with potential ripple effects on the global economy.

To anticipate these shifts, VietinBank has formed an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) including top-tier experts.

The EAC meets regularly to assess global macroeconomic trends and their implications for Vietnam.

“The council's insights are integrated into our strategic models, supporting long-term planning,” Binh noted.

"We've also developed contingency plans based on adverse scenarios. Therefore, our overall business direction for 2025 remains largely intact. What's important is that the growth is sustainable, with each month improving on the previous," Binh said.

The bank's current credit growthstands at around 5 per cent, a relatively healthy figure given the typically slow credit absorption seen in the first quarter (Q1) of the year.

Binh said that VietinBank's exposure to foreign firms, often perceived as more vulnerable to trade shocks, was notable, but he reassured shareholders that the bank was engaging in large-scale public investments.

These projects are considered potential buffers against external headwinds and a key source of future credit growth.

At MSB, similar questions were raised at the bank's AGM in Hanoi on April 21, regarding the considerations of its 20 per cent credit growth target for 2025.

Chairman Dinh Nhu Tuan Linh stated that the goal is within reach, especially after the bank testified 18.25 per cent credit growth in 2024.

“By the end of Q1 this year, we've already seen nearly 9 per cent growth. That leaves 11 per cent for the remainder of the year entirely achievable,” he said.

SHB also reported solid results, with CEO Ngo Thu Ha revealing at its AGM 2025 in Hanoi on April 22 that the bank's credit growth had reached 7.8 per cent by the end of March.

SHB CEO attributed this performance to aggressive expansion among strategic clients, large corporates, and SMEs and expressed strong confidence that their full-year credit growth target of 16 per cent will be met.

Addressing concerns about the impact of US policy shifts, SHB chairman Do Quang Hien revealed that he had personally held discussions with US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapperone week earlier.

“We reached a mutual understanding aimed at ensuring benefits for both Vietnamese and American businesses,” he shared, citing that the bank has already assessed the potential exposure among its client base and found it to be relatively low.

“We've developed specific response scenarios and will continue to stand by our clients to help them overcome difficulties,” he said.

TPBank, another major player, is also taking a cautious yet steady approach.

CEO Nguyen Hung revealed that the bank saw 3.6 per cent credit growth in Q1, surpassing the sector average of 2.5 per cent, and credit had already grown by 4.5 per cent before their AGM 2025, which took place in Hanoi on April 24.

Lending was concentrated in production-business and retail consumption, such as home and auto loans. In contrast, their real estate financing remains limited due to ongoing market uncertainty.

“Our approach remains cautious yet growth-oriented. We're focused on safe and sustainable credit expansion,” Hung said.

Meanwhile, Do Minh Phu, TPBank chairman, noted at the bank's AGM 2025 that TPBank had thoroughly analysed the unfolding US-China trade conflict and other global developments.

“The government has maintained its ambitious GDP growth target of 8 per cent for 2025. As one of 16 systemically important financial institutions, we are committed to contributing to this national goal,” he said.

Phu noted that while TPBank hasn't revised its business plan, the bank stands ready to support struggling clients by sharing profits if needed.

“In difficult times, protecting the banking system integrity is our highest priority, even if that means adjusting profit expectations,” said Phu.

VIR