On October 9, 2026, in Hanoi, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) held a conference to introduce Circular No. 50/2026/TT-NHNN, which outlines safety limits and ratios for commercial banks and foreign bank branches. This circular is considered a crucial step in modernizing the regulatory framework of the banking sector, as highlighted by Deputy Governor Doan Thai Son.

During the conference, Deputy Governor Son stated that the overarching goal of the new regulations is to enhance governance capabilities, standardize risk management methods, and strengthen the banking system's resilience against increasingly complex business environment fluctuations. The implementation of this circular is expected to align Vietnam's banking practices with international standards while taking into account the unique characteristics of the local market.

Effective from November 15, 2026, the circular introduces new provisions, including the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) and net stable funding ratio (NSFR), which are essential for ensuring the stability and safety of banking operations. The Deputy Governor urged commercial banks and foreign bank branches to thoroughly understand and implement the new regulations, preparing their resources accordingly.

Moreover, he emphasized the need for banks to shift from merely complying with safety ratios to actively utilizing these regulations as effective risk management tools. This proactive approach is expected to enhance governance quality and ensure safe and sound banking operations.

At the conference, Nguyen Duc Long, Director of the SBV's Department of Banking Safety, noted that the SBV has been working to improve the legal framework for risk management in line with Basel III standards. Circular No. 50 is seen as a vital document that directly impacts how financial institutions manage liquidity, capital, and risk, while also laying the groundwork for approaching international safety standards.

The implementation of this circular is anticipated to significantly contribute to the stability and sustainability of Vietnam's banking system, ultimately supporting the country's economic and social development.