This recognition highlights SHB’s exceptional growth and its innovative. Photo courtesy of the bank

HÀ NỘI — Saigon – Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) has been honoured with the prestigious “Best Bank for SMEs in Việt Nam” title at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024.

This recognition highlights SHB’s exceptional growth and its innovative, SME-focused financial solutions that are driving progress for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the global banking sector, with an extensive evaluation process that involves financial institutions from over 100 countries. SHB’s remarkable 54 per cent growth in SME lending in 2023, the highest among Vietnamese banks, played a central role in earning this prestigious honour. This achievement reflects SHB’s dedication to empowering SMEs and fueling their growth with tailored financial products and services.

SHB’s commitment to innovation is exemplified through the launch of groundbreaking services that enhance the efficiency of SMEs. These include the Automated Cash Flow Management and Online Overdraft services, designed to simplify and optimise the financial operations of businesses. Furthermore, SHB introduced the SLINK Collection Service, a virtual account-based revenue management solution available via Internet Banking. This service enables businesses to efficiently manage revenues across multiple sales points, gaining real-time insight into their financial health. The SLINK Collection Service has already earned accolades from The Digital Banker Magazine, underscoring its impact on the SME sector.

The “Best Bank for SMEs in Việt Nam” award adds to SHB’s growing list of international recognitions, including titles such as “Best SME Bank for Sustainable Finance” (Alpha Southeast), “Best Commercial Bank – SMEs in Việt Nam” (FinanceAsia), and “Việt Nam Domestic SME Partnership Initiative of the Year” (Asian Banking and Finance). As one of Việt Nam’s leading private commercial banks, SHB remains a trusted partner for SMEs, delivering advanced financial solutions that enable businesses to thrive, grow, and succeed.

SHB’s strong financial position, state-of-the-art technology, and comprehensive product offerings allow the bank to stay at the forefront of the SME banking sector. Through strategic partnerships such as a US$120 million loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), SHB is intensifying its support for SMEs, with a particular focus on women-owned businesses and those engaged in green supply chains.

Looking ahead to 2024, SHB is committed to executing its comprehensive Transformation Strategy, which emphasises institutional reforms, customer-centricity, and digital innovation. The bank’s goal is to continue leading the industry by becoming the most efficient and desirable digital bank, the top retail banking provider, and a leading partner to strategic corporate customers operating in green supply chains.

SHB’s transformation is rooted in its core values: Heart, Faith, Trustworthiness, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Greater Heights. With these guiding principles, SHB is well-positioned to maintain its leadership role in Việt Nam’s banking sector, drive sustainable development, and support the long-term growth of SMEs across the country. — VNS