HSBC amongst first to incorporate in Vietnam

HSBC has received regulatory approval-in-principle to join the first wave of foreign banks to locally incorporate in Vietnam, one of the world’s fastest growing emerging economies.

Local incorporation will allow HSBC to offer a full range of local banking services and follows landmark strategic investments in Techcombank, a top five commercial lender and Bao Viet, one of Vietnam’s leading insurers.

Sandy Flockhart, HSBC’s Asia CEO, said: “Vietnam’s economy is growing at an extraordinary pace, with GDP growth in excess of seven per cent a year over the past few years. Local incorporation will enable HSBC to play a full part in the development of this dynamic emerging market and represents an important milestone in HSBC’s long history in the country.”

Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Limited, will be 100 per cent owned by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, the founding and a principal member of the HSBC Group. Thomas Tobin, President and CEO of HSBC’s current operations in Vietnam, becomes General Director and CEO.

Thomas Tobin commented: “HSBC is the largest foreign bank in Vietnam and local incorporation gives us a perfect platform to enhance our growing participation in the country’s fast developing financial markets. The new licence will enable us to reach new and existing customers through a broader distribution network across Vietnam and we will work with the authorities to complete the necessary business registrations as quickly as possible.”

HSBC first opened an office in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1870. More recently, in December 2005, HSBC acquired 10 per cent of Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank), the third largest joint stock commercial bank in Vietnam by equity. This stake was raised to 15 per cent in July 2007. Just two months later, HSBC acquired 10 per cent of Bao Viet Holdings, Vietnam’s leading insurer.