On December 19, 2025, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) issued Document No. 11241/NHNN-TT requesting the SBV entities, the credit institutions, the foreign bank branches, and the payment intermediary service providers to synchronously implement measures to ensure safe and smooth payment activities in response to increased demand during the 2025 year-end settlement period and the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet).
SBV Headquarters
Proactive risk prevention and improvement of payment service quality
The SBV requires the banks and the foreign bank branches to strictly implement risk management measures, strengthen fraud prevention and control in payment activities, and fully comply with the legal regulations on the opening and use of payment accounts, bank cards, and payment services.
The inspection and supervision at payment acceptance units shall be strengthened to promptly detect and prevent the abuse of payment services for illegal purposes. The payment intermediary service providers are required to strictly comply with regulations on e-wallet opening and usage, as well as risk management requirements.
Strengthening the management and supervision of interbank payment activities
Interbank payment activities conducted through payment systems shall be closely managed and supervised to ensure safety and uninterrupted operations. All banks and foreign bank branches must maintain sufficient balances to meet settlement obligations; closely monitor net debit limits and electronic clearing limits, and make timely adjustments as necessary.
The SBV also requires proactive forecasting of payment demand and the development of contingency plans with adequate resources to meet the surge in transactions during the New Year and the 2026 Tet Festival .
Ensuring ATM operations and technical infrastructure
Banks and foreign bank branches shall proactively develop specific plans for ATM operations, including cash replenishment, system maintenance, and incident handling. They are also required to review and ensure the stability, safety, and reliability of technical infrastructure and online payment systems.The SBV will closely monitor and supervise payment capacity and clearing limits of the member banks to ensure smooth payment operations. Payment intermediary service providers shall closely coordinate with the relevant units to promptly address issues arising during peak periods of the New Year and the 2026 Tet Festival.
Close coordination in state budget revenue and expenditure
The SBV requires banks and foreign bank branches to closely coordinate with the relevant authorities to provide guidance and support customers in payment transactions related to state budget revenue and expenditure. Payment intermediary service providers participating in state budget collection shall effectively perform assigned tasks and provide customer support in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Strengthening communication and raising customer awareness
Banks, foreign bank branches, and payment intermediary service providers shall enhance communication efforts to warn customers about common fraud schemes, provide guidance on protecting personal information, and promote safe payment practices.
They are also required to ensure full, accurate, and timely reporting in accordance with the SBV’s regulations; proactively monitor public opinions, and closely coordinate to promptly handle and respond to customers’ inquiries and complaints.
Responsibilities of the SBV regional branches
The SBV Regional branches shall proactively monitor public opinion and incidents related to payment activities; strengthen guidance, inspection, and supervision of banks and foreign bank branches in order to ensure payment safety and security; and coordinate with the competent authorities to detect and handle frauds, illegal acts, and crimes related to payment activities. The SBV regional branches shall also direct banks and foreign bank branches to effectively coordinate in state budget revenue collection.