Vietnam’s central bank has issued a strict mandate to all financial institutions ahead of the massive Lunar New Year holiday. The directive demands airtight security against fraud and guarantees smooth cash flow as millions prepare to celebrate. This urgent order aims to prevent system failures and protect assets during the country’s busiest financial season.
Urgent Call for Capital and Liquidity
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has officially instructed commercial banks to fortify their capital reserves immediately. This move ensures that the financial system can handle the massive surge in transaction volume expected during Tet. Banks must proactively balance their capital sources to meet the skyrocketing demand for production and consumption loans.
The timing of this directive is critical for the national economy. Recent market data indicates that interbank interest rates have spiked to a record high of 17 percent. This volatility places immense pressure on liquidity management across the sector.
Financial institutions are now racing to stabilize their cash flow. The central bank requires them to fulfill credit needs fully and timely. This support is vital for businesses rushing to complete orders and families purchasing goods for the holiday.
Key Financial Directives for Tet 2026
- Mobilize Capital: Secure enough funds to cover high withdrawal demands.
- Stabilize Interest: Manage internal rates to keep lending accessible.
- Support Production: Prioritize loans for essential business activities.
- Monitor Cash Flow: Forecast daily needs to prevent local shortages.
Fighting the Rise of Digital Fraud
A major portion of the new directive focuses on strict risk management regarding digital payments. The central bank has observed a rise in sophisticated fraud tactics targeting holiday shoppers. Institutions must detect and strictly handle violations in payment account usage to protect customer assets.
Criminals often exploit the chaotic holiday rush to launch phishing attacks and account takeovers. Banks are now required to step up their communication efforts. They must send clear warnings to users about new fraud methods appearing on transaction apps.
Security teams at major banks are working around the clock to monitor suspicious activities. The directive emphasizes the need to review procedures for handling customer complaints. A fast response to a reported scam can mean the difference between recovering funds and a total loss.
Keeping ATMs Full and Secure
Physical cash remains a king during Tet for the traditional giving of “lucky money” to friends and family. This cultural practice leads to a massive drain on automated teller machines across the nation.
ATM operations must be closely monitored to ensure cash withdrawal services run smoothly without interruption.
Banks are deploying technical teams to stay on standby throughout the holiday break. Their goal is to fix errors and refill cash cassettes immediately upon depletion. Nothing frustrates the public more than an “Out of Service” screen during the festive week.
Beyond convenience, physical security is a top priority. The Ministry of Public Security has provided specific recommendations to prevent property theft. Banks must ensure the absolute security of their vaults and transaction offices during the quiet days of the holiday.
| Security Focus | Action Required |
|---|---|
| ATM Network | 24/7 monitoring and rapid cash replenishment. |
| Vault Safety | Enhanced surveillance and adherence to police protocols. |
| Transaction Hubs | Increased guard presence and alarm system checks. |
| Cyber Defense | Real-time blocking of suspicious IP addresses. |
Priority Lending for Business Growth
The central bank is looking beyond just the holiday spending spree. There is a strong emphasis on channeling money into the right sectors to fuel long-term economic health.
Lending must be directed strictly towards production, business activities, and key growth drivers of the economy.
Credit officers are instructed to control lending to potentially risky sectors tightly. This discipline maintains the safety and efficiency of the entire credit operation. The goal is to support legitimate businesses that need capital to stock inventory or pay year-end bonuses.
By focusing on these priority sectors, the banking system acts as a pillar for stability. It prevents capital from flowing into speculative bubbles that could burst after the festivities end. This balanced approach ensures that the joy of Tet does not lead to a financial hangover for the national economy.
The directive from the State Bank of Vietnam serves as a comprehensive shield for the economy. It addresses the immediate need for cash while protecting citizens from the growing threat of cybercrime. As the nation gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year, these measures aim to provide peace of mind so families can focus on reunion rather than financial worry.
