Friday 16 October 2009

Hong Leong Bank starts operations in Vietnam

Hong Leong Bank starts operations in Vietnam
Published: 2009/10/16
HANOI: Malaysia's Hong Leong Bank Bhd has begun operations in Vietnam, making it the first Southeast Asian bank lured to the country's growing market, an official said yesterday.
Wholly owned subsidiary Hong Leong Bank Vietnam Ltd opened its doors in the southern commercial centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Tri Tran Minh, told AFP by telephone.

"They see very good potential in the banking industry here," Minh said.
The State Bank of Vietnam announced late last year that Hong Leong Bank would be allowed to set up a fully-owned subsidiary, and said it would have registered capital of almost US$60 million (US$1 = RM3.35).

Minh said Hong Leong Bank, which did not have a Vietnam presence before, will initially offer a dollar deposit service but would expand its services and plans to open a branch in Hanoi.

On its website, the bank says it is the first foreign bank from Southeast Asia to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in Vietnam.

A South Korean bank and financial institutions from Australia and Britain, have also been allowed to set up wholly foreign-owned operations in what they see as a relatively untapped market.

On Tuesday, US-based Citibank became the first US bank to offer a retail banking service in Vietnam. It has been in Vietnam since 1993, with branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but until Tuesday had only offered corporate and investment services without retail banking. - AFP

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