Hanoi, Sept. 15 -- From September 15, commercial banks and foreign bank branches must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of 8%, including at least 4.5% in Tier 1 core capital and 6% in Tier 1 capital.

The requirement is set out in Circular No. 14/2025/TT-NHNN issued by the State Bank of Vietnam, which also obliges banks with subsidiaries to comply with consolidated CAR standards in addition to individual ones.

The circular further stipulates that cash dividend payments are permitted only when banks have fully met the new capital requirements, pushing lenders to reinforce their capital base before profit distribution.

In anticipation, many banks have recently moved to raise charter capital through share issuances, profit re...