Fitch Ratings asigna por primera vez una calificación crediticia a HDBank, reconociendo su fuerte perfil financiero

Fitch Ratings has assigned its first-ever credit rating to Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank), marking a milestone for the institution and placing it among the top-rated banks in Vietnam. The agency gave HDBank long-term foreign- and local-currency issuer default ratings (IDRs) of 'BB-' with a "Stable outlook," along with a Viability Rating of 'bb-', which is the highest such rating given to any Vietnamese bank. This upgrade reflects the bank’s robust financial standing, profitability, and sustainable growth trajectory. The new ratings place HDBank just one level above the B1 rating previously assigned by Moody’s, underscoring the bank’s consistent efforts to enhance its financial resilience and creditworthiness. According to Fitch, these assessments take into account HDBank’s solid profitability, stable funding structure, and increasing presence within Vietnam’s banking landscape. The agency also pointed to the country’s positive economic outlook, which is anticipated to bolster overall banking sector performance. Fitch emphasized HDBank’s continued expansion in total assets and lending activities, coupled with its rising market share in both retail banking and the small and medium-sized enterprise sectors. The bank is expected to sustain profitability levels exceeding the industry average, driven by strong net interest margins, efficient operations, and a capital position that ranks among the best in Vietnam. The credit rating upgrade is likely to enhance HDBank’s access to international capital markets, enabling it to diversify its funding sources and reduce borrowing costs. Additionally, the bank has shareholder-approved plans to raise capital, which Fitch believes will further fortify its capital reserves and support future growth initiatives. This follows an earlier upgrade by Moody’s, which raised HDBank’s outlook from "Stable" to "Positive" in early 2026. That decision was based on improved financial metrics, better asset quality, and stronger growth expectations. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, HDBank recorded a pre-tax profit of VND6.107 trillion ($232.1 million), representing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. HDBank’s return on equity (ROE) remained among the highest in the banking sector at 24.29%. Its Basel II capital adequacy ratio reached 16.2%, significantly surpassing the regulatory requirement of 8%. As of March 31, the bank’s total assets surpassed VND984.2 trillion ($37.5 billion), showing a 5.7% increase since the end of 2025. The bank continues to manage its loan-to-deposit ratio effectively, keeping it under 70%. Key liquidity measures, including the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), have consistently met or exceeded Basel III standards, indicating a well-managed balance sheet and sufficient liquidity. The recognition by Fitch comes at a time when Vietnam’s banking sector is undergoing transformation, with institutions striving to meet higher regulatory standards and compete globally. HDBank’s ability to secure this prestigious rating highlights its strategic positioning and operational excellence. The bank’s management has been proactive in implementing reforms aimed at improving risk management practices and enhancing customer service. These efforts have contributed to its reputation as a reliable financial institution capable of navigating complex economic conditions. With the new credit rating, HDBank is expected to attract greater investor confidence and potentially expand its operations both domestically and internationally. The bank’s performance over recent quarters suggests that it is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the region’s evolving financial landscape. Analysts suggest that HDBank’s success could set a benchmark for other Vietnamese banks aiming to achieve similar recognition on the global stage. The bank’s continued focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric strategies is likely to play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge.