It is a rare combination where Vietnamese banks are growing fast and are quite profitable, said an expert at JP Morgan.

Vietnamese banks belong to a handful of examples that combine well two factors of high growth of profit and long-term stability.

Local banks posted notable results in the first half but a good second half is not a given.

The handling of bad debt among credit institutions would be audited this year in order to formulate recommendations for effectively implementing a National Assembly resolution, according to the State Audit Office of Viet Nam (SAV).

VietNamNet Bridge - Analysts say the banking sector will attract huge foreign capital in 2019 as banks need to call for more capital.

VietNamNet Bridge - Money collection services have brought big money to commercial banks. 

VietNamNet Bridge - Big changes in key personnel at banks have occurred recently, though they have not always been made public.

VietNamNet Bridge - VP Bank and Techcombank have had impressive profits, leaving Military Bank, which once was a leader, far behind. 

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnamese conglomerates have been expanding business by stepping up investments in neighboring markets. However, the path has not been a bed of roses.

The lack of a common voice among managers, the changes in business strategies, and the weak role on the board of directors are some of the reasons foreign shareholders have left Vietnamese banks.

VietNamNet Bridge - Banks are rushing to list shares on the stock market by the year-end.

VietNamNet Bridge - ACB, Sacombank and Eximbank, the three most influential banks in the south, like MB and Techcombank in the north, are encountering serious difficulties.

VietNamNet Bridge - Many years have elapsed but the number of banks listing shares on the bourse remains unchanged. 

VietNamNet Bridge - The increased demand for capital and bank services has attracted more foreign banks to Vietnam, which is putting pressure on domestic bankers.

VietNamNet Bridge - Three years have elapsed since the day Kien and many other bankers were charged with swindling. Some of them have fulfilled their judgment execution and returned to business. However, there still exist unsettled debts.

VietNamNet Bridge - Many banks began preparing to list shares on the bourse for many years, urged by the State Bank (SBV). But no further progress has been made.

VietNamNet Bridge - Sources say Standard Chartered Bank, a big foreign shareholder of the Asia Commercial Bank (ACB), is considering leaving ACB.

VietNamNet Bridge - Many commercial banks in Vietnam are controlled by families. The concentration of power could be a danger if the owners abuse the power.

 The 30-year jail term awarded six months ago to Nguyen Duc Kien, former Vice Chairman of the Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) Founding Council, was upheld by the Ha Noi Court of Appeals yesterday.