Vietnam's VPBank completes US$1.5 billion stake sale to Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui

Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank said on Monday (Mar 27) it has sold a 15 per cent stake for US$1.5 billion to Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, expanding the Japanese bank's presence in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

Following the investment, VPBank, whose business ranges across retail, corporate, consumer finance and wealth management operations, will become Vietnam's second-largest private lender by charter capital, with US$5.96 billion.

"The investment is a part of VPBank's plan to replenish capital since 2022 and helps the bank achieve growth target," VPBank said in the statement released after the signing ceremony.

The deal comes as Vietnam's central bank seeks to tighten limits on holding stakes in banks, a move that may make the banking sector less attractive to foreigners.

Sumitomo Mitsui, Japan's second-largest banking group is seeking to capture growth in Asian emerging markets through acquisitions, spurred by limited business opportunities at home with ultra-low interest rates and an ageing population.

In late 2021, it acquired a 49 per cent stake in Vietnamese consumer lender FE Credit from VPBank.

Shares of Hanoi-based VPBank have risen 18.16 per cent this year, valuing the lender at about US$6.04 billion, while its net income jumped 55.6 per cent to US$774.30 million in 2022.