THE GOVERNMENT
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SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence- Freedom- Happiness
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No. 28/2005/ND-CP
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Hanoi, March 9, 2005
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DECREE
ON ORGANIZATION AND
OPERATION OF SMALL-SIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN VIETNAM
THE GOVERNMENT
Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December
25, 2001;
Pursuant to the December 12, 1997 Vietnam State Bank Law and the June 17, 2003
Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Vietnam State Bank
Law;
Pursuant to the December 12, 1997 Credit Institutions Law and the June 15, 2004
Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Credit Institutions
Law;
At the proposal of the Governor of Vietnam State Bank,
DECREES:
Chapter I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Governance
scope and application subjects
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2. Subjects allowed to set up small-sized
financial institutions
Organizations, which are allowed to set up small-sized
financial institutions in Vietnam under law provisions, include:
a) Vietnamese socio-political organizations,
social organizations, socio-professional organizations, charity funds and
social funds;
b) Vietnamese non-governmental organizations.
3. Other domestic and foreign individuals and
organizations may contribute capital jointly with the subjects defined in
Clause 2 of this Article.
Article 2.
Interpretation of terms
In this Decree the following terms are construed
as follows:
1. Small-sized finance: means activities of
providing some small and simple financial and banking services to low-income
households and individuals, especially poor households and people.
means activities of providing some small and
simple financial and banking services to low-income households and individuals,
especially poor households and people.
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mean financial institutions operating in the
financial and banking domain with the major function of using their own capital
and loan capital and receiving savings deposits to provide some small and
simple financial and banking services to low-income households and individuals.
3. Small and simple financial and banking
services include services of providing small-sized credits; receiving
compulsory and voluntary savings deposits; money transfer agency; insurance
agency, authorized collection and payment, for low income households and
individuals.
include services of providing small-sized
credits; receiving compulsory and voluntary savings deposits; money transfer
agency; insurance agency, authorized collection and payment, for low income
households and individuals.
4. Small-sized credits: mean loans of small
value, with or without security assets, provided for low-income households or
individuals for use in activities of income generation and improvement of
living conditions.
mean loans of small value, with or without
security assets, provided for low-income households or individuals for use in
activities of income generation and improvement of living conditions.
5. Low-income or poor households and
individuals: are identified based on geographical regions and areas of Vietnam
or on the standards set by small-sized financial institutions.
are identified based on geographical regions and
areas of Vietnam or on the standards set by small-sized financial institutions.
6. Compulsory savings: mean households' and
individuals' savings deposited at small-sized financial institutions in order
to guarantee their borrowings from such institutions.
mean households' and individuals' savings
deposited at small-sized financial institutions in order to guarantee their
borrowings from such institutions.
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mean individuals' savings deposited at
small-sized financial institutions.
8. Legal capital: means the minimum charter
capital amount required by law for the establishment of a small-sized financial
institution.
means the minimum charter capital amount
required by law for the establishment of a small-sized financial institution.
9. Charter capital: means the capital amount
contributed by concerned parties for the establishment of a small-sized
financial institution. This capital amount shall be recorded in the charters of
small-sized financial institutions.
means the capital amount contributed by
concerned parties for the establishment of a small-sized financial institution.
This capital amount shall be recorded in the charters of small-sized financial
institutions.
10. Own capital: means the charter capital plus
profits retained for accumulation.
means the charter capital plus profits retained
for accumulation.
11. License: means a small-sized financial institution's
establishment and operation license, issued by Vietnam State Bank.
means a small-sized financial institution's
establishment and operation license, issued by Vietnam State Bank.
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1. For small-sized financial institutions not
allowed to receive voluntary savings: VND 500 million;
2. For small-sized financial institutions
allowed to receive voluntary savings: VND 5 billion.
Article 4. Operation
term
1. The operation term of small-sized financial
institutions is 50 years at most.
2. In cases where a small-sized financial
institution wishes to extend its operation term, the duration of each extension
must not exceed the term of the original license.
Article 5. Operation
area
1. The operation area of a small-sized financial
institution is restricted to the territory of a province or centrally-run city
and indicated in its license.
2. In cases where a small-sized financial
institution wishes to expand its operation beyond the area indicated in its
license, it must open a branch in the expected area. The opening of branches
must meet the requirement on the increase of charter capital to a level
corresponding to the expansion and must be approved by the State Bank.
Article 6. Operation and
financial management principles
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Article 7. State
policies
The State protects the ownership right and
legitimate rights and interests of small-sized financial institutions,
guarantees their right to equality in operation as well as other rights
prescribed by law; and promulgates legal documents and policies to encourage
their development. The State also respects the small-sized financial
institutions' right to autonomy and self-responsibility in operation, and does
not intervene in their management and lawful operations.
Chapter II
GRANT OF ESTABLISHMENT
AND OPERATION LICENSES FOR SMALL-SIZED CREDIT INSTITUTIONS
Article 8. Conditions
for being granted licenses
1. Having demand for small-sized financial
operations.
2. The provincial/municipal People's Committees
agree with the necessity to establish. small-sized financial institutions in
their respective localities.
3. Having sufficient charter capital as
prescribed in Article 3 of this Decree.
4. Having working offices and material foundations
suitable to the planned small-sized financial operations.
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6. Having feasible business plans.
7. With regard to small-sized financial
institutions receiving voluntary savings, apart from the requirements mentioned
in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of this Article, each must also meet the
following conditions:
a) Having been granted a license by the State
Bank;
b) Having received compulsory savings for the
latest three years;
c) Its managerial, controlling and executive
apparatuses operate fruitfully;
d) Having conducted healthy operations for the
latest three years under regulations of the State Bank;
e) Its information system meets the management
requirements;
f) Meeting the safety requirements in banking
operations and other requirements prescribed by law.
Article 9. Dossiers of
application for licenses
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1. The application for a license, clearly
stating the contents of operation and expected operation area.
2.The written consent of the
provincial/municipal People's Committee regarding the necessity to establish a
small-sized financial institution in the locality.
3.The draft charter.
4. The small-sized financial institution's
operation scheme, which clearly states economic efficiency and benefits.
5. The list, curricula vitae and diplomas
evidencing capabilities and professional qualifications of members of the
Managing Board, the Control Board and general director (director) of the
small-sized financial institution.
6. Papers evidencing the charter capital amount;
list and addresses of capital-contributing organizations and individuals and
their capital portions in the charter capital; the financial situation and
information related to the capital-contributing organizations and individuals.
7. Small-sized financial institutions that
receive voluntary savings must also submit their audited reports of the latest
three fiscal years.
Article 10. Licensing
fee
Small-sized financial institutions licensed by
the State Bank must pay a licensing fee under regulations of the Ministry of
Trade.
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1. Within 60 days after receiving full and valid
dossiers prescribed in Article 9 of this Decree, the State Bank shall consider
the grant of licenses for small-sized financial institutions. In case of
refusal, the State Bank must give written replies, clearly stating the reasons
therefor.
2. Small-sized financial institutions' licenses
granted by the State Bank shall specify the operation terms and areas as well
as activities such institutions are allowed to conduct.
3. Licensed small-sized financial institutions
must use the names and operate according to the provisions of their licenses.
Licenses must not be forged, erased, transferred, leased or borrowed in any
form.
Article 12. Operation
inauguration
1. To inaugurate its operation, a licensed
small-sized financial institution must fully meet the following conditions:
a) Its charter has been approved by the State
Bank;
b) Having a business registration certificate
and sufficient legal capital;
c) Its charter capital amount in cash must be deposited
in a blocked account opened at the State Bank at least 30 days before the
commencement of its operation. This capital amount shall be unblocked only
after the concerned small-sized financial institution inaugurates its
operation. This regulation shall not apply to small-sized financial
institutions that have been operating before the effective date of this Decree;
d) Having a legal document(s) on its right to
own or to use its head office;
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2. At least 30 days before its inauguration, a
small-sized financial institution must notify in writing the State Bank and the
provincial/municipal People's Committee thereof.
3. Within 12 months after being licensed, if a
small-sized financial institution fails to inaugurate operation, its license
shall automatically be invalidated.
Article 13. Extension
and withdrawal of licenses
1. Extension of licenses
a) A dossier of application by a small-sized
financial institution for extension of its license must be submitted to the
State Bank at least 2 months before the expiration of such license. The dossier
consists of:
- The application for license extension;
- The report on operation of the small-sized
financial institution in the latest three consecutive years.
b) Within 30 days after receiving full and valid
dossiers of application for license extension from small-sized financial
institutions, the State Bank shall consider and issue decisions permitting or
refusing such extension. In case of refusal, the State Bank must reply in
writing, clearly stating the reasons therefor.
2. A small-sized financial institution shall
have its license withdrawn in the following cases:
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b) It fails to start operation after 12 months
from the date of being licensed;
c) It voluntarily dissolves or is forced to
dissolve by a competent State agency;
d) It is divided, split, merged, consolidated or
bankrupt;
e) It receives voluntary savings without the
State Bank's permission; or
f) It operates for purposes other than those
stated in its charter.
Article 14.
Consolidation, merger, division, split and dissolution
In cases where the consolidation, merger,
division, split or dissolution of a small-sized financial institution is
necessary, such institution must send an application and dossier therefor to
the State Bank. Within 30 days after receiving full and valid dossiers, the
State Bank shall give written reply to such institution. In case of
disapproval, the written reply must clearly state the reasons therefor.
The dossiers and procedures for consolidation,
merger, division, split or dissolution of small-sized financial institutions
shall comply with the State Bank's guidance.
Article 15. Bankruptcy
and liquidation
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Chapter III
ORGANIZATION,
MANAGEMENT, CONTROL AND ADMINISTRATION OF SMALL-SIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Article 16.
Organizational structure of small-sized financial institutions
1. Small-sized financial institutions shall each
have a Managing Board, a Control Board and a general director (director).
2. The Managing Board of a small-sized financial
institution not allowed to receive voluntary savings comprises at least three persons;
and the Control Board, at least one person.
3. The Managing Board of a small-sized financial
institution allowed to receive voluntary savings comprises at least three
persons; and the Control Board, at least three persons.
4. The Managing Board, the Control Board and the
general director (director) of a small-sized financial institution must meet
the requirements on professional qualifications and ethics under the State
Bank's regulations.
5. The election, appointment and dismissal of
members of the Managing Board, the Control Board or the general director
(director) of a small-sized financial institution shall comply with the State
Bank's regulations.
Article 17. Functions
and tasks of the Managing Board, the Executive Board, the Control Board
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2. The Executive Board, comprising the general
director (director) and deputy general directors (deputy directors), shall, on
behalf of the Managing Board, manage and administer the small-sized financial
institution. The general director (director) of the small-sized financial
institution shall be the legal-person representative of such institution.
3. The Control Board shall, on behalf of the
Managing Board, control financial operations of the small-sized financial
institution and executive operations of the general director (director) in
exercising other rights and performing other obligations defined in the charter
of such institution.
Article 18. Persons who
must not be members of the Managing Board, the Control Board or general
directors (directors)
1. Those who are being examined for penal
liabilities.
2. Those who have been convicted for serious
crimes of infringing upon national security, socialist ownership or citizens'
ownership; or serious economic crimes.
3. Those who have been convicted for other
crimes and their verdicts have not yet been remitted.
4. Those who once were members of the Managing
Board or general director (director) of a bankrupt company, except for cases
prescribed by the legislation on bankruptcy.
5. Those who once were at-law representatives of
companies forced to terminate operation due to serious law violations.
6. Those who are fathers, mothers, wives,
husbands, children or siblings of members of the Managing Board or the Control
Board, the general director (director) of a small-sized financial institution.
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1. Small-sized financial institutions may open
branches in domestic localities where exist the operation needs. The opening of
branches and termination of their operation must be approved in writing by the
State Bank.
2. The conditions, dossiers and procedures for
opening branches and terminating operations of branches of small-sized
financial institutions shall comply with the State Bank's guidance.
Article 20. Capital
contribution and transfer of contributed capital
1. Organizations and individuals shall
contribute capital to small-sized financial institutions under
capital-contribution contracts.
2. The capital contribution and transfer of
contributed capital shall comply with the State Bank's regulations.
Chapter IV
REGULATIONS ON OPERATIONS
Article 21. Regulations
on operation of small-sized financial institutions
1. Small-sized financial institutions may
conduct some or all operations prescribed in Articles 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 of
this Decree.
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Article 22. Capital
mobilization
Small-sized financial institutions are allowed
to mobilize capital from the following sources:
1. Receiving savings:
a) Compulsory savings;
b) Voluntary savings.
2. Borrowing capital:
a) Borrowing capital from credit institutions
licensed to operate in Vietnam;
b) Borrowing capital from foreign individuals and
organizations when so permitted by the State Bank.
3. Small-sized financial institutions may
receive capital entrusted under programs or projects of the Government,
domestic or foreign organizations or individuals.
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1. Granting loans.
2. Granting loans from entrusted capital
sources.
Article 24. Other
operations
Small-sized financial institutions may act as
agents in the domains, related to banking and insurance activities.
Article 25. Opening of
accounts
Small-sized financial institutions may open
accounts and deposit money at the State Bank, commercial banks and other credit
institutions.
Article 26. Payment
activities
Small-sized financial institutions are allowed
to provide a restricted number of payment services according to the State
Bank's regulations.
Article 27.
Restrictions on credit activities and savings mobilization
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a) Restrictions on the maximum value of a
small-sized credit;
b) Restrictions on the maximum debt balance for
a customer;
c) Restrictions on savings deposits;
d) Restrictions on the maximum savings balance
of a customer.
2. The State Bank shall have to guide in detail the
regulations on credit and savings restrictions to make them suitable to each
type of small-sized financial institutions.
3. Small-sized financial institutions that
receive voluntary savings shall have to purchase deposit insurance according to
law provisions.
Article 28. Changes
subject to approval
1. A small-sized financial institution must get
written approval from the State Bank before changing one of the following:
a) Its name;
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c) The location of its head office or branch;
d) The contents, scope and duration of its
operation;
e) Changes relating to the contributed capital
and capital contributors;
f) Members of the Managing Board, the general
director (director) and members of the Control Board.
2. The State Bank shall give guidance on
dossiers and procedures for making changes in the above-mentioned cases.
3. After getting approval from the State Bank,
the concerned small-sized financial institution must notify the competent State
agencies of the changes stated in Clause 1 of this Article.
Chapter V
FINANCE, COST-ACCOUNTING
AND REPORTING
Article 29. Finance
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2. Financial revenues and expenditures of
small-sized financial institutions shall comply with law provisions and the
Ministry of Finance's guidance.
Article 30. Cost-accounting
Small-sized financial institutions shall conduct
cost- accounting based on the system of accounts and voucher regime prescribed
in the accounting and statistical legislation and under the State Bank's
guidance.
Article 31. Making of
deductions for setting up and use of funds
Making of deductions for setting up and use of
funds
Making of deductions for setting up, maintenance
and use of funds of small-sized financial institutions shall comply with law
provisions and the Ministry of Finance's guidance.
Article 32. Reporting
regime
Small-sized financial institutions shall observe
the reporting and statistical regimes according to regulations of the State
Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
Chapter VI
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Article 33. Inspection
1. Small-sized financial institutions shall be
subject to inspection by the State Bank's Inspectorate under law provisions.
2. The rights and obligations of inspected
small-sized financial institutions shall comply with the current law provisions
and the State Bank's guidance.
Article 34. Special
control, bankruptcy, dissolution and liquidation
Special control, bankruptcy, dissolution and
liquidation
The special control, bankruptcy, dissolution and
liquidation of small-sized financial institutions shall comply with law
provisions and the State Bank's guidance.
Article 35. Commendation,
handling of violations
The commendation as well as the handling of
violations of small-sized financial institutions shall comply with the
regulations of the State Bank.
Chapter VII
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Article 36. Immunity
provision
1. To exempt the application of the condition
prescribed at Point a, Clause 7, Article 8 of this Decree in considering the
grant of licenses to organizations, which have been involved in small-sized
financial operations before the effective date of this Decree.
2. This immunity provision shall be effective
for only 24 months as from the effective date of this Decree.
Article 37.
Implementation effect
1. This Decree takes effect 15 days after its
publication in "CONG BAO" and replaces the previous regulations,
which are contrary to this Decree.
2. Within 24 months after this Decree takes
effect, organizations currently involved in small-sized financial operations in
Vietnam shall have to carry out procedures to request the State Bank to grant
licenses according to the provisions of this Decree or terminate their
small-sized financial operations.
Article 38.
Responsibilities for implementation
1. The Governor of Vietnam State Bank shall have
to guide the implementation of this Decree.
2. The ministers, the heads of the
ministerial-level agencies, the heads of the Government attached agencies and
the presidents of the provincial/municipal People's Committees shall have to
implement this Decree.
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ON BEHALF OF
THE GOVERNMENT
PRIME MINISTER
Phan Van Khai