This guide provides comprehensive recommendations for SMEs in Vietnam to select suitable banks based on various factors. It considers enterprise scale and development stage, business scope, financing needs, service requirements, industry sector, interest rate sensitivity, and online banking needs. The recommendations range from suggesting cooperative banks for small start-ups to advocating for large commercial or foreign banks for rapidly growing enterprises with international operations. The guide emphasizes the importance of matching banking services to specific business needs, such as opting for tech-oriented banks for innovative industries or considering policy banks for agriculture and export-oriented sectors. It concludes with specific advice for different types of enterprises, highlighting the need to balance factors like interest rates, service quality, and digital capabilities when choosing a banking partner in Vietnam.

Enterprise Scale and Development Stage

• For early-stage micro-enterprises: Consider cooperative banks or local small commercial banks. They are usually more friendly to micro-enterprises and have relatively simple approval processes.
• For stable small and medium-sized enterprises: Choose medium-sized commercial banks. They can provide diversified products and personalized services, balancing flexibility and service range.
• For rapidly growing medium-sized enterprises: Consider large commercial banks or foreign banks. They have the capacity to meet complex financial needs and support rapid business expansion.

Main Business Scope

• For businesses mainly operating locally/provincially: Choose local commercial banks or cooperative banks. They have a better understanding of the local market and may provide more suitable services.
• For businesses operating nationwide: Consider national banks.
• For businesses with import/export or international operations: Choose foreign banks or large domestic commercial banks. They have more experience in handling international business and foreign exchange transactions.

Financing Needs

• For small short-term loans: Consider small commercial banks or cooperative banks. They usually have faster approval for small loans.
• For medium to long-term project financing: Choose medium or large commercial banks. They have the capacity to provide larger and longer-term financing.
• For large credit lines: Consider large commercial banks or state-owned banks. They have sufficient financial strength to support large credit needs.

Service Requirements

• For simple, basic banking services: Choose small commercial banks or cooperative banks. Their services are usually straightforward.
• For diverse financial products and personalized services: Consider medium or large commercial banks. They can provide a more comprehensive product line and customized services.
• For professional financial consulting and international business support: Choose foreign banks or large domestic commercial banks. They usually have more professional consulting teams and international business experience.

Industry Sector

• For traditional industries (e.g., manufacturing, retail): Domestic commercial banks. They may have a deeper understanding of traditional industries.
• For tech innovation industries: Choose emerging digital banks or tech-oriented commercial banks.
• For agriculture or export-oriented industries: Consider policy banks or state banks specializing in these sectors. They may have targeted preferential policies.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

• Highly sensitive, seeking the lowest rates: Compare state-owned banks and policy banks. They usually offer lower rates.
• Somewhat sensitive, but also considering other factors: Consider commercial banks and compare their comprehensive services.
• Less sensitive, more focused on service quality and other added value: Foreign banks or high-end commercial bank services. They may have advantages in service quality and added value.

Online Banking Service Needs

• Low need, mainly using offline services: Can choose traditional banks such as state-owned banks or local commercial banks.
• Need basic online services: Consider most commercial banks, as they usually provide sufficient online services.
• High need for comprehensive digital banking services: Choose tech-leading commercial banks or emerging banks focusing on digital services.

Specific Conclusions: For small start-up enterprises， Consider starting with small commercial banks or cooperative banks, as they may be more willing to establish relationships and support your growth. For stable SMEs, most commercial banks are good options; compare their products and services based on your specific needs. For enterprises with international business, consider foreign banks or large domestic commercial banks, as they have more experience in handling international business. For special industries (e.g., agriculture)， Don’t overlook policy banks, as they may offer strong preferential policies. For growing tech companies, look for banks that specifically serve tech enterprises, as they may more quickly understand your business model and needs.