KUALA LUMPUR, 23 October 2025 – Hong Leong Bank (HLB), the first Malaysian bank to establish operations in Vietnam, has entered into a strategic partnership with So Ban Hang, the country’s leading business management app, in conjunction with Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day.
The collaboration reflects a shared vision to empower Vietnam’s new generation of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them not only to manage their businesses efficiently but also to build sustainable wealth.
Aligned with HLB’s “Digital Bank Plus Much More” proposition, the partnership introduces a comprehensive digital financial management platform that integrates business banking, financial transactions, and financing services within a single app.
SMEs can now open HLB accounts directly in the So Ban Hang app, automate accounting and record-keeping, make tax-compliant QR payments, and issue instant e-invoices — all from one platform.
The launch comes at a crucial time as Vietnam prepares for upcoming tax reforms. The integrated tools will help SMEs maintain compliance, streamline record-keeping, and simplify financial management, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses instead of navigating regulatory complexity.
This initiative builds on HLB’s strong entrepreneurial heritage. With more than 120 years of history rooted in innovation and business growth, HLB has been recognised as Best SME Bank in Malaysia by Euromoney, The Asian Banker, and Asian Banking & Finance.
“As a bank built on an entrepreneurial foundation and a proven track record in supporting small businesses, we understand the diverse needs of Vietnam’s SMEs,” said Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director and CEO of HLB.
“Since entering the market in 2009, our Vietnam operations have achieved strong growth. This partnership marks another milestone as we expand our retail offerings and enhance our digital banking capabilities to better serve this dynamic economy.”
Vietnam’s economy is powered by its SMEs, which account for over 97% of enterprises and around 59% of total employment, according to the Asia SME Monitor. Entrepreneurship is deeply woven into the nation’s culture, with countless family-run businesses and innovators driving its growth — a spirit that resonates strongly with Malaysia’s own entrepreneurial journey.
Fred Lim, HLB’s Chief Digital Commercialisation Officer, said the partnership represents a landmark step in embedding financial services within Vietnam’s digital ecosystems.
“We’re proud to launch Vietnam’s first embedded financing initiative with So Ban Hang, fittingly, on Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day. This collaboration addresses the core pain points of SMEs by integrating credit, tax, and accounting services into a single seamless platform. It’s a model of how technology and data can transform financial inclusion in the digital economy,” he said.
Bùi Hải Nam, CEO of So Ban Hang, added:
“So Ban Hang’s mission is to make it easier for small businesses to run and grow. Together with HLB, we’re offering a simple, worry-free, and cost-effective solution, from sales and payments to accounting, tax, and banking, all in one app. This helps entrepreneurs focus on growth with confidence, even in challenging times.”
