Circular No. 02/2015/TT-NHNN guiding the work of competition and reward in the banking industry

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Banking Sector

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Pursuant to the Law on Competition and Reward No. 15/2003/QH11 dated November 26, 2003; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward dated June 14, 2005; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward No. 39/2013/QH13 dated November 16, 2013;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward; the Government Decree No. 39/2012/NĐ-CP dated April 27, 2012 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Government Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010
- Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and Elimination of Negative Practices

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 65/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2014 detailing the implementation of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards in 2013;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 156/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 11, 2013 stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the State Bank of Vietnam;

PURSUANT TO THE proposal of the Director of the Department of Competition and Rewards;

The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam issues this Circular to guide competition and reward work in the banking industry.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

These Circulars guide the implementation of competition and reward work in the banking sector, including the following contents: subjects of competition and reward; organization of competition movements; titles of honor and criteria for such titles; forms of reward and criteria for rewards; authority to decide, procedures, and files for reward applications; presentation of titles of honor and forms of reward; competition and reward funds; inspection, handling complaints and reports regarding competition and reward work; competition and reward councils and innovation councils at all levels.

Article 2. Applicability

Individuals and organizations under the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank); credit institutions; foreign bank branches; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank; other individuals and organizations directly and substantially contributing to the activities of the banking sector.

Article 3. Collectives in the Banking Industry

1. For the State Bank

a) Large collectives are: units directly under the State Bank, offices of party and mass organizations at the headquarters of the State Bank;

b) Basic collectives are: Departments, Bureaus, and Offices under the Inspection and Supervision Agency; Branches under the Bureau;

c) Small collectives are: Departments (Bureaus) and equivalent units directly under the collectives specified in points a and b of this Clause.

2. For domestic credit institutions and Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation

a) Large collectives are: commercial banks, Social Policy Banks, Cooperative Credit Banks, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, financial companies, financial leasing companies, People's Credit Funds, microfinance organizations (excluding subsidiaries of credit institutions);

b) Basic collectives are: Departments (Bureaus), centers at headquarters, branch offices, subsidiaries, and equivalent units directly under the large collectives specified in point a of this Clause (excluding People's Credit Funds and microfinance organizations);

c) Small collectives are: Departments (Bureaus), transaction offices directly under People's Credit Funds, microfinance organizations; Departments (Bureaus), transaction offices, and equivalent units directly under the collectives specified in point b of this Clause.

3. For foreign credit institutions

a) Large collectives are: joint venture banks, wholly foreign-owned banks, foreign bank branches, joint venture financial companies, wholly foreign-owned financial companies, joint venture financial leasing companies, wholly foreign-owned financial leasing companies;

b) Small collectives are: Departments (Bureaus), representative offices, transaction offices, and equivalent units directly under the large collectives specified in point a of this Clause.

4. For training units

a) Large collectives are the Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking;

b) Basic collectives are: Institute of Banking Science Research, centers, training bases, branch institutes, Departments (Bureaus), faculties, and departments directly under the large collectives specified in point a of this Clause;

c) Small collectives are: Departments (Bureaus), departments, and equivalent units directly under the basic collectives specified in point b of this Clause.

5. For enterprises managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives are: National Note Printing Factory, National Financial Switching Company, Vietnam Asset Management Company, and other enterprises managed by the State Bank;

b) Small collectives are: Branches, representative offices, Departments (Bureaus), workshops, sub-factories, teams, and equivalent units directly under the large collectives specified in point a of this Clause.

6. For permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives are: permanent offices of the Banking Association, People's Credit Fund Association, Financial Leasing Companies Association, and other associations managed by the State Bank;

b) Small collectives are: Departments (Bureaus) and equivalent units directly under the large collectives specified in point a of this Clause.

Article 4. Inventions in banking activities

1. Inventions in banking activities (hereinafter referred to as inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to previous solutions that are applied or tested during the implementation process, capable of bringing practical benefits (economic efficiency or social benefits), enhancing productivity, quality, and effectiveness of work. Inventions include: management solutions, technical solutions, operational solutions, solutions applying scientific and technological advancements to banking activities, specifically:
a) National-level inventions (hereinafter referred to as national-level inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to previous solutions, applied in monetary and banking activities, and capable of bringing practical benefits to the entire country;

a) Management solutions are methods of organizing and managing work by management subjects over management objects to achieve specific goals in work.

b) Technical solutions are methods and technical means to solve specific tasks.

c) Operational solutions are advisory and proposal-making activities for methods to implement tasks, helping management subjects resolve work effectively.

d) Application of advanced science and technology solutions is a method, approach, measure applying a known technical solution to practical banking activities.

2. Scope of Influence of Innovations

b) Industry-level inventions (hereinafter referred to as industry-level inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to previous solutions, applied and capable of bringing practical benefits to the banking industry;

c) Basic-level inventions (hereinafter referred to as basic-level inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to previous solutions applied and capable of bringing practical benefits to the operations of units.

3. Authority to recognize inventions and research topics

a) For industry-level and national-level inventions and research topics: The Invention Council and the Banking Industry Science Council examine, recognize, and evaluate the impact level of industry-level and national-level inventions and research topics;

b) For basic-level inventions and research topics: The Invention Council and the Science Council of the authorized unit (or the unit authorized by the Governor) recognizes the title "Model Worker at the Basic Level" and examines, recognizes, and evaluates the impact level of basic-level inventions and research topics.

4. Conditions, procedures, and formalities for examining and recognizing inventions: implemented according to the provisions of Decree No. 13/2012/ND-CP dated March 2, 2012, issued by the Government on the Charter of Inventions; Circular No. 18/2013/TT-BKHCN dated August 1, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Charter of Inventions and guidelines of the State Bank of Vietnam.

Article 5. Principles of competition and rewards

Principles of competition and rewards in the banking industry are carried out according to the provisions of Article 1 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV dated August 29, 2014, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding the implementation of certain provisions of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP dated April 15, 2010, Decree No. 39/2012/ND-CP dated April 27, 2012, and Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP dated July 1, 2014, issued by the Government (hereinafter referred to as Circular 07/2014/TT-BNV) and the following regulations:

1. Within one year, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the Governor) only presents a Certificate of Merit or proposes state-level rewards once for an individual (except for special and thematic rewards). State-level rewards for individuals include: National Honor Titles, "National Model Worker", Orders of various types and ranks, "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister".

2. A reward form can be presented multiple times to the same recipient; multiple reward forms shall not be given for a single achievement.

3. Only consider rewarding or submitting to competent authorities for rewarding credit organizations, branches of credit organizations, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are managers or operators of credit organizations, General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches with non-performing loan ratios below the maximum level as decided by the Governor.

4. Collectives and individuals in the banking industry proposing to be awarded a "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister" related to the criteria for a Ministry-level, sectoral, provincial, or central mass organization's Certificate of Merit shall have the criteria for examination as "Certificate of Merit from the Governor," except for rewards from Ministries and sectors about annual professional activities for collectives and individuals under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, and party and mass organizations.

5. For training units, the Governor only considers rewarding and proposing to award the Flag of Excellence to large collectives and institutes.

6. The time for proposing rewards for the next time is calculated from the date of the previous reward decision.

1. Regular competition is a form of competition based on the functions and tasks assigned to collectives and individuals to organize and launch, aiming to perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks well. The target of regular competition is individuals within a collective, collectives within the same agency, organization, or unit, or between units with similar functions, tasks, and nature of work.

Chapter II

COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Section 1

COMPETITION AND ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

Article 6. Forms of organizing the competition movement

Organizing regular competition movements must clearly define objectives, requirements, goals, specific indicators, and be implemented at the unit level or through Competition Groups to launch competition movements, sign competition agreements. At the end of the working year, the head of the unit, the leaders of Competition Groups conduct summaries and evaluations of competition titles.

2. Special topic competitions (or periodic competitions) are forms of competition aimed at effectively implementing key tasks determined within a specific period or organizing competitions to strive to complete urgent tasks of the unit. Units only launch special topic (or periodic) competitions when clear objectives, requirements, indicators, contents, and timeframes have been established.

Special topic competitions are organized within the banking industry. When conducting mid-term and final reviews of competition movements lasting three years or more, units select collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements for rewards or propose the highest reward as "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister"; for five years or more, propose the highest reward as "Labor Order, Third Class".

For thematic competitions organized within the banking sector, when summarizing and concluding the competition movement for three years or more, units select outstanding individuals and collectives to be awarded or recommended for the highest award of "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister"; for five years or more, the highest recommendation for award is "Labor Medal, Third Class".

Article 7. Registration for competition titles, signing competition agreements

1. Annually, the large collectives specified in Article 3 of this Circular (hereinafter referred to as units) shall be responsible for organizing each collective and individual within the unit to register for competition and strive to achieve commendation titles; the summary of the competition registration according to Form No. 01 attached to this Circular shall be sent to the State Bank (through the Department of Competition and Reward) no later than February 28 each year for monitoring and as the basis for awarding commendation titles. For People's Credit Funds and microfinance organizations, they shall send their competition title registration forms to the State Bank branch in their province or city.

2. Annually, the Heads of Competition Groups and Clusters shall organize the signing of competition agreements between units within the Group and Cluster and submit the signed competition agreement to the State Bank (Department of Competition and Reward) no later than February 28 each year for monitoring. The targets, contents, and methods of organizing competitions must be approved by the Group and Cluster to ensure uniform implementation. The Group and Cluster shall be defined by the competent authority.

Article 8. Responsibilities for organizing the competition movement

1. The Governor shall initiate, organize, and direct competition movements throughout the banking industry. The Department of Competition and Reward shall be responsible for advising the Governor on initiating, organizing, directing, and inspecting the implementation of competition movements initiated by the Governor.

2. The Heads of Units (Heads of Units include: Heads of Units under the State Bank; Legal Representatives of credit institutions, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, enterprises managed by the State Bank, non-bank credit institutions; Secretaries-General of Associations managed by the State Bank) shall be responsible for initiating competition, organizing competition movements, and summarizing and concluding competition movements within their units.

1. The Heads of Competition Groups and Clusters shall be responsible for organizing the initiation of competition, supervising the implementation of competition movements among units within the Group and Cluster, and organizing summaries and conclusions of competition movements.

4. Party committees and mass organizations at all levels in the banking industry shall closely cooperate with Unit Heads to organize and implement competition movements.

5. Information agencies and press in the banking industry shall regularly publicize about competition and reward work; identify individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in competition movements to set examples or introduce them to the Competition and Reward Councils at various levels for consideration of rewards; combat and criticize violations of laws on competition and reward in the banking industry.

Section 2

COMPETITION TITLES AND STANDARDS FOR COMPETITION TITLES

Article 9. Honorary Titles for Competitions

1. For individuals including: "Advanced Worker", "Competition Warrior at the Grassroots Level", "Competition Warrior in the Banking Industry", "National Competition Warrior".

2. For collectives: "Advanced Worker Collective", "Outstanding Worker Collective", "Competition Flag of the State Bank", "Competition Flag of the Government".

Article 10. Criteria for the title "Advanced Labor"

1. The title "Advanced Worker" shall be recognized annually during the year-end summary for individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Completing assigned tasks well, achieving high productivity and quality;

b) Adhering well to the policies of the Party, laws of the State, regulations and rules of the industry, the unit, and the locality; having a spirit of self-reliance, self-strengthening, unity, and positive mutual assistance in participating in competition movements;

c) Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

Point d) Having good morals and a healthy lifestyle.

Clause 2. Maternity leave time according to regulations shall be counted for the assessment of the title "Advanced Worker".

3. Individuals who bravely rescue people or property, resulting in injuries requiring treatment or convalescence, shall have their treatment and convalescence time counted towards consideration for the title "Advanced Labor".

4. For individuals who transfer jobs, the new unit shall be responsible for reviewing and electing the title "Advanced Worker". In cases where the individual has worked in the previous unit for six months or more, the opinion of the previous unit shall be required. In cases where the individual is transferred or seconded to another unit for a certain period, the review and election of the title "Advanced Worker" shall be decided by the transferring or seconding unit (with the opinion of the receiving unit).

5. Individuals dispatched for short-term training or study domestically or abroad for less than one year, who comply well with the regulations of the training or study institution, shall have their study time counted towards their working time at the unit for the evaluation of the title "Advanced Worker". In cases where individuals are dispatched for training or study domestically or abroad for one year or more, who comply well with the regulations of the training or study institution and have satisfactory academic results, they may be considered for the title "Advanced Worker".

6. The title "Advanced Worker" shall not be awarded in any of the following cases: failure to register for competition, newly hired for less than ten months, absent from work for forty days or more (except for illness or accidents during work or leave according to regulations), disciplined with a warning or higher.

Article 11. Criteria for the title "Advanced Labor Group"

1. The title "Advanced Collective" shall be recognized for collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Successfully completing assigned tasks and plans;

b) Having a regular, practical, and effective competition movement;

c) More than 50% of individuals in the collective have achieved the title "Advanced Worker" and there are no individuals disciplined with a reprimand or higher for officials, civil servants, or employees, or no individuals disciplined with an extension of salary increase not exceeding six months or dismissal or higher for individuals who are not officials, civil servants, or employees;

d) Internal unity and strict adherence to the policies and laws of the Party and State.

2. The title "Advanced Collective" shall be recognized annually during the year-end summary.

Article 12. Criteria for the title "Outstanding Militia Soldier"

1. The title "Outstanding Militia Soldier" is recognized annually for individuals in accordance with Article 4 of Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP dated July 1, 2014, of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Mobilization and Reward in 2013 (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP).

2. The ratio of individuals recognized with the title "Outstanding Militia Soldier" shall not exceed 15% of the total number of individuals who have achieved the title "Advanced Laborer."

Article 13. Criteria for the titles "Model Competitor of the Banking Industry" and "National Model Competitor"

1. The title "Outstanding Bank Industry Soldier" is awarded to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Having outstanding achievements among those who have continuously received the title "Outstanding Militia Soldier" three times consecutively. An individual with "outstanding achievements" is one who has been awarded a "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" or has been commended by the Prime Minister, President of the State, during the period of consideration for the "Outstanding Bank Industry Soldier" title.

b) Proposing innovative ideas or research topics in science and technology at the industry level.

2. The time for proposing the award of the title "Outstanding Bank Industry Soldier" is the year when the individual achieves the third consecutive "Outstanding Militia Soldier" title.

3. The title "National Outstanding Soldier": implemented according to Article 3 of Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP and Article 4 of Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV.

Article 14. Criteria for the title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

1. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" is awarded to exemplary collectives selected from those that have achieved the title "Advanced Labor Collective" and meet the following criteria:

a) Being creative, overcoming difficulties to excellently complete tasks and fulfill all obligations to the State;

b) There is a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement;

c) All individuals within the collective completing their assigned tasks, of which at least 70% have achieved the title "Advanced Worker";

d) Having at least one individual who has achieved the title "Outstanding Militia Soldier" and no individual has been disciplined with a warning or higher penalty for civil servants, public officials, or employees, or no individual has been disciplined with an extension of salary increase not exceeding six months or dismissal or higher penalty for non-civil servants, public officials, or employees.

đ) Internal unity, exemplary behavior, adherence to the Party's guidelines and state laws.

2. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" is awarded annually during the year-end summary.

3. Annually, the Governor does not consider the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for commercial banks, the Vietnam Social Policy Bank, the Vietnam Cooperative Bank, and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation. When considering commendations for the titles of mobilization and related reward forms that relate to the criteria for the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" for these units, the criteria specified and the achievements of the directly subordinate units will be considered for rewards, specifically: during the period of commendation, the collective must have at least two-thirds of its directly subordinate units achieving the title "Advanced Labor Collective" each year.

Article 15. Criteria for the title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank" and "Flag of Excellence of the Government"

Clause 1. The title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Being an exemplary collective in the mobilization movement of the banking industry in each field, region, area, or system; completing all assigned targets and tasks well in the year; being recognized as the leading unit in the competition groups within the banking industry; achieving the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" as recognized by the competent authority.

b) Having new factors or models for other collectives in the same competition group, region, or entire system to emulate.

c) Adhering well to the policies and laws of the Party, state, the State Bank, the unit, and the locality; maintaining internal unity, actively practicing thrift, combating corruption, waste, and other social evils.

2. The title "Flag of Merit of the Government" is awarded to:

a) The most outstanding collectives among those that meet the criteria for the "Flag of Merit of the State Bank," selected through annual mobilization movements. The number of collectives proposed for the "Flag of Merit of the Government" shall not exceed 20% of the total number of collectives that meet the criteria for the "Flag of Merit of the State Bank."

b) The most outstanding collectives in thematic competition movements initiated by the President or Prime Minister, evaluated during mid-term and final reviews over five years or more.

Chapter III

RECOGNITION AND CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

Article 16. Types of Awards

Clause 1. Awards based on achievements and merits are forms of recognition given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results in the implementation of tasks related to building and defending the country.

2. Special topic (or campaign) commendation is commendation for collectives and individuals who achieve outstanding results after the completion of a mobilization campaign initiated by the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Chairpersons of People's Committees at various levels, and heads of agencies and units.

3. Immediate commendation is commendation for collectives and individuals who achieve outstanding results in labor, production, combat, or support for combat; courageously saving people or state property (Outstanding results are achievements made in unforeseen circumstances outside the normal planned work schedule that the collective or individual must undertake).
4. Commendation for dedication over a period is commendation for individuals who have participated in various revolutionary stages (holding leadership or management positions in state agencies, public institutions, political organizations, or social-political organizations) and have made significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

5. Foreign affairs commendation is commendation for collectives and individuals from foreign countries who have made contributions to the construction and defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the economic field.

1. Criteria for conferring Orders, Medals, "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister," National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize," and "State Prize" are implemented according to the Law on Mobilization and Reward in 2003 (Mobilization and Reward Law); the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Mobilization and Reward in 2013 (Amendment and Supplement Law 2013); Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP dated April 15, 2010, of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Mobilization and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Mobilization and Reward (Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP); Decree No. 39/2012/ND-CP dated April 27, 2012, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP dated April 15, 2010, of the Government (Decree No. 39/2012/ND-CP); Decree No. 65/2014/ND-CP and Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BNV.

Article 17. Orders, Medals, "Prime Minister's Commendation", State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award"

2. The criteria for "Collective Successfully Completing Tasks" for conferring the "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister" and Orders of various types and ranks are collectives recognized by the competent authority with the title "Outstanding Labor Collective."

1. "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" is awarded to individuals who serve as role models in implementing the policies and laws of the Party, state, and the banking industry, meeting one of the following criteria:

Article 18. "Governor's Commendation"

1. "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" is awarded to individuals who serve as exemplary models in implementing the Party's guidelines and policies, State laws, and the banking industry's regulations, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) For two consecutive years: Successfully completing tasks or achieving outstanding achievements recognized in annual competitive movements initiated by the Governor, during which time two grassroots-level initiatives are recognized and have the potential to be effectively applied within the unit;

b) Achieving many notable results with wide-ranging impacts in each field of activity of the banking industry;

c) Achieving outstanding unexpected results.

2. "The Governor's Commendation" shall be awarded to exemplary collectives that conscientiously implement the Party's policies, the State's laws, and the banking sector's regulations, maintain internal unity, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) For two consecutive years, successfully completing tasks recognized in annual competitive movements initiated by the Governor, being officially acknowledged as an "Outstanding Labor Collective," maintaining internal unity, effectively implementing grassroots democratic regulations, organizing competitive movements well; caring for the material and spiritual lives of members within the collective; practicing thrift; fully implementing all systems and policies for every member of the collective;

b) Achieving many outstanding results with wide-ranging impacts in each field of activity of the banking industry;

c) Achieving outstanding unexpected results.

3. An outstanding collective recognized in the competitive movement at point a Clause 2 Article this shall be determined as follows:

a) Collectives within the State Bank: Successfully completing the annual work plan and other assigned tasks; effectively performing assigned functions and responsibilities; actively proposing suggestions for the establishment of mechanisms and policies of the State Bank; no major incidents occurring within the collective that negatively impact the unit's or the sector's operations; strictly adhering to reporting and statistical regulations; promptly resolving complaints and reports within jurisdiction; the Party organization and mass organizations within the collective being recognized as clean and strong;

b) Collectives within credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation: Successfully meeting annual performance targets and plans; effectively conducting internal inspection and supervision activities; strictly complying with State laws and the mechanisms, regulations, and provisions of the State Bank; no major incidents occurring within the collective that negatively impact the unit's or the sector's operations; promptly resolving complaints and reports within jurisdiction; the Party organization and mass organizations within the collective being recognized as clean and strong;

c) Collectives within the training sector: Successfully meeting all assigned performance targets and plans comprehensively; ensuring teaching quality; effectively organizing and consistently maintaining scientific research activities; strictly adhering to information reporting regulations; effectively managing students; promptly preventing social evils from infiltrating schools and maintaining a clean educational environment; promptly resolving complaints and reports within jurisdiction; the Party organization and mass organizations within the collective being recognized as clean and strong;

d) Collectives within enterprises under the management of the State Bank: Successfully meeting all assigned performance targets and plans comprehensively; strictly adhering to information reporting regulations as stipulated; effectively conducting internal inspection and supervision activities; promptly resolving complaints and reports within jurisdiction; the Party organization and mass organizations within the collective being recognized as clean and strong;

đ) Permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank: Effectively promoting the Party's policies, State laws, and State Bank regulations; actively proposing suggestions for the establishment of mechanisms and policies in banking activities; no major incidents occurring within the collective that negatively impact the unit's or the sector's operations; promptly resolving complaints and reports within jurisdiction; the Party organization and mass organizations within the collective being recognized as clean and strong.

4. "The Governor's Commendation" shall be awarded to collectives and individuals outside the banking sector who have made significant contributions directly and substantially to the operations of the banking sector.

Article 19. Commendation Certificate

The heads of units awarding commendations to collectives and individuals according to Clause 41 and Clause 42 Article 1 of the Law amended and supplemented in 2013.

Article 20. Commendation for dedication process

1. Forms of reward for dedication process shall be presented or posthumously awarded to individuals who have outstanding achievements and meet the following criteria:

a) Bank officers and civil servants who meet the criteria and conditions stipulated in Decree No. 65/2014/NĐ-CP when preparing to retire, have retired, or have passed away, and during their service period have made outstanding contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party, the nation, and the banking industry;

b) Officers and civil servants who have been awarded Orders of various types and ranks for achievements in work, if the previous commendation form is consistent with regulations, they will not be considered for commendation for dedication achievements; in cases where they meet the criteria for commendation at a higher level than previously received, procedures for requesting commendation shall be carried out according to the provisions.

2. The criteria, time in position, equivalent rank, and conditions for applying commendation for dedication process shall be implemented according to Articles 11 and 12 of Circular 07/2014/TT-BNV.

Chapter IV

REMEMBRANCE CHAPTER

Article 21. Remembrance Medal

1. The Commemorative Medal "For the Banking Industry of Vietnam" (hereinafter referred to as the Commemorative Medal) is a form of commendation by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam to recognize the dedication of individuals inside and outside the banking industry who have made significant contributions to the development of the Vietnamese banking industry.

2. The Commemorative Medal is only awarded once to an individual on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese Banking Industry every year (May 6).

Article 22. Criteria for Awarding the Remembrance Medal

For bank officials

a) Having worked in the banking industry for at least 20 years for males and 15 years for females, and completing assigned tasks;

b) Eligible officers automatically receiving or being posthumously awarded the Commemorative Medal include bank officers recognized as martyrs; officers participating in the preparatory committee for the establishment of the National Bank of Vietnam; bank officers participating in the battlefield B from 1968 onwards; bank officers awarded state honors such as "Golden Star Order", "Ho Chi Minh Order", Independence Order of all ranks, "Heroic Laborer", and comrades serving as leaders of the State Bank;

c) Priority officers when considering the Commemorative Medal include: officers working in the banking industry from May 6, 1951, to May 7, 1954, and having continuous work experience of at least 10 years when awarding; bank officers participating in battlefields B, C, K during the anti-American resistance war before April 30, 1975, their work time will be counted as double (one year equals two years) when awarding; officers previously working in the banking industry who were sent to the army, volunteer forces, to study, or transferred to other industries but later returned to work in the banking industry, that time will still be counted as continuous work time in the banking industry when awarding; officers currently working in the banking industry preparing to retire if they have 19 years and 6 months for males and 14 years and 6 months for females, then they meet the time criteria when awarding (time calculated up to May 30 each year);

d) Time under disciplinary action from warning and above shall not be counted towards the time for awarding the Commemorative Medal.

2. For individuals outside the banking industry

Individuals outside the banking industry may be considered for the award of the Remembrance Medal if they meet one of the following criteria:

a) They have contributed to leading and directing efforts that contribute to the construction and development of the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

b) They have proposed innovative ideas or scientific research projects of practical value for the activities of the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

c) They have contributed to building and consolidating cooperative relations between countries and international organizations and the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

d) They have made direct and practical material contributions to the development of the Vietnamese Banking Industry.

3. The Commemorative Medal shall not be awarded in the following cases:

a) Individuals who have been disciplined and dismissed from their positions;

b) Individuals currently being pursued by law enforcement agencies for criminal responsibility or involved in criminal cases without a conclusion from competent law enforcement agencies.

c) Individuals who have been or are currently serving sentences: imprisonment, suspended sentence, house arrest.

Chapter V

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND BESTOW; PROCEDURES,

FILES AND PROCEDURES FOR AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Section 1

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND PRESENT AWARDS

Article 23. Authority to Decide on Bestowal of Merit Titles and Forms of Reward

1. The authority to decide on conferring the title "National Model Worker", "Flag of Excellence of the Government", Orders, Medals, State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award", and "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be implemented according to the provisions of Articles 77 and 78 of the Law on Encouragement and Recognition.

2. The Governor decides to confer:

a) The title "Advanced Worker" and "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" to members of the State Bank of Vietnam Leadership Board;

b) The title "Model Worker in the Banking Industry" to individuals;

c) The title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank of Vietnam" to groups;

d) Commendation certificates for collectives and individuals;

d) The title "Outstanding Labor Group" to groups specified in Clause 1, Article 3 of this Circular (excluding small groups under the Inspection and Supervision Agency and small groups under the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities); Point a, Clause 3, Clause 4, Clause 5, and Clause 6, Article 3 of this Circular;

e) Commemorative medals for individuals.

3. The Head of the Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities, the Heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam, decide to confer the title "Advanced Group" to groups; "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" to individuals under their management and certificates of merit.

4. The Chief Inspector and Supervisor of the Banking Industry decides to confer the title "Advanced Group" to groups; the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" to individuals under their management and certificates of merit.

5. The Heads of Departments, Bureaus, and equivalent units under the Inspection and Supervision Agency recognize the title "Advanced Worker" for individuals under their unit.

6. The Heads of units: credit organizations; foreign bank branches; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; Banking Academy; Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam decide to confer the title "Advanced Group" to groups; "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" to individuals under their management and certificates of merit.

7. The Chairman of the People's Credit Fund Management Board, the Directors of microfinance institutions decide to confer the title "Advanced Group" to groups; "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" to individuals under their management and certificates of merit.

8. The Governor delegates authority to the Heads of units

a) State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities; commercial banks; Social Policy Bank; Vietnam Cooperative Bank; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; Banking Academy; Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam; financial companies, leasing finance companies decide to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Group" to groups under their management;

b) The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities decides to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on Credit Cooperatives and microfinance organizations under their management.

c) Heads of Departments, Bureaus, units, and permanent agencies of Party and mass organizations at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam decide to confer the title "Advanced Labor Collective" on collectives; "Advanced Worker" and "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" on individuals under their management.

d) The Chief Inspector and Banking Supervision decides to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on small collectives under their management.

Article 24. Award Presentation Ceremony

1. The ceremony for conferring Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", "Government Flag of Excellence", "National Model Worker", and "Prime Minister's Commendation" shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Government Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013, which stipulates the organization of commemorative days; the ceremony for conferring awards and commendations; diplomatic rituals and welcoming foreign guests.

2. For Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize", and "National Model Worker": upon receiving notification from the Department of Mobilization and Reward, the head of the unit shall prepare a plan for receiving and submit it to the Governor (through the Department of Mobilization and Reward). After receiving the Governor's directive, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall coordinate with the unit to organize the announcement and presentation.

3. For "Government Flag of Excellence" and "Prime Minister's Commendation": after receiving notification from the Department of Mobilization and Reward, heads of units shall proactively prepare plans and organize the presentation to collectives and individuals within their units who have been commended. Before organizing, the unit shall inform the Department of Mobilization and Reward to monitor.

4. The organization of the announcement and presentation of national-level commendations to individuals and collectives at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam shall be advised by the Department of Mobilization and Reward and submitted to the Governor for decision.

5. For commendation titles and forms of reward within the authority of the Governor, the Governor may delegate to the heads of units to organize the announcement and presentation to collectives and individuals who have been commended.

The announcement and presentation of "Governor's Commendation" and Commemorative Medals to collectives and individuals outside the banking sector shall be coordinated by the heads of units with the Department of Mobilization and Reward and submitted to the Governor for decision.

6. The announcement and presentation of commendation titles and forms of reward provide an opportunity to honor exemplary individuals and deeds and outstanding models, so the organization must ensure solemnity, effectiveness, economy, and avoid ostentatious formalism and waste. When organizing, it should combine with other contents of the unit to save time and costs.

Section 2

PROCEDURE, PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS, AND TIME FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS

RECOMMENDATION FOR REWARD

Article 25. Procedure and Line of Recommendation for Reward

1. Heads of units in the banking sector are responsible for rewarding or recommending higher authorities to reward cadres, civil servants, public officials, and workers under their management. The level that initiates the mobilization campaign is responsible for considering rewards or recommending higher authorities to reward individuals and collectives that achieve outstanding results.

2. After receiving the application for reward, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall check the application according to regulations. If the application does not comply with regulations, it shall notify or return it to the submitting unit within five working days from the date of receipt; the submitting unit shall complete the application and resubmit it to the Department of Mobilization and Reward within five working days from the date of receipt.

3. For the title "Heroic Laborer": the head of the unit shall submit to the Governor (through the Department of Mobilization and Reward) to seek approval for the proposal to confer the title "Heroic Laborer". The Department of Mobilization and Reward shall seek the opinion of the First Vice Chairman of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the Sector before submitting to the Governor to seek approval for the proposal to build a collective or individual as a "Heroic Laborer". Based on the Governor's opinion, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall issue a notice to the unit. After receiving the application for conferring the title "Heroic Laborer", the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall check the application, assess achievements, and seek opinions from related units before summarizing and submitting to the Sector Mobilization and Reward Council for review; based on the review results of the Council, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall submit to the Party Cadre and Civil Servant Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam for examination before submitting to the Governor for decision.

4. For the title "National Model Worker": after receiving the application from the unit, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall check the application, assess achievements, and seek opinions from related units before summarizing and submitting to the Banking Sector Innovation Council and the Sector Mobilization and Reward Council for review; based on the review results of the Councils, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall submit to the Party Cadre and Civil Servant Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam for examination before submitting to the Governor for decision.

5. For the title "Banking Sector Model Worker": after receiving the application from the unit, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall check the application, assess achievements, and if necessary, seek opinions from related units before summarizing and submitting to the Banking Sector Innovation Council and the Sector Mobilization and Reward Council for review. Based on the review results of the Councils, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall seek the opinion of the First Vice Chairman of the Sector Mobilization and Reward Council before submitting to the Governor for decision.

6. For the title "Government Flag of Excellence": after receiving the application from the unit, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall check the application, assess achievements, and seek opinions from related units before summarizing and submitting to the Sector Mobilization and Reward Council for review. Based on the review results of the Council, the Department of Mobilization and Reward shall seek the opinion of the First Vice Chairman of the Sector Mobilization and Reward Council before submitting to the Governor for decision.

7. For the title "State Bank of Vietnam Flag of Excellence"

a) For units under the State Bank: based on the competition registration, taking into account the proposals from the units and the recommendations from the Competition Groups, Clusters, and Departments, the Department of Competition and Awards will review the files, assess achievements, and if necessary, seek opinions from related units before submitting to the Competition and Awards Council for examination. Based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Competition and Awards will submit to the First Vice Chairman of the Competition and Awards Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

b) Commercial banks; Social Policy Banks; Vietnam Cooperative Banks; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; foreign credit institutions; Banking Academy; Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank; other units: based on the competition registration and unit proposals, the Department of Competition and Awards will review the files, assess achievements, and if necessary, seek opinions from related units before compiling and submitting to the Competition and Awards Council for examination. Based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Competition and Awards will submit to the First Vice Chairman of the Competition and Awards Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

8. For Orders, Medals, and various categories: after receiving the file from the unit, the Department of Competition and Awards will review the file, assess achievements, and seek opinions from related units before compiling and submitting to the Bank Industry Initiative Council and the Competition and Awards Council for examination. Based on the Councils' examination results, the Department of Competition and Awards will submit to the Party Committee of the State Bank for examination before submitting to the Governor for decision.

9. For "Prime Minister's Commendation": after receiving the file from the unit, the Department of Competition and Awards will review the file, assess achievements, and seek opinions from related units before compiling and submitting to the Competition and Awards Council for examination. Based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Competition and Awards will submit to the First Vice Chairman of the Competition and Awards Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

10. For the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" and "Governor's Commendation": the Department of Competition and Awards will review the file and assess achievements. If necessary, the Department of Competition and Awards will seek opinions from related units before submitting to the First Vice Chairman of the Competition and Awards Council for comments, then submit to the Governor for decision.

11. For rewarding individuals and collectives outside the banking industry: the head of the unit directly involved in business relations will prepare a report with a summary of the achievements of the individual or collective proposed for commendation and send it to the Department of Competition and Awards for assessment. If necessary, the Department of Competition and Awards will seek opinions from related units before submitting to the First Vice Chairman of the Competition and Awards Council for comments, then submit to the Governor for decision.

12. Annually, the Department of Competition and Awards will cooperate with the Office of the State Bank to establish files and propose competition titles and reward forms for leaders of the State Bank to be submitted to the Competition and Awards Council for examination and rewards.

13. Regarding awards for long-term dedication

a) In cases where officials have retired or passed away:

- For retired or deceased bank leaders, the Cadre Organization Department is responsible for establishing the file to propose rewards;

- For other cadres, the head of the unit managing the cadre before retirement or death is responsible for processing the proposal for rewards. In cases where the last working unit of the cadre eligible for rewards has been dissolved, split, merged, or consolidated, the head of the unit assuming the tasks of that unit is responsible for establishing the file to propose rewards;

- The Department of Competition and Awards is responsible for reviewing, compiling, and seeking confirmation opinions from the Cadre Organization Department (except in cases proposed by the Cadre Organization Department), submitting to the Competition and Awards Council for examination; based on the Council's examination results, the Department of Competition and Awards will submit for comments from the Party Committee before submitting to the Governor for decision.

b) For cadres preparing to retire:

- For bank leaders preparing to retire, the State Bank Office is responsible for processing the proposal for rewards according to regulations;

- For other cadres, one year before the cadre retires, the head of the unit will establish the file to propose rewards for cadres meeting the criteria within the unit. The Department of Competition and Awards will compile and seek confirmation opinions from the Cadre Organization Department (except in cases proposed by the Cadre Organization Department), submitting to the Competition and Awards Council for examination, then submit for comments from the Party Committee before submitting to the Governor for decision;

c) The Cadre Organization Department is responsible for: confirming in writing the time of holding positions and disciplinary measures, reasons, and time of disciplinary measures (if any) and equivalent positions of the person proposed for rewards; cooperating with related units to resolve complaints (if any) regarding rewards for cadres who have made long-term contributions to the banking industry.

14. Regarding Commemorative Medals

a) For cadres currently working in the banking industry: the heads of units managing cadres (including retired, deceased, or transferred cadres) will prepare reports with files of cases meeting the criteria and correct target groups according to regulations and send them to the Department of Competition and Awards for review and submission to the First Vice Chairman of the Competition and Awards Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

b) For cadres working outside the banking industry: the comrades leading the Party, State, National Assembly, Government shall be proposed by the Office of the State Bank. Individuals belonging to central Ministries, agencies, mass organizations; foreigners who have worked or are currently working in Vietnam, Vietnamese working abroad shall be proposed by the Heads of Departments, Bureaus, units under the State Bank directly related to their work. The comrades leading provincial party committees, municipal party committees, People's Councils, Provincial People's Committees at the provincial level directly under the Central Government and other individuals contributing exceptionally to the banking industry shall be proposed by the Governor of the State Bank branch in the province or city. The Department of Mobilization and Reward shall review and submit for comments from the First Vice Chairman of the Mobilization and Reward Council before submitting to the Governor for decision.

15. For the titles "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award": implement according to the provisions of the Law on Mobilization and Reward 2003, the Law Amending and Supplementing 2005, the Law Amending and Supplementing 2013, and other relevant state regulations.

16. For collective bodies and individuals belonging to Credit Cooperatives: the State Bank branch in the province or city shall examine rewards or propose to competent authorities for rewards.

Article 26. Documents for Proposing Commendation Titles

1. Commendation titles and reward forms within the authority to decide of the Heads of Units or delegated by the Governor shall be based on the Law on Mobilization and Reward, the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Mobilization and Reward, Decree 42/2010/ND-CP, Decree 39/2012/ND-CP, Decree 65/2014/ND-CP, Circular 07/2014/TT-BNV, and this Circular to concretize implementation within their units. The examination of the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" within the authority or delegated by the Governor of the Heads of Units must ensure the following complete documents:

a) A document proposing recognition of the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level";

b) Report on achievements of the individual;

c) Application for recognizing innovation according to Model No. 5 attached to this Circular;

d) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the unit having a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are taken by ballot);

2. For the title "Model Worker in the Banking Industry", the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Summary report of achievements of the individual proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 11 attached to this Circular. The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Document proposing recognition of innovation at the national level according to Model No. 3 attached to this Circular accompanied by a summary of the innovation proposed for recognition at the national level of the individual according to Model No. 4 attached to this Circular or decision recognizing completion of scientific research topics. For grassroots-level innovations, clearly record the decision number, date, and year of recognizing the innovation in the achievement report and summary report;

d) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the unit having a voting rate of 90% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are taken by ballot);

3. For the title "National Model Worker", the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Three reports of achievements of the individual confirmed by the unit proposing rewarding according to Model No. 9 attached to this Circular;

c) Document proposing recognition of innovation at the national level according to Model No. 3 attached to this Circular accompanied by a summary of the innovation at the national level of the individual according to Model No. 4 attached to this Circular or decision recognizing completion of scientific research topics. For grassroots-level innovations, clearly record the decision number, date, and year of recognizing the innovation in the achievement report;

d) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the unit having a voting rate of 90% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are taken by ballot);

4. For the title "Excellent Labor Collective" (applicable to collectives recognized by the Governor), the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Summary report of achievements of the collective proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 12 attached to this Circular. The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of meeting with secret ballot results of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the unit having a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the unit's Council (if Council members are absent, opinions are taken by ballot);

5. For the title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank", the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit or the Leader of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Summary report of achievements of the collective proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 12 attached to this Circular. The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of meeting of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward, secret ballot results with a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward (if members of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward are absent, opinions are taken by ballot). For credit institutions, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Training Block, the minutes of meeting of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the unit with a majority of 70% or more agreeing votes.

6. For the title "Flag of Excellence of the Government", the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit or the Leader of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward accompanied by a list of collectives proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Three reports of achievements of the collective confirmed by the unit according to Model No. 10 attached to this Circular;

c) Minutes of meeting of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward and secret ballot results with a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward (if members of the Group or Block of Mobilization and Reward are absent, opinions are taken by ballot). For credit institutions and Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, Training Block, the minutes of meeting of the Mobilization and Reward Council of the unit with a majority of 70% or more agreeing votes.

7. For the title "Heroic Laborer", the documents include:

a) A proposal report from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Four reports on achievements of the cases proposed for commendation, confirmed by the unit proposing commendation according to Model No. 14 (for individuals) and Model No. 15 (for groups) attached to this Circular;

c) Minutes of meetings with the results of secret ballots of the Unit's Competition - Commendation Council having a voting rate of 90% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained through a ballot);

Article 27. Documents for Proposing Commendation Forms

1. "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" for individuals, the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) A summary report on the achievements of the individual proposed for commendation according to Model No. 11 attached to this Circular; achievement report retained at the unit. For two grassroots-level initiatives, clearly state the decision number, date, and year of recognition in the achievement report and summary of achievements;

c) Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Competition and Commendation Council.

2. "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" for groups, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Summary report of achievements of the collective proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 12 attached to this Circular. The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Competition and Commendation Council.

3. "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister" for individuals, the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Three reports on the achievements of the individual proposed for commendation according to Model No. 9 attached to this Circular. For five grassroots-level initiatives, clearly state the decision number, date, and year of recognition in the achievement report;

c) Minutes of meetings with the results of secret ballots of the Unit's Competition - Commendation Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained through a ballot);

4. "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister" for groups, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Three reports on the achievements of the group proposed for commendation according to Model No. 10 attached to this Circular;

c) Minutes of meetings with the results of secret ballots of the Unit's Competition - Commendation Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained through a ballot);

5. Orders of various types and ranks for individuals, the documents include:

a) Proposal for rewarding of the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for rewarding according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Four reports on the achievements of the individual proposed for commendation according to Model No. 9 attached to this Circular, clearly stating the decision number, date, and year of recognition for any initiative (if applicable). The achievement report must clearly state outstanding achievements with a wide-ranging exemplary influence throughout the industry and nationwide;

c) A document proposing recognition of industry-level or nationwide initiatives according to Model No. 3 attached to this Circular, accompanied by a summary report on industry-level or nationwide initiatives according to Model No. 4 attached to this Circular of the individual proposed for commendation (four industry-level initiatives for the proposal of "Labor Medal First Class", three industry-level initiatives for "Labor Medal Second Class", two industry-level initiatives for "Labor Medal Third Class");

d) Minutes of meetings with the results of secret ballots of the Unit's Competition - Commendation Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained through a ballot);

6. Orders of various types and ranks for groups, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Four reports on the achievements of the group proposed for commendation according to Model No. 10 attached to this Circular;

c) Minutes of meetings with the results of secret ballots of the Unit's Competition - Commendation Council must have a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a member of the Council is absent, their opinion is obtained through a ballot);

7. Medals, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Cross-reference list of cases proposed for commendation with confirmation from the Head of the unit (signed and stamped).

8. Immediate commendation, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) A summary report on achievements according to Model No. 16 attached to this Circular. In the case of proposing "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", the summary report on achievements is three copies; for Orders, the summary report on achievements is four copies;

9. Commendation by topic or period, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council;

c) Reports on the achievements of individuals and groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 17 attached to this Circular. In the case of proposing "Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister", the achievement report is three copies; for Orders, the achievement report is four copies;

10. Commendation for a long-term contribution, the documents include:

a) For retired officials or those who have passed away.

- A proposal report from the head of the unit (for officials who are leaders of the State Bank, submitted by the Department of Organization and Cadres) accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

- Four reports on the achievements of the individual, confirmed by the head of the unit proposing commendation. In the case of deceased officials who meet the criteria for commendation, the unit proposing commendation should proactively coordinate with the Department of Organization and Cadres to prepare the achievement report according to Model No. 13 attached to this Circular;

b) For officials about to retire;

- A proposal report from the head of the unit (for officials who are leaders of the State Bank, submitted by the State Bank Office) proposing commendation accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

- Four reports on the achievements of the individual, confirmed by the head of the unit proposing commendation according to Model No. 13 attached to this Circular;

- Minutes of meetings of the Unit's Competition - Commendation Council (except in cases of commendation for the State Bank Leadership Board);

11. Commendation outside the industry, the documents include:

a) A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit directly related to the individual or group accompanied by a list of individuals and groups proposed for commendation according to Model No. 2 attached to this Circular;

b) A report on contributions of the individual or group to the banking industry according to Model No. 18 attached to this Circular;

12. Commemorative medals, the documents include:

a) For officials within the banking industry

- A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for the awarding of commemorative medals according to Model No. 19 attached to this Circular;

- The personal work history declaration form according to Form No. 20 attached to this Circular shall be checked and confirmed by the Head of the unit. For individuals working at the Departments, Bureaus, and units at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam, confirmation shall be provided by the Department of Organization and Cadres. For the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Southern Housing Development Bank, the Vietnam Social Policy Bank, the Vietnam Credit Cooperative Bank, and the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, there is no need to submit the personal work history declaration form to the State Bank of Vietnam; the relevant units shall be responsible for keeping and storing it.

- The unit's consolidated declaration form according to Form No. 21 attached to this Circular.

b) For cadres outside the banking sector

- A proposal report for commendation from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for the awarding of commemorative medals according to Model No. 19 attached to this Circular;

- A summary of achievements and contributions to the development of the Vietnamese banking industry according to Form No. 22 attached to this Circular.

Article 28. Time for Receiving Applications

1. Annual Commendations

a) For commendation titles and reward forms within the authority of the Governor:

- Units under the State Bank of Vietnam; Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam: applications must be received before February 28 each year;

- Credit organizations and foreign bank branches: applications must be received before March 15 each year;

- Training sector: applications must be received before August 15 each year.

b) For "National Vanguard Fighter" and "Flag of Government Commendation": applications must be received before March 15 each year. For the "Flag of Government Commendation" in the training sector, applications must be received before August 15 each year.

c) For the title of "Heroic Laborer": review every five years during the National Patriotic Exemplary Movement Congresses at all levels, except in cases of outstanding and exceptional achievements.

d) For Orders, Medals, and "Prime Minister's Award":

- Units under the State Bank of Vietnam; credit organizations; foreign bank branches; Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam: applications must be received before March 15 each year;

- Training sector: applications must be received before August 15 each year.

đ) For the titles "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Prize", and "State Prize": follow the regulations of the competent state agencies;

e) For commendation titles and reward forms within the authority of the Heads of units: the Heads of units shall decide.

2. Commendations for Outstanding Achievements: applications must be received immediately after a collective or individual achieves an outstanding achievement.

3. Special rewards: applications must be received immediately after the completion of the program or special activity.

4. For Commemorative Medals: applications must be received before March 15 each year.

5. For rewards for long-term dedication: applications must be received before April 10 each year.

6. For proposals to recognize sector-level and nationwide innovations: applications must be received according to the time specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 29. Number of "Bank of Vietnam Flag of Commendation"

1. For Departments, Bureaus, units at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam, enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, and Representative Offices: annually, the Governor will award the "Bank of Vietnam Flag of Commendation" to leading units in each competition group. The determination of units in each competition group shall be carried out according to the Governor's decision. For units under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, the Governor will annually award the Flag of Commendation to the leading unit in the competition activities of the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency.

2. For State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities: annually, the Governor will award the Flag of Commendation to outstanding units in each competition cluster. The determination of units in each competition cluster shall be carried out according to the Governor's decision.

3. For credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, and other units in the banking sector: annually, based on the results and scale of each unit, the State Bank of Vietnam will announce and distribute the number of Flags of Commendation to each unit.

4. For the Training Group: annually, the Governor awards the Flag of Competition to outstanding units in the competition activities.

5. For People's Credit Funds: annually, based on the results of each People's Credit Fund, the State Bank of Vietnam branch in the province or city will propose to the Governor (through the Department of Competition and Rewards) to award the Flag of Commendation to outstanding units in the competition activities in their respective areas.

Chapter VI

FUND FOR COMPETITION, RECOGNITION AND RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS AWARDED COMPETITION TITLES AND RECOGNITION FORMATS

 OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS AWARDED REWARDS

Section 1

 COMPETITION FUNDS, REWARD FUNDS

Article 30. The Encouragement and Reward Fund

The sources, allocation levels, and management of the Encouragement and Reward Fund shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 67 and 69 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP and related guiding documents.

Article 31. Utilization of the Encouragement and Reward Fund

1. The utilization of the Encouragement and Reward Fund shall be carried out in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 68 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP and related guiding documents.

2. The Department of Finance and Accounting shall be responsible for coordinating with the Department of Encouragement and Reward in guiding the utilization of the Encouragement and Reward Fund, disbursing rewards as prescribed, and compiling financial data to be submitted to the Department of Encouragement and Reward before June 30 and December 31 each year.

Article 32. Principles for Award Distribution

1. Principles for award disbursement: Implemented in accordance with Clause 2 of Article 68 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP.

2. Responsibility for award payments

a) Individuals and groups awarded by the Prime Minister or the President:

- For individuals and groups under the State Bank (excluding public service units), the State Bank shall disburse the reward money;

- For individuals and groups under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, enterprises, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank, the unit where the individual or group receiving the award belongs shall be responsible for disbursing the reward money.

b) Individuals and groups awarded by the Governor:

- For individuals and groups under the State Bank (excluding public service units) and individuals and groups outside the banking sector, the reward money shall be drawn from the State Bank's reward fund;

- For individuals and groups under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, enterprises, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank, the reward money shall be drawn from the unit's reward fund.

c) Individuals and groups awarded by the Governor of the State Bank branch in provinces and cities, the reward money shall be drawn from the State Bank branch's reward fund (except for individuals and groups under credit organizations).

d) For individuals and groups under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, enterprises, and permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank, if they are awarded by the head of the unit, the reward money shall be drawn from the unit's reward fund.

3. The method of calculation and specific amounts of rewards accompanying commendation titles and reward forms shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 70 to 76 of Decree No. 42/2010/ND-CP and related guiding documents.

Section 2

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS; COMPLAINTS,

REPORTING AND INSPECTION OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND REWARD ACTIVITIES

Article 33. Rights and obligations of groups and individuals in encouragement and reward activities

1. Rights of groups and individuals in encouragement and reward activities

a) Participate in encouragement campaigns initiated by the State, the State Bank, agencies, organizations, and units;

b) Have the right to provide feedback or propose competent authorities to consider granting commendation titles and reward forms to individuals and groups meeting the required achievements and standards as stipulated by law, and vice versa;

c) Annually, individuals who have been rewarded will be considered for early salary increase, priority for study, research, and professional skill enhancement training, and domestic and international tours; planning, appointment, and reappointment to positions.

2. Obligations of groups and individuals in encouragement and reward activities

a) Strictly comply with the laws and regulations of the State, the State Bank of Vietnam, agencies, organizations, and units regarding competition and awards work;

b) Not to provide feedback that is insulting to the dignity and personality of individuals and groups who have been awarded or are proposed for commendation titles and reward forms;

c) Refuse to accept titles or forms of recognition that are not commensurate with achievements and do not meet the prescribed standards and procedures set forth by law;

d) Have the responsibility to identify individuals with outstanding achievements, exemplary models, and typical examples to promptly propose rewards or report and denounce groups and individuals engaging in fraudulent behavior or violations of laws on encouragement and reward activities.

Article 34. Complaints, accusations and resolution of complaints and accusations

1. Complaints, accusations and resolution of complaints and accusations regarding the work of competition and rewards shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Articles 82 and 83 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP.

2. The Department of Competition and Rewards shall be responsible for coordinating with the Inspection Agency, banking supervision agency, the Department of Organization and Cadres, and related units to implement the resolution of complaints and accusations regarding the work of competition and rewards within the banking industry in accordance with the legal regulations on complaint and accusation resolution procedures.

Article 35. Inspection of Competition and Reward Work

1. The Department of Competition and Rewards shall be responsible for inspecting the competition and reward work of all units within the entire Industry.

2. Heads of units shall be responsible for inspecting the competition and reward work within the scope of their own managed units.

Chapter VII

COMPETITION AND REWARD COUNCIL AND

COUNCILS OF INNOVATION AT ALL LEVELS

Article 36. Competition and Reward Councils at various levels in the banking industry

1. The State Bank of Vietnam shall establish a Competition and Award Council for the Banking Sector and an Innovation Council for the Banking Sector.

2. Units shall establish Competition and Award Councils and Innovation Councils for their respective units.

Article 37. Composition of the Competition and Reward Council of the Banking Industry

1. Chairman: Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam;

2. First Vice-Chairman: Deputy Governor in charge of competition and reward work in the banking industry;

3. Permanent Vice-Chairman: Head of the Department of Competition and Rewards;

4. Members: Head of the Department of Organization and Cadres; Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Bank; Permanent Vice-Chairman of the Vietnam Bank Employees' Union; Director of the Office of the State Bank of Vietnam; Chief Inspector of Banking Supervision; Head of the Internal Audit Department; Head of the Monetary Policy Department; Head of the Finance and Accounting Department; Deputy Head of the Department of Competition and Rewards;

5. Secretary: Head of the General Affairs Section, Department of Competition and Rewards.

Article 38. Composition of the Competition and Reward Councils of units under the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: Head of the unit;

2. Vice-Chairman: Deputy Head of the unit;

3. Members: Representatives of the party committee (branch committee), Chairman of the Trade Union, and other members who are key cadres of the unit, decided by the Head of the unit based on the principle that the total number of council members (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Members) does not exceed nine people. For the Inspection Agency, the total number of council members shall not exceed thirteen people;

4. Secretary: Staff member working in competition and award activities.

Article 39. Composition of the Competition and Reward Councils of credit organizations, foreign bank branches, and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation Male and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: Chairman of the Board of Directors or Chairman of the Board of Members. For foreign bank branches, it is the General Manager (Director);

2. Vice-Chairman: General Manager (Director). For foreign bank branches, it is the Deputy General Manager (Deputy Director);

3. Members: Representatives of the party committee (branch committee), Chairman of the Trade Union, and other members who are key cadres of the unit, decided by the Head of the unit. The total number of council members shall not exceed thirteen people;

4. Secretary: Deputy Head of the Department (section) of Competition and Rewards or staff engaged in competition and reward work.

Article 40. Composition of the Competition and Reward Council of the permanent agencies of associations managed by the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: General Secretary;

2. Vice-Chairman: Chairman of the Trade Union;

3. Other members decided by the Head of the unit. The total number of council members shall not exceed nine people;

4. Secretary: Director of the Office.

Article 41. Members of the Initiative Council of the Banking Industry

1. Chairman: Deputy Governor responsible for competition and reward work in the banking industry;

2. Vice Chairman: Head of the Department of Competition and Reward;

3. Members and Secretary are proposed by the Competition and Award Department and decided upon by the Governor.

Article 42. Members of the Initiative Council of Units

1. Chairman: Head of the unit;

2. Vice-Chairman: Deputy Head of the unit;

3. Members and Secretary shall be decided by the Unit Leader.

Article 43. Principles of Operation, Tasks, and Authorities of the Competition and Reward Council and the Initiative Council of Units

1. The principles of operation, tasks, and authorities of the Competition and Award Council and Innovation Council of the Banking Sector shall be carried out according to the Working Regulations prescribed by the Governor.

2. The specific principles of operation, tasks, and authorities of the Competition and Reward Council and the Initiative Council of Units shall be decided by the Unit Leader.

Chapter VIII

MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND AWARD FILES

AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECOGNITION RESULTS

Article 44. Management of Files at the State Bank of Vietnam

1. The Department of Competition and Reward shall be responsible for monitoring the list of outstanding models at the sector level; files of commendation titles and reward forms within the authority of the Governor and above; documents related to the competition and reward work of the banking industry.

2. Annually, the Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for processing the procedures to send the files and documents to the State Bank of Vietnam's Office for storage in accordance with regulations.

Article 45. Management of Files at Units

1. Organize the management and storage of all files related to the work of motivation and awards in accordance with regulations.

2. For reward files, proposals for commendation titles and reward forms of individuals and units must be stored according to regulations.

3. Lists of individuals and units registering for commendation titles annually, units organize storage according to regulations, only sending the consolidated list of registration for commendation titles to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Competition and Reward) as prescribed.

Article 46. Announcement of Reward Results

Annually, the Department of Competition and Reward shall be responsible for compiling the results of rewards for collectives and individuals to inform the units.

Chapter IX

RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Article 47. Organization and Staff for Competition and Reward Work

1. The Department of Competition and Reward has the function of advising the Governor to implement state management functions regarding competition and reward work in the banking industry.

2. Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade, Southern Housing Development Bank, Vietnam Microfinance Bank, National Financial Switching Corporation, Asset Management Corporation of Credit Institutions of Vietnam shall allocate dedicated staff to handle competition and reward work.

3. For State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities, one staff member shall be allocated to concurrently handle competition and reward work.

4. For the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, a General Affairs and Competition and Reward Department shall be established. Each Department, Bureau, and unit under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency shall allocate one staff member to concurrently handle competition and reward work.

5. Each Department, Bureau, and public service unit under the State Bank of Vietnam shall allocate one staff member to concurrently handle competition and reward work.

6. Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Southern Housing Development Bank, Vietnam Social Policy Bank shall establish a department (or office) under their organization to advise the unit leader on managing competition and reward work.

7. Other units shall allocate staff based on workload to ensure effective handling of competition and reward work.

Article 48. Report on Competition and Recognition Work

1. At the end of each year's activities, units shall conduct summaries and evaluations of competition and reward work and submit written reports to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Competition and Reward) before January 15th of the following year. For the Banking Academy and Ho Chi Minh City University of Finance, reports should be submitted before August 15th annually.

2. When launching competitions and after each competition period, units shall be responsible for submitting reports to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Competition and Reward) for tracking and as a basis for award consideration.

3. People's Credit Cooperatives and microfinance organizations shall submit reports on launching competitions and summarizing competition and reward work to the State Bank of Vietnam branch in their province or city for tracking and consolidation to report to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Competition and Reward).

Article 49. Responsibilities of Units

1. The Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for:

a) Taking the lead and coordinating with units in the banking industry to implement this Circular;

b) Annually, proposing the Governor to decide:

- Maximum non-performing loan ratio for considering rewards for credit institutions, branches of credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers and Operators of credit institutions, and General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches;

- Specific number of Excellence Flags for each credit institution.

c) Coordinate with the Institute of Banking Strategy and relevant units to advise the Governor on guiding procedures, formalities for examination, recognition, and evaluation of the effectiveness and scope of impact of initiatives.

2. The Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency shall be responsible for providing information for reward examination work according to Model No. 23 attached to this Circular for credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers and Operators of credit institutions, and General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches requesting rewards within the authority of the Governor and national-level rewards.

3. State Bank of Vietnam branches in provinces and cities shall be responsible for providing information for reward examination work according to Model No. 23 attached to this Circular for collective branches of credit institutions and individuals who are General Directors and Deputy General Directors of branches of credit institutions requesting rewards within the authority of the Governor and national-level rewards.

4. The Internal Audit Department and some relevant Departments and Bureaus under the State Bank of Vietnam shall be responsible for providing information for reward examination work for collectives and individuals under the State Bank of Vietnam, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, Training Sector, headquarters of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam.

5. Leaders of units specified in point a Clause 2, Clause 4, and Clause 5 Article 3 of this Circular shall be responsible for detailing regulations on competition and reward work suitable to the scale and nature of their unit's operations.

Article 50. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from February 23, 2015, replacing Circular No. 36/2011/TT-NHNN dated December 12, 2011, of the State Bank of Vietnam guiding competition and reward work in the banking industry.

Article 51. Implementation

The Head of the Office; the Heads of units under the State Bank; the Chairpersons of the Management Boards, the Chairpersons of the Member Councils and the General Directors (Directors) of credit organizations, foreign bank branches, the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and enterprises managed by the State Bank; the Secretaries-General of associations managed by the State Bank are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular./.