Decree 175/2026/NĐ-CP Regulating the Organization and Operation of Microfinance Programs and Projects by Political-Social Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations

 

 

DECREE

Regulating the organization and operation of microfinance programs and projects by political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations

BASED ON Civil Code No. 91/2015/QH13 amended and supplemented by Law No. 142/2025/QH15;

 

BASED ON Government Organization Law No. 63/2025/QH15;

BASED ON Credit Institutions Law No. 32/2024/QH15 amended and supplemented by Laws Nos. 43/2024/QH15, 96/2025/QH15;

IN ACCORDANCE WITH the proposal of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam;

The Government promulgates this Decree to regulate the organization and operation of microfinance programs and projects by political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations.

CHAPTER I

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Scope of Application

This Decree regulates the organization and operation of microfinance programs and projects of political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations that were operating prior to July 1, 2024, based on a registration certificate for microfinance programs and projects issued in accordance with Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg dated June 12, 2017 by the Prime Minister, which regulates the operation of microfinance programs and projects of political organizations, political-social organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Political-social organizations, non-governmental organizations.

2. Ministries, agencies at ministerial level, provincial people's committees, municipal people's committees directly under the central government (hereinafter referred to as provincial people's committees), and individuals or entities related to microfinance programs and projects of political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Article 3. Interpretation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms are interpreted as follows:

1. Microfinance activities include lending in Vietnamese currency to microfinance customers, accepting deposits from microfinance customers under the form of mandatory deposits.

2. Microfinance customers include the following entities:

a) Poor households, near-poor households, households with average living standards, individuals belonging to poor households, individuals belonging to near-poor households, individuals belonging to households with average living standards, low-income workers as defined by the Government's multidimensional poverty line or the provincial people's committee's income level for these entities based on relevant legal provisions;

b) Micro-enterprises as defined by law.

3. Microfinance programs and projects are programs and projects of political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations implemented within a specific time frame in a particular administrative region to the commune unit at provincial level with the primary purpose of microfinance activities aimed at meeting the needs of microfinance customers, contributing to job creation, poverty alleviation, and poverty reduction efforts. The operations of microfinance programs and projects are not banking activities.

4. Non-governmental organizations include domestic non-governmental organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations. Domestic non-governmental organizations are associations, social funds, charitable funds, and other types of social organizations established by individuals or entities operating regularly with the aim of supporting development without profit-making purposes, in accordance with the Articles of Association and legal provisions of Vietnam. Foreign non-governmental organizations are non-governmental organizations licensed to operate in Vietnam as per legal provisions.

5. Mandatory deposits refer to the amount that microfinance customers must deposit according to the regulations of the microfinance program or project. Mandatory deposits can only be implemented for microfinance customers who have a loan with the microfinance program or project. The period for receiving mandatory deposits shall not exceed the remaining term of the loan. Microfinance programs and projects are responsible for specifying and publicly disclosing the level of mandatory deposits and interest rates applicable to mandatory deposits.

6. Microfinance capital is the funds allocated, provided, and transferred to implement microfinance programs and projects.

7. Manager and operator of microfinance programs and projects refers to the Head of the Management Board or Director responsible for managing and operating the activities of microfinance programs and projects in accordance with this Decree.

8. Registration certificate is a registration certificate for microfinance programs and projects issued to political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations in accordance with Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg dated June 12, 2017 by the Prime Minister, which regulates the operation of microfinance programs and projects of political organizations, political-social organizations, and non-governmental organizations (hereinafter referred to as Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg). Any amendment or supplement to the registration certificate is an integral part of the registration certificate.

8. The registration certificate is the Registration Certificate for Microfinance Program/Project issued to a political-social organization or non-governmental organization in accordance with the Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg dated June 12, 2017 of the Prime Minister on the Operation of Microfinance Programs/Projects by Political Organizations, Political-Social Organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations (hereinafter referred to as Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg). Any amendment or supplement to the registration certificate is an integral part thereof.

Article 4. Authority to Amend, Supplement, Terminate Implementation and Revoke Registration Certificate

1. The State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank) is the authority with the power to amend, supplement, terminate implementation, and revoke registration certificates for:

a) Microfinance programs or projects with an operational area within the jurisdiction of two or more branches of the State Bank in a Region;

b) Microfinance programs or projects directly implemented by foreign non-governmental organizations.

2. The branch of the State Bank in each Region (hereinafter referred to as Regional State Bank) is the authority with the power to amend, supplement, terminate implementation, and revoke registration certificates for microfinance programs or projects within its jurisdiction, except those specified in paragraph 1 of this Article.

Chapter II
SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Section 1
STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS FOR MANAGERS,
OPERATIONAL CONTROL; ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF MICROFINANCE PROGRAMS,
PROJECTS

Article 5. Standards and Conditions for Managers, Operators of Microfinance Programs or Projects

1. Possess a bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields: economics, banking, finance, accounting, business administration; or have at least two years of direct experience working in the banking or microfinance sector.

2. Not be subject to prohibition from holding office, establishing, managing enterprises, cooperatives as stipulated by law.

Article 6. Organizational Structure of Microfinance Programs or Projects

1. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must ensure that microfinance programs or projects have a management department in the area where the program or project is implemented. The organizational structure, functions, and duties of the management department shall be specified in writing.

2. Microfinance programs or projects must have a management department with a minimum organizational structure as follows:

a) Management Board for the microfinance program or project. The Management Board has the function and duty to manage and operate the activities of the microfinance program or project. The Head of the Management Board or Director of the microfinance program or project shall be responsible for the operations of the microfinance program or project in the area; is responsible for assigning tasks to members of the Management Board in managing and operating the microfinance program or project;

b) Loan Department for the microfinance program or project. The Loan Department has the function to carry out loan activities, including: Head of the Loan Department or equivalent position and at least one staff member. The number of staff members in the Loan Department shall be commensurate with the number of microfinance customers and the scale of microfinance operations;

c) Financial Accounting Department for the microfinance program or project. The Financial Accounting Department must have a cashier and be equipped with a safe, cabinet, or other means to manage money, documents, vouchers, and invoices securely;

d) Risk Control, Management Department for the microfinance program or project. The Risk Control, Management Department has the function to inspect, control, and manage risks in all activities of the microfinance program or project, including: Head of the Risk Control, Management Department or equivalent position and at least one staff member. The number of staff members in the Risk Control, Management Department shall be commensurate with the number of microfinance customers and the scale of microfinance operations. The Head of the Risk Control, Management Department must be a specialist and not hold any other position.

3. The Head or equivalent position specified at paragraph 2 point b, c, d of this Article shall have at least a bachelor's degree in one of the following fields: economics, banking, finance, accounting, business administration or have at least one year of experience in banking activities or microfinance operations.

Part 2
PERIOD OF OPERATIONS, SERVICE AREA,
CONTENT OF OPERATIONS, INTERNAL REGULATIONS

Article 7. Period of Operations and Service Area

1. The period of operations for microfinance programs and projects shall be specifically determined in the Registration Certificate. The period of operations for microfinance programs and projects shall not exceed the remaining period of operation of the political-social organization or non-governmental organization. Microfinance programs and projects may be considered for extension of their operational period.

2. The service area for microfinance programs and projects shall be specifically defined to the commune administrative unit in the Registration Certificate. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations may only implement microfinance programs and projects within their respective service areas, excluding areas that affect national defense and security.

Article 8. Content of Operations

1. The lending activities of microfinance programs and projects shall be conducted as follows:

a) Lending to microfinance customers according to the principles: Self-reliance in lending operations and responsibility for loan decisions; ensuring safety in accordance with legal provisions; entering into written agreements with microfinance customers, which must include at least the following contents: Rights and responsibilities of the lender and borrower; purpose of using borrowed funds; term of lending; amount of lending; repayment period for principal and interest on loans; lending interest rate and measures to secure loan payments; the lending interest rate should be in line with legal provisions, specific conditions of the microfinance program/project, financial operations plans, covering all operational costs, growth, and not for profit-making purposes; lending to households shall be conducted through the head of the household. The head of the household is a member of the household and must be authorized by the members of the household in writing according to legal provisions; Microfinance programs/projects of political-social organizations may only lend to microfinance customers who are members of the political-social organization;

b) Loan conditions: Microfinance customers shall be individuals or heads of households with civil legal capacity, civil conduct capacity as stipulated by civil law. Microfinance customers shall be small enterprises operating legally; lending to microfinance customers may be secured by mandatory deposits, guarantees from groups of microfinance customers; the purpose of using borrowed funds must be lawful;

c) The maximum amount lent to a single microfinance customer shall not exceed 50 million Vietnamese dong.

2. Borrowing from financial institutions, foreign branch banks, and foreign borrowing in accordance with legal provisions.

3. Other activities of microfinance programs and projects include:

a) Accepting mandatory deposits;

b) Receiving entrusted lending from organizations or individuals to lend to microfinance customers without profit-making purposes. The agreement for receiving entrusted lending must include at least the following contents: Name, address, legal status, legal representative of the entrusting party (if any), and the receiving party; purpose of entrustment; content of entrustment; rights and obligations of the entrusting party and the receiving party, which must clearly stipulate that the entrusting party bears all risks and enjoys all benefits from entrusted activities, while the receiving party is entitled to receive a commission for the entrusted activity; amount of entrusted funds; term of entrustment; entrustment fees; beneficiaries; other contents as agreed by both parties in accordance with legal provisions;

c) Receiving grants, non-refundable and refundable aid from domestic and foreign governments, organizations, or individuals. The receipt and use of aid from governmental, organizational, or individual entities shall be carried out in accordance with the laws of Vietnam;

d) Other activities permitted to be conducted in accordance with relevant legal provisions.

Article 9. Internal Regulations

1. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations implementing microfinance programs and projects shall issue at least the following internal regulations:

a) Regulations on the organization and operation of the program/project management board: Specifically stipulating the functions, duties, and powers of the Program/Project Management Board Chair or equivalent position, as well as each member of the management board; specifying the duties and powers of the Director in managing and operating the microfinance program/project, including delegation and authorization;

b) Regulations on the organization and operation of the loan department of the program/project: Specifically stipulating the duties and powers of the Loan Department Head or equivalent position, members, as well as delegation and authorization for reviewing and approving loans, ensuring repayment funds, monitoring the use of borrowed funds, classifying debts and recovering debts, storing, preserving records, documents, and related loan documentation; internal regulations on microfinance customers;

c) Regulations on managing mandatory deposits, borrowed capital, and entrusted lending of the program/project: Specifically stipulating the scope, targets, authorities, and responsibilities of each level in managing mandatory deposits, borrowed capital, and entrusted lending for the program/project;

d) Regulations on the organization and operation of the risk control and management department of the program/project: Specifically stipulating the duties and powers of the Risk Control Department Head or equivalent position, members in conducting inspections, controls, risk management, supervision, delegation, and authorization related to the business operations of the microfinance program/project;

d) Regulations on the organization and operation of the financial accounting department: Specifically stipulating the duties and powers of the Financial Accounting Department Head or equivalent position, members, as well as delegation and authorization in financial accounting work, storing, preserving records, documents, and related financial documentation. In cases where only a person responsible for financial accounting is present, specific duties and powers of the person responsible for financial accounting within the program/project shall be stipulated.

2. Annually, internal regulations must be reviewed, amended, or supplemented (as necessary) to ensure effective management of the microfinance program/project.

3. Within thirty days from the date of issuance, amendment, or replacement of the internal regulations specified in paragraph 1 of this Article, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall submit the issued, amended, or supplemented internal regulations to the State Bank, the State Bank of the Region where the microfinance program/project is implemented.

Paragraph 3
CHANGES TO THE MICROFINANCE PROGRAM/PROJECT

Article 10. Change in Name and Location of the Microfinance Program/Project Office

1. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations decide to change the name or location of the microfinance program/project office in accordance with legal provisions. The decision to change the name or location of the microfinance program/project office must be made by a written document.

2. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations may only change the location of the microfinance program/project office within the operational area defined in the registration certificate.

3. Within seven working days from the date of the change, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall notify the State Bank and the Regional State Bank about the name or location change of the microfinance program/project office, attaching a copy of the decision by the organization regarding the name or location change. In cases where only an address change does not result in a change of the operational location of the microfinance program/project office, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall notify the State Bank and the Regional State Bank within seven working days from the date of the change.

Article 11. Change of Operational Territory for Microfinance Programs and Projects

1. When there is a change in administrative boundaries as decided by an authorized body that affects the operational territory of a microfinance program or project recorded on the registration certificate, within a maximum period of 20 days from the date when the decision on the change in administrative boundaries becomes effective, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must request the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as "the State Bank") and the Regional State Bank to amend or supplement the registration certificate concerning the operational territory. The proposed amended or supplemented operational territory must comply with the provisions set forth in Clause 2 of Article 7 of this Decree. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations may only request a change in the operational territory of microfinance programs and projects when there is a change in administrative boundaries and such changes can only be implemented after the State Bank and the Regional State Bank have amended or supplemented the registration certificate.

2. The State Bank and the Regional State Bank shall amend or supplement the registration certificate concerning the operational territory of microfinance programs and projects based on the opinions of the provincial People's Committee where the proposed change in operational territory is anticipated.

3. The application file includes:

a) A request letter according to Form No. 01 as specified in the annex attached to this Decree;

b) An operation plan for the new territory, which shall include at least the following contents: Explanation of reasons for changing the operational territory: Elaborate on the impact of the administrative boundary change decided by an authorized body on the current operational territory and the necessity to adjust the operational territory; Information about the proposed changed operational territory: Specifically state the administrative units down to the commune level in the new territory after the administrative boundaries have been changed; Evaluation of the suitability of the proposed changed operational territory with the provisions set forth in Clause 2 of Article 7 of this Decree; Number of customers affected (if any), measures to ensure the rights and obligations of customers during the change process; Organizational measures to ensure continuity and effectiveness of the microfinance program or project in the new territory; Commitment to comply with relevant laws and guidelines of the State Bank concerning operations in the new territory.

4. Procedure for amending or supplementing the registration certificate:

a) Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall prepare one set of application documents as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article and submit them directly or through postal services to the One-Stop Service Department of the State Bank or the Regional State Bank, or electronically via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting electronic documents via the National E-Government Portal, digital signatures as prescribed by law for performing administrative procedures on an electronic environment shall be used. The performance of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is conducted in accordance with the Government's regulations on implementing administrative procedures under a one-stop service and interdepartmental coordination mechanism at the One-Stop Service Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case the National E-Government Portal system encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the initiation, submission, receipt, issuance, exchange, feedback of information shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the State Bank or the Regional State Bank;

b) Within a period of 10 days from the date of receiving the application documents as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article, the State Bank and the Regional State Bank shall issue a written response (including electronic forms), confirming receipt of a complete set of valid documents or notifying that the submitted documents are incomplete or invalid and requesting the political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations to supplement and finalize the application. The political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must complete the supplementation and finalization within a maximum period of 10 days from the date when the State Bank or Regional State Bank issues a request for supplementation and completion. Beyond the aforementioned time limit, the political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall resubmit the application documents as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article to be reviewed and approved by the State Bank or Regional State Bank;

c) In case the amendment or supplement request for the registration certificate falls within the authority of the State Bank as provided in Clause 1, Paragraph 4 of this Decree, after receiving a complete set of valid documents according to Clause 3 of this Article, the State Bank shall issue a written request for opinions from relevant provincial People's Committees regarding the change in operational territory of microfinance programs and projects within 5 days. In case the amendment or supplement request falls within the authority of the Regional State Bank as provided in Clause 2, Paragraph 4 of this Decree, after receiving a complete set of valid documents according to Clause 3 of this Article, the Regional State Bank shall report and seek opinions from relevant provincial People's Committees regarding the change in operational territory of microfinance programs and projects within 5 days;

d) Within 15 days from the date of receipt of the written response from the State Bank or Regional State Bank, the provincial People's Committee must provide a written opinion to the State Bank or Regional State Bank on whether to approve or disapprove the request for changing the operational territory. In case of disapproval, the provincial People's Committee shall specify reasons and provide specific, accurate information about the permitted operational territory of microfinance programs and projects, ensuring that the operational territory reflects the actual changes in administrative boundaries and the scope of approved operational territory does not exceed the current operational territory as specified in the registration certificate before the change in administrative boundaries.

d) Within ten days from the date of receipt of the opinion of the People's Committee of the province as provided in point d of clause 4 of this Article, the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office shall issue (including electronic documents) a revised and supplemented registration certificate for the operational area content of the microfinance program or project according to Form No. 03 attached hereto to send to political-social organizations, non-governmental organizations. The operational area content reflected in this revised and supplementary document must accurately reflect the area approved by the People's Committee of the province for the organization’s request or the area updated by the People's Committee of the province according to administrative boundary changes where the approval is not granted for a change in the operational area. In case the People's Committee of the province does not approve the request to change the operational area, the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office shall issue (including electronic documents) to political-social organizations, non-governmental organizations specifying the reasons.

Article 12. Amendment of Microfinance Implementation Capital Level

1. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations may only amend the microfinance implementation capital level of the program or project after the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office has revised and supplemented the registration certificate for the content of the microfinance implementation capital level based on the approval opinion of the People's Committee of the province where the microfinance program or project is being implemented.

2. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations shall not use entrusted funds, borrowed funds in any form to amend the microfinance implementation capital level and must commit and bear responsibility for the legality of the contributed capital source.

3. The application file includes:

a) An application form according to Form No. 01 attached hereto, specifying the specific capital change at each operational area;

b) A statement explaining the origin of the microfinance implementation funds.

4. Procedure for revising and supplementing the registration certificate:

a) Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations shall prepare one set of application documents in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article, sending them directly or through postal services to the One-Stop Service Department of the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office, or submitting them online via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting application documents online via the National E-Government Portal, electronic documents shall be signed digitally in accordance with the law on implementing administrative procedures in an electronic environment. The implementation of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is carried out in accordance with the Government’s regulations on implementing one-stop and interconnected administrative procedures at the One-Stop Service Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case the National E-Government Portal system encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the application, submission, receipt, result issuance, exchange, and feedback shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office;

b) Within ten days from the date of receiving the application documents as provided in paragraph 3 of this Article, the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office shall issue (including electronic documents) a confirmation to political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations that all valid application documents have been received; or notify that the application documents are incomplete or invalid and request additional completion and improvement of the application documents. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations must complete and improve the application documents within ten days from the date the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office requests such improvements. If the deadline is exceeded, political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations shall resubmit the application documents as provided in paragraph 3 of this Article for consideration by the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office;

c) In case the request to revise or supplement the registration certificate falls within the authority of the State Bank as provided in clause 1 of Article 4 of this Decree, within five days from the date all valid application documents are received as provided in paragraph 3 of this Article, the State Bank shall issue a letter seeking opinions from relevant People's Committees on changing the microfinance implementation capital level for the program or project in their respective areas. In case the request to revise or supplement the registration certificate falls within the authority of the Regional Office of the State Bank as provided in clause 2 of Article 4 of this Decree, within five days from the date all valid application documents are received as provided in paragraph 3 of this Article, the Regional Office of the State Bank shall report and seek opinions from the People's Committee on changing the microfinance implementation capital level for the program or project in their respective areas. Within ten days from the receipt of the letter from the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office, the People's Committee must provide written comments to the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office, specifying whether they approve or do not approve the request and providing reasons;

d) Within ten days from the date of receiving the opinion of the People's Committee as provided in point c of clause 4 of this Article, the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office shall issue (including electronic documents) a revised and supplemented registration certificate for the microfinance implementation capital content according to Form No. 03 attached hereto to send to political-social organizations, non-governmental organizations. In case the People's Committee does not approve the request to change the microfinance implementation capital level, the State Bank, the State Bank Regional Office shall issue (including electronic documents) to political-social organizations, non-governmental organizations specifying the reasons.

Article 13. Change of Manager or Administrator for Microfinance Programs and Projects

1. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations may change the manager or administrator of microfinance programs and projects after the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank modifies and supplements the registration certificate with respect to the content of the manager or administrator.

2. The proposed new manager or administrator of a microfinance program or project must meet the standards and conditions specified in Article 5 of this Decree.

3. The application file includes:

4. Procedure for modifying and supplementing the registration certificate:

b) A brief resume of the proposed manager/administrator, in accordance with Form No. 02 specified in the Annex attached to this Decree;

c) Documentation demonstrating that the proposed manager/administrator meets the criteria and conditions as stipulated in Article 5 of this Decree.

4. Procedure for Amending or Supplementing the Registration Certificate:

a) A political-social organization or non-governmental organization shall prepare one set of documents in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article, to be submitted directly or through postal services to the Single Window Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam, or electronically via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting documents electronically via the National E-Government Portal, electronic documents shall be signed using an electronic signature in accordance with the law on implementing administrative procedures in an electronic environment. The implementation of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations on implementing one-stop-shop and inter-connected services at the Single Window Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case the National E-Government Portal system encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the submission, receipt, issuance of results, exchange, and feedback of information shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the Single Window Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam;

b) Within ten days from the date of receiving the documents in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article, the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam shall issue a written communication (including electronic form) to the political-social organization or non-governmental organization confirming receipt of all valid documents or notifying that the submitted documents are incomplete and do not meet the requirements and requesting the political-social organization or non-governmental organization to supplement and complete the documents. The political-social organization or non-governmental organization shall supplement and complete the documents within a maximum period of ten days from the date the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam requests such supplementation and completion. If the deadline is exceeded, the political-social organization or non-governmental organization must resubmit the documents in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article for consideration and approval by the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam;

c) Within twenty days from the date of receiving all valid documents in accordance with paragraph 3 of this article, the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam shall issue a written communication (including electronic form) amending or supplementing the registration certificate for the management and administration of microfinance programs/projects according to Form No. 03 specified in the Annex attached to this Decree to the political-social organization or non-governmental organization. In case of refusal, the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional Office of the State Bank of Vietnam shall issue a written communication (including electronic form) to the political-social organization or non-governmental organization specifying the reasons for rejection.

Article 14. Extension of Operation Period for Microfinance Program and Project

1. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations may extend the operation period of ongoing microfinance program and project after the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank modifies and supplements the registration certificate with respect to the operational period content. The People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank shall modify and supplement the registration certificate concerning the operational period of the microfinance program and project based on the approval opinion from the provincial people's committee where the microfinance program and project are being implemented. The request for extension must be submitted by the political-social organization or non-governmental organization at least six months before the expiration date stated in the registration certificate.

2. The period requested for extension shall not exceed the remaining operational period of the political-social organization or non-governmental organization.

3. The application documents include:

a) A request letter according to Form No. 01 specified in the annex attached hereto, specifying the specific operational period at each location;

b) A copy of the registration document for domestic non-governmental organizations; a copy of the operation registration or establishment registration document for foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Vietnam; and a copy of the approval document from the competent authority regarding the implementation of the microfinance program and project for political-social organizations;

c) A copy of the approval document from the competent provincial people's committee concerning the implementation of the program or project on its territory (if applicable);

d) An overview report on the organization and operation of the microfinance program and project, including: an evaluation and summary of activities over the three consecutive years prior to submitting the application, covering key performance indicators related to funding sources and usage; the impact of lending operations on economic and social development in the area where the microfinance program or project is implemented; a projected plan for the next three years or the period requested for extension if the requested extension period is less than three years.

4. Procedure for modifying and supplementing the registration certificate:

a) Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations shall prepare one set of application documents in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article, send them directly or through postal services to the One-Stop Service Department of the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank, or submit them online via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting documents electronically via the National E-Government Portal, electronic signatures as prescribed by law for performing administrative procedures in an electronic environment shall be used. The procedure for performing administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is conducted according to the Government’s regulations on performing administrative procedures under a one-stop service and inter-agency coordination mechanism at the One-Stop Service Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case of system failure or error preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the submission, receipt, issuance of results, exchange, and feedback of information shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank;

b) Within ten days from the date of receiving the application documents as specified in paragraph 3 of this Article, the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank shall issue a written confirmation (including electronic form) to the political-social organization or non-governmental organization acknowledging receipt of a complete set of valid application documents; or notify that the application is incomplete and require the political-social organization or non-governmental organization to supplement and finalize the application. The political-social organization or non-governmental organization shall complete the supplementation and finalization within ten days from the date when the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank requests such actions. If the time limit has expired, the political-social organization or non-governmental organization must resubmit the application documents as specified in paragraph 3 of this Article for consideration and approval by the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank;

c) In case the request to modify and supplement the registration certificate falls within the authority of the People's Bank of Vietnam as provided in paragraph 1 of Article 4 of this Decree, after five days from receiving a complete set of valid application documents as specified in paragraph 3 of this Article, the People’s Bank of Vietnam shall issue a written request for comments from relevant provincial people's committees regarding the extension of the operation period of the microfinance program and project on their territory. In case the request to modify and supplement the registration certificate falls within the authority of the Regional People's Bank as provided in paragraph 2 of Article 4 of this Decree, after five days from receiving a complete set of valid application documents as specified in paragraph 3 of this Article, the Regional People’s Bank shall report and seek comments from the provincial people's committee regarding the extension of the operation period of the microfinance program and project on their territory. Within ten days from receiving the written document from the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank, the provincial people's committee shall provide its participation opinion in writing to the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank concerning the proposed content, specifying whether it approves or does not approve the request for extension and providing reasons;

d) Within ten days from receiving the comments from the provincial people's committee as specified at point c of paragraph 4 of this Article, the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank shall issue a written confirmation (including electronic form) modifying and supplementing the registration certificate concerning the operational period content according to Form No. 03 in the annex attached hereto to the political-social organization or non-governmental organization. If the provincial people's committee does not approve the request for extension, the People’s Bank of Vietnam, Regional People’s Bank shall issue a written confirmation (including electronic form) to the political-social organization or non-governmental organization specifying the reasons.

Article 4
TERMINATION AND RECOVERY OF REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

Article 15. Cases for termination and recovery of registration certificate

Political-social organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) shall be required to terminate the implementation and recover their registration certificates in the following cases:

1. The application file for microfinance program or project contains fraudulent information to meet the conditions for issuance of a registration certificate.

2. The term limit for the implementation of the microfinance program or project as stipulated in the registration certificate has expired and no extension of operation period is granted; continuation of the microfinance program or project is not approved according to paragraph 8 of Article 23 of this Decree.

3. The microfinance program or project engages in serious violations of provisions of this Decree and relevant laws, causing disruption to public order and social safety within its jurisdiction.

4. Political-social organizations, NGOs fail to submit the application for amendment or supplementation of registration certificate as stipulated in paragraph 1 of Article 11; points a of clause 3, point a of clause 5, point a of clause 7 of Article 23 of this Decree.

5. Political-social organizations, NGOs fail to complete the adjustment of organizational structure for the microfinance program or project as stipulated in paragraph 6 of Article 23 of this Decree.

6. The microfinance program or project has no activities for a continuous period of 12 months after issuance of the registration certificate.

7. Political-social organizations, NGOs are not allowed to implement the microfinance program or project according to the directive from an authorized state agency.

8. Political-social organizations, NGOs voluntarily terminate the activities of the microfinance program or project.

9. Political-social organizations, NGOs cease their operations.

Article 16. Procedure for recovery of registration certificate

1. Upon discovering that a political-social organization, NGO's microfinance program or project falls under any of the cases specified in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 of Article 15 of this Decree or upon request from the provincial people's committee regarding a microfinance program or project falling under the case specified in paragraph 3 of Article 15 of this Decree, the State Bank, Regional State Bank shall issue a written request to the political-social organization, NGO to terminate the implementation and recover their registration certificate as stipulated in paragraph 2 of this article.

2. From the date of issuance of the written request by the State Bank or Regional State Bank according to paragraph 1 of this article, the political-social organization, NGO:

a) Shall not initiate any new activities specified in Article 8 of this Decree;

b) Within 60 days from the date of receipt of the written request as per paragraph 1 of this article, complete the plan for termination of the microfinance program or project, handle rights and obligations of all relevant parties according to law, submit such plan to the State Bank, Regional State Bank. The plan must ensure that the termination of the microfinance program or project is completed within a maximum period of two years from the date of receipt of the written request as per paragraph 1 of this article;

c) Ensure implementation in accordance with the plan and commitment to implement;

d) Within three working days after completing the termination activities as per point c above, submit a report to the State Bank, Regional State Bank along with the issued registration certificate.

3. Upon discovering that a political-social organization, NGO's microfinance program or project falls under the case specified in paragraph 6 of Article 15 of this Decree, the State Bank, Regional State Bank shall issue a written request to the political-social organization, NGO to return their issued registration certificate. Within three working days from receipt of the written request from the State Bank or Regional State Bank, the political-social organization, NGO must return the issued registration certificate.

4. In cases specified in paragraphs 8 and 9 of Article 15 of this Decree, within a maximum period of ninety days before officially terminating the microfinance program or project, the political-social organization, NGO shall submit a notification to the State Bank, Regional State Bank along with their issued registration certificate. The notification must contain at least the following contents: projected time for termination of activities, financial and personnel measures, and completion of relevant obligations according to law.

5. Within five working days from receipt of the registration certificate of political-social organizations or NGOs as specified in paragraph 2, 3, and 4 of Article 16 of this Decree, the State Bank, Regional State Bank shall issue a written notification regarding termination of implementation and recovery of registration certificates to the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provincial people's committee where the microfinance program or project is implemented.

Part V
TRANSFORMATION INTO MICROFINANCE ORGANIZATION;
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING

Article 17. Transformation into Microfinance Organization

Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations may transform their microfinance programs and projects into a microfinance organization when they meet the conditions for obtaining a license for a microfinance organization as stipulated in the Government's regulations on the conditions for issuing licenses to microfinance organizations. The procedure shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Governor of the State Bank regarding the application, procedures for issuing licenses to microfinance organizations.

Article 18. Financial Systems, Accounting and Reporting

1. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations implement financial systems, accounting, and financial reporting for their microfinance programs and projects in accordance with the law.

2. The activities of microfinance programs and projects are accounted for independently from other activities of political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations.

3. On a quarterly basis, before the 10th day of the following month, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations submit reports in accordance with Form No. 04 specified in the annex to this Decree as follows:

a) For microfinance programs and projects operating in areas under the management of two or more State Bank Regions and microfinance programs and projects directly implemented by foreign non-governmental organizations: Submit to the State Bank, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign non-governmental organizations or Ministry of Home Affairs for domestic non-governmental organizations, People's Committee at the provincial level where the microfinance program and project is being implemented;

b) For microfinance programs and projects operating in areas covering two or more provinces, municipalities directly under the Central Government, in addition to the provisions in paragraph 3 Clause 2 of this Article: Submit to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, People's Committee at the provincial level, State Bank Region where the microfinance program and project is being implemented;

c) For microfinance programs and projects operating within one province, municipality directly under the Central Government: Submit to the People's Committee at the provincial level, State Bank Region where the microfinance program and project is being implemented;

d) Reports shall be submitted in paper or electronic document form, sent directly or through postal services or via an email system to the receiving agency.

Chapter III
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES

Article 19. Responsibilities of Political and Social Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations Implementing Microfinance Programs and Projects

1. Bear full responsibility for the management, supervision, and oversight of the activities of microfinance programs and projects; ensure that microfinance programs and projects comply with the provisions of this Decree.

2. Shall not distribute profits or use profits from the operations of microfinance programs and projects for any activities other than microfinance activities under any form.

3. Direct, supervise the disclosure of information about interest rates, mandatory deposit regulations, loan products, customer information, and other information related to microfinance activities in accordance with the law on consumer protection.

4. The head of political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations implementing microfinance programs and projects shall be responsible for issuing, amending, or supplementing internal regulations in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 of this Decree.

Article 20. Responsibilities of the State Bank of Vietnam

1. To take the lead in drafting and submitting to competent authorities for amendment and supplementation of provisions under this Decree.

2. The State Bank of Vietnam shall conduct inspections, supervision, guidance, and management of microfinance programs and projects with operational areas spanning the jurisdiction of at least two Regional State Banks, as well as microfinance programs and projects directly implemented by foreign non-governmental organizations.

3. The Regional State Bank shall conduct inspections, supervision, guidance, and management of microfinance programs and projects within its jurisdiction except as provided in Clause 2 of this Article. By the 15th day of February each year, the Regional State Bank is responsible for compiling and reporting to the State Bank of Vietnam on the operation of microfinance programs and projects within its jurisdiction according to Form No. 05 specified in the Annex attached to this Decree.

Article 21. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance

1. To exercise state management over finance for microfinance programs and projects as per the functions and duties stipulated by law, including issuing guiding documents on financial systems, accounting, and financial reporting for microfinance programs and projects specified in Paragraph 18 of this Decree.

2. To cooperate with the State Bank of Vietnam to inspect the management and utilization of foreign non-governmental organization funds, official development assistance (ODA) funds, and concessional loans during the implementation of microfinance programs and projects.

Article 22. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Provincial People's Committees where microfinance programs and projects are being implemented

1. The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for state management over public security on the ground for microfinance programs and projects.

2. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall cooperate with the State Bank of Vietnam in managing, inspecting, supervising activities of microfinance programs and projects implemented by non-governmental organizations approved by these ministries to be established and operate.

3. The Provincial People's Committee where microfinance programs and projects are being implemented is responsible for:

a) Cooperating with the State Bank of Vietnam, Regional State Banks in managing, inspecting, supervising activities of microfinance programs and projects within its jurisdiction. The Provincial People's Committee may delegate or authorize lower-level people's committees to perform specific cooperative tasks as per laws on local government organization and relevant legal provisions;

b) Based on the needs for economic and social development in the locality, approving or disapproving changes in operational areas, implementation funds, and extension of operation periods for microfinance programs and projects according to the provisions of Paragraphs 11, 12, and 14 of this Decree; determining the operational area, duration of operations, and approving or disapproving the implementation of microfinance programs and projects on its jurisdictional territory as per the provisions of Clause 3, Clause 5, and Clause 8 of Article 23 of this Decree.

Chapter IV
PROVISIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Article 23. Transitional Provisions

1. For microfinance programs and projects with a remaining implementation period of less than 12 months from the date this Decree takes effect, and without requesting an extension of their operational period, political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations may continue to maintain and operate these microfinance programs and projects in accordance with Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg until the end of the operation period recorded on the registration certificate.

2. Persons managing and administering microfinance programs and projects who were appointed before this Decree takes effect but do not meet the requirements set forth in Article 5 of this Decree may continue to perform their duties until the end of their appointment term.

3. For microfinance programs and projects with an operation period recorded on the registration certificate that does not comply with the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of this Decree, or where the registration certificate does not specify the operation period, the following procedures shall be applied:

a) Within a maximum period of three months from the date this Decree takes effect, political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations must submit an application for the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks to consider amending or supplementing the registration certificate regarding the operation period;

b) The application shall include: Application Form No. 01 as specified in the Annex attached to this Decree; Explanatory document, which outlines the compatibility between the proposed operation period and the scale, nature, and objectives of the microfinance program or project, ensuring compliance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 7 of this Decree;

c) Procedure: Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations shall prepare one copy of the application as per the requirements set forth in paragraph 3 of this article and submit it directly or through postal services to the One-Stop Service Department of the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks, or file it online via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting an electronic application via the National E-Government Portal, the electronic document shall be signed with a digital signature in accordance with the law on implementing administrative procedures in an electronic environment. The implementation of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations on implementing one-stop service and inter-departmental coordination at the One-Stop Service Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case the system of the National E-Government Portal encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the application, submission, receipt, result issuance, exchange, and feedback on information shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks. Within ten days from the date of receiving the application as per paragraph 3 of this article, the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks shall issue a written response (including electronic documents) to the political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations confirming receipt of a valid application or notifying that the application is incomplete or invalid and requesting the submission and completion of the application. Political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations must complete and submit any additional information within ten days from the date the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks request such information. If the deadline is exceeded, political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations must resubmit the application as per paragraph 3 of this article for consideration and approval by the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks; For microfinance programs and projects with an operational area falling under the jurisdiction of two or more Regional People's Banks and where such programs are directly implemented by foreign non-governmental organizations, within five days from receiving a valid application as per paragraph 3 of this article, the People's Bank of Vietnam shall issue a written request to relevant provincial people's committees for their opinion on determining the operation period of the microfinance program or project in their jurisdiction. For microfinance programs and projects with an operational area falling under the jurisdiction of one Regional People's Bank, within five days from receiving a valid application as per paragraph 3 of this article, the Regional People's Bank shall issue a report requesting the opinion of the provincial people's committee on determining the operation period of the microfinance program or project in their jurisdiction; Within ten days from the date of receiving the written response from the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks, the provincial people's committees shall provide an opinion either approving or disapproving the proposed operation period as requested by political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations. If disapproved, the provincial people's committee shall specify the permitted operation period for political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations to implement the microfinance program or project or request the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks to revoke the registration certificate of the microfinance program or project and provide reasons; Within ten days from receiving the opinion of the provincial people's committee, the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks shall issue a written response (including electronic documents) amending or supplementing the registration certificate regarding the operation period as per Form No. 03 in the Annex attached to this Decree and send it to political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations. If the proposed operation period is different from that requested by political-social organizations and non-governmental organizations, the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Banks shall attach a written response (including electronic documents) explaining the reasons. In case the registration certificate is revoked as per the request of the provincial people's committee, the procedures set forth in paragraph 2 of Article 16 of this Decree shall be followed.

4. For microfinance programs and projects with a remaining operational period as recorded on the Registration Certificate less than six months from the date this Decree comes into force, the extension of the operational period shall be carried out as follows:

a) Within a maximum period of two months from the date this Decree comes into force, complete and submit the application for amendment and supplementation of the Registration Certificate regarding the operational period;

b) The application and procedures for amending and supplementing the Registration Certificate regarding the operational period shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 14 of this Decree.

5. For microfinance programs and projects with an operating area as recorded on the Registration Certificate not complying with the provisions of Clause 2 of Article 7 of this Decree, the handling in such cases shall be carried out as follows:

a) Within a maximum period of three months from the date this Decree comes into force, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must submit an application file to the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank for examination and amendment and supplementation of the Registration Certificate regarding the content of the operating area;

b) The application file includes: Application Form No. 01 as specified in the Annex attached hereto; Explanatory document where the proposed operating area differs from the actual operating area implemented by the political and social organization, non-governmental organization, which clearly states the compatibility between the proposed operating area and the scale, nature, and objectives of the microfinance program or project, ensuring compliance with the provisions of Clause 2 of Article 7 of this Decree;

c) The procedure: Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall prepare one copy of the application file in accordance with the provisions at Point b, Paragraph 5 of this Article and submit it directly or through postal services to the One-Stop Service Department of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank, or submit it online via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting an electronic application via the National E-Government Portal, the electronic file shall be signed with a digital signature in accordance with the provisions of the law on implementing administrative procedures in an electronic environment. The implementation of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations on implementing one-stop service and inter-departmental coordination at the One-Stop Service Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case the National E-Government Portal system encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the application, submission, receipt, result issuance, exchange, and feedback shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank. Within ten days from the date of receiving the file as specified in Point b, Paragraph 5 of this Article, the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank shall issue a written response (including an electronic document) to the political and social organization, non-governmental organization confirming receipt of a complete application file or notifying that the submitted file is incomplete or does not comply with requirements and requesting the political and social organization, non-governmental organization to supplement and perfect the file. The political and social organization, non-governmental organization shall supplement and perfect the file within ten days from the date the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank requests such supplementation and perfection. If the above-mentioned period is exceeded, the political and social organization, non-governmental organization must resubmit the application file as specified in Point b, Paragraph 5 of this Article for examination and approval by the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank. In case a microfinance program or project has an operating area under the jurisdiction of two or more Regional State Banks and is directly implemented by foreign non-governmental organizations, within five days from receiving a complete application file as specified in Point b, Paragraph 5 of this Article, the State Bank of Vietnam shall issue a written request to relevant provincial people's committees for comments on determining the operating area of the microfinance program or project. In case a microfinance program or project has an operating area under the jurisdiction of one Regional State Bank, within five days from receiving a complete application file as specified in Point b, Paragraph 5 of this Article, the Regional State Bank shall issue a report and seek comments from the provincial people's committee on determining the operating area of the microfinance program or project. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the written response from the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank, the provincial people's committee shall provide an opinion either approving or disapproving the proposed operating area as requested by the political and social organization, non-governmental organization. If disapproved, the provincial people's committee shall specify the permitted operating area for the political and social organization, non-governmental organization to implement the microfinance program or project or request the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank to revoke the Registration Certificate of the microfinance program or project and state the reasons. Within ten days from receiving the opinion from the provincial people's committee, the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank shall issue a written response (including an electronic document) amending and supplementing the Registration Certificate regarding the content of the operating area in accordance with Form No. 03 attached hereto to the political and social organization, non-governmental organization. If the proposed operating area is approved differently from the request by the political and social organization, non-governmental organization, the State Bank of Vietnam or the Regional State Bank shall attach a written response (including an electronic document) explaining the reasons. In case the Registration Certificate is revoked as requested by the provincial people's committee, the procedure for implementation shall be in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2 of Article 16 of this Decree.

6. For microfinance program or project schemes with an organizational structure that does not comply with the provisions of Article 6 of this Decree, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must ensure that within a maximum period of twelve months from the date this Decree comes into force, they complete the adjustment of the organizational structure of the microfinance program or project scheme in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of this Decree. The submission of internal regulations related to the adjusted organizational structure shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 of this Decree.

7. In case the content of activities specified on the registration certificate issued pursuant to Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg is no longer in line with the provisions of this Decree, the handling shall be as follows:

a) Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations are not permitted to implement new activities that are not specified in this Decree. Within three months from the date this Decree comes into force, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must submit an application for the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank to amend or supplement the registration certificate to be consistent with the provisions of this Decree;

b) The application file shall include: Application form No. 01 as specified in the annex attached hereto; Detailed explanatory document on the activities proposed for amendment or supplementation, ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Decree;

c) Procedure: Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations prepare one set of files according to the provisions at point b clause 7 of this Article and send it directly or through postal services to the One-Stop Service Department of the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank or submit online via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting an application file online via the National E-Government Portal, electronic documents shall be signed with a digital signature in accordance with the law on implementing administrative procedures in an electronic environment. The implementation of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations on implementing administrative procedures under the one-stop service and national e-government portal mechanism. In case the system of the National E-Government Portal encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the application for submission, receipt, result issuance, exchange, feedback of information shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank. Within ten days from the date of receiving the file as specified in point b clause 7 of this Article, the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank shall issue a written response (including electronic documents) to the political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations confirming receipt of a valid application or notifying that the application is incomplete and requires supplementation. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must supplement and complete the file within ten days from the date the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank requests such supplementation and completion. Beyond the aforementioned period, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall resubmit the file in accordance with point b clause 7 of this Article for consideration and approval by the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank; Within thirty days from the date of receiving a valid application as specified in point b clause 7 of this Article, the People's Bank of Vietnam, Regional People's Bank shall issue a written response (including electronic documents) amending or supplementing the registration certificate for the activities of the microfinance program or project scheme according to Form No. 03 attached hereto and send it to the political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations.

8. For microfinance programs or projects of domestic political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations affected by administrative unit reorganization and organizational structure adjustment in accordance with legal provisions, the handling in such cases shall be as follows:

a) Microfinance program or project schemes may continue to operate according to the registration certificate already issued if they are transferred to another domestic political and social organization, non-governmental organization and receive approval from the People's Committee of the province for continued implementation. Within three months from the date this Decree comes into force, domestic political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations receiving a transfer of microfinance program or project schemes must submit an application file to the Regional People's Bank for consideration and amendment or supplementation of the registration certificate;

b) The application file shall include: Application form No. 01 as specified in the annex attached hereto; Document from the competent authority regarding the cessation of operations or reorganization of domestic political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations currently implementing microfinance program or project schemes; Document from the competent authority on the establishment or reorganization of domestic political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations receiving a transfer of microfinance program or project schemes; Document from the competent authority regarding the transfer of microfinance program or project schemes from domestic political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations that have ceased operations or been reorganized to newly established or post-reorganization domestic political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations.

c) Procedure: Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall submit one set of documents as prescribed in point b clause 8 Article this Decree directly or through postal services to the Single Window Department of the National Bank Regional Office or submit online via the National E-Government Portal. When submitting documents online via the National E-Government Portal, electronic documents shall be signed with an electronic signature in accordance with the provisions of the law on implementing administrative procedures in the electronic environment. The implementation of administrative procedures through the National E-Government Portal is carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations on implementing administrative procedures under a one-stop service and inter-connected single window system at the Single Window Department and the National E-Government Portal. In case the National E-Government Portal system encounters technical issues or errors preventing the reception, exchange of electronic information, the submission, receipt, issuance of results, exchange, and feedback of information shall be conducted through postal services or directly at the Single Window Department of the National Bank Regional Office; Within 10 days from the date of receiving the documents as prescribed in clause 8 point b of this Decree, the National Bank Regional Office shall issue a written document (including electronic documents) to the political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations confirming receipt of all valid documents or notifying that the submitted documents are incomplete or invalid and requesting the submission and completion of the documents. Political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations must complete and submit the documents within 10 days from the date the National Bank, National Bank Regional Office issues a request for supplementation and completion. If the deadline is exceeded, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations shall resubmit the documents as prescribed in clause 8 point b of this Decree to the National Bank, National Bank Regional Office for examination and approval; Within 5 days from the date of receiving all valid documents as prescribed in clause 8 point b of this Decree, the National Bank Regional Office shall issue a written report and seek the opinion of the People's Committee at the provincial level on allowing the microfinance program or project to continue implementation; Within 10 days from the date of receiving the opinion of the People's Committee at the provincial level, the National Bank Regional Office shall issue a written document (including electronic documents) amending and supplementing the Registration Certificate in Form No. 03 attached as an appendix to this Decree to be sent to political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations. If not approved, the National Bank Regional Office shall send a written document to political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations (including electronic documents) stating the reasons.

9. For contracts and agreements on deposit receipt (including voluntary savings deposits and mandatory savings deposits), lending, and entrusted lending signed before the effective date of this Decree, political and social organizations, non-governmental organizations, and customers may continue to implement such contracts or agreements until the end of their term. The amendment, supplementation, extension, and signing of new contracts or agreements on mandatory savings deposits, lending, and entrusted lending shall only be implemented if the content of such amendments, supplements, extensions, and new signings are in accordance with the provisions of this Decree.

Article 24. Enforceability

1. This Decree shall take effect from July 1, 2026.

2. Decision No. 20/2017/QĐ-TTg dated June 12, 2017 of the Prime Minister on activities of microfinance programs and projects by political organizations, political-social organizations, and non-governmental organizations shall cease to have effect.

Article 25. Implementation

The Minister, Heads of agencies at the ministerial level, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Heads of relevant agencies and organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Decree.