SeABank Launches Sustainable Finance Framework for Green, Blue and Social Investments

Vietnam's Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank) has announced its Sustainable Finance Framework to guide capital mobilization and investment in projects delivering environmental and social benefits. Published on 26 October 2026, the framework received an independent Second-Party Opinion (SPO) from S&P Global Ratings on 24 September 2026. It aligns with international sustainable finance principles and guidelines from organizations including the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), major loan market associations, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), supporting Vietnam's national green growth strategy and net-zero emissions target for 2050.

 

Under the framework, SeABank plans to allocate 40–45% of eligible financing to 14 green categories, 10–15% to seven blue finance categories focused on marine and ocean protection, and 40–45% to five social objectives. Eligible activities include projects addressing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction and marine biodiversity, alongside initiatives improving access to essential services, housing and finance. The framework covers use of proceeds, project evaluation and selection, fund management, and annual allocation and impact reporting.

 

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To strengthen environmental and social safeguards, SeABank has introduced quantitative eligibility criteria, including minimum 20% improvements in energy savings, emissions reductions or water consumption for relevant activities. The bank will screen credit applications through its Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and exclude activities associated with fossil fuels, coal, and deforestation. The framework expands on SeABank's Green and Blue Bond Framework introduced in 2025, which received a "Medium Green" assessment from S&P Global Ratings.

 

SeABank has previously mobilized nearly $1.1 billion from international financial institutions, including IFC, AIIB, Norfund, Proparco, FMO and DFC, to support inclusive and sustainable financing. By the end of September 2026, its outstanding green credit exceeded VND 4.1 trillion, up more than 150% from the end of 2025. The bank's green lending portfolio includes green transportation, energy efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture. By 2030, SeABank aims for green credit to represent 5% of total outstanding loans and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% against its baseline year.

 

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Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SeABank, said, "The Sustainable Finance Framework marks a step forward on this journey, creating a unified foundation for us to mobilize and allocate capital, accompany our customers through their transition, and pursue lasting sustainable value for the economy and the community." The framework gives SeABank a structure to expand sustainable lending and financing across environmental and social categories. Its effectiveness will depend on selecting eligible projects, deploying capital, and transparently reporting environmental and social outcomes.

 

Source: SeABank