At the 34th General Assembly of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) and the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) held in Washington D.C., USA on October 15, 2025, the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) was proudly honored with the WSBI-ESBG Sustainable Development Award 2025 in the category of “Inclusive Banking and Social Impact.” The award recognizes Agribank’s flagship digital initiative – Agribank Plus, a pioneering omnichannel banking platform designed to enhance digital financial access for millions of customers.

The WSBI-ESBG Sustainable Development Awards celebrate outstanding initiatives by financial institutions around the world that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2025 Awards feature six categories: Inclusive Banking and Social Impact; Economic Growth and Empowerment; Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation; Climate Finance; Customer Education and Consumer Protection; International Cooperation and Community Development.

Among nearly 100 entries from financial institutions worldwide, Agribank Plus received high praise from the international judging panel for its innovation, scalability, practical effectiveness, and measurable social impact.

Agribank Plus is an omnichannel digital banking platform developed by Agribank, allowing customers to conduct seamless transactions across various channels – from website to mobile and tablet. The platform has brought modern, secure, and convenient digital banking services to millions of customers, particularly those in rural and remote areas as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

This solution contributes to financial inclusion, financial literacy, and the reduction of informal lending, while fostering digital transformation in Vietnam’s agricultural and rural banking sector, where Agribank plays a pivotal role.

This international recognition affirms Agribank’s leadership in digital banking, social responsibility, and sustainable development, in line with its long-standing mission as a “Bank for the Community.” It affirms Agibank’s pioneering in digital transformation, social responsibility, and sustainable development, contributing actively to Vietnam’s progress toward financial inclusion and green growth.

Looking ahead, Agribank will continue to develop its comprehensive digital ecosystem, expand cashless payment solutions, integrate e-wallets and green finance products, and further enhance the customer experience through innovation. Agribank will also strengthen cooperation with WSBI members to share best practices and jointly promote sustainable development within the global banking community.

Kylie Nguyen