Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is in talks to increase its stake in Vietnamese lender VPBank, with discussions reported to target a holding of about 20%, according to sources cited by multiple outlets.
The reports describe the matter as part of SMBC’s ongoing investment and regional banking strategy, though they do not provide deal terms or timing. They also note the information is based on unnamed sources and has not been independently confirmed as final.
Across the coverage, the core points are consistent: SMBC is negotiating with respect to VPBank shareholding, and the proposed level is around one-fifth of the bank. The outlets differ mainly in wording and attribution. One outlet presents the item as an exclusive report, while another attributes the story to Reuters, but both reference the same reported figure and “talks” framing rather than a completed transaction.
