Circular 33/2026/TT-BTC: Regulations on Financial Regime of Vietnam Deposit Insurance

Overview

Circular 33/2026/TT-BTC was issued by the Ministry of Finance on March 30, 2026, and takes effect from May 1, 2026. This document provides detailed regulations on the financial regime applicable to Vietnam Deposit Insurance (DIV), an organization that plays a crucial role in protecting depositors and maintaining the stability of the banking financial system.

Scope of Regulation

The Circular regulates:

• DIV's revenue sources: Including deposit insurance premiums paid by credit institutions, income from investing the deposit insurance fund, revenue from handling troubled credit institutions, and other legitimate income sources
• Operating expenses: Regulations on expenses for management operations, inspection and supervision, credit institution resolution, insurance payments, and other necessary costs
• Deposit insurance fund management: Principles for managing, using, and investing the fund to ensure safety, liquidity, and efficiency
• Accounting and reporting regime: Requirements for accounting, preparation, and submission of financial reports according to Vietnamese accounting standards

Applicable Entities

This Circular directly applies to:

• Vietnam Deposit Insurance
• Credit institutions participating in deposit insurance (commercial banks, cooperative banks, foreign bank branches)
• Relevant agencies involved in supervising and managing deposit insurance activities

Key Points to Note

DIV's Revenue Sources and Assets

DIV forms its financial resources primarily from deposit insurance premiums that credit institutions must pay periodically. This premium is calculated based on the balance of insured deposits and the risk level of each credit institution. Additionally, DIV generates income from investing the deposit insurance fund in safe channels such as government bonds and treasury bills.

Expense Management

DIV's expenses are strictly controlled and must comply with approved budgets. Major expenses include:

• Professional expenses for inspection and supervision of credit institutions
• Costs for resolving troubled credit institutions
• Insurance payments to depositors when credit institutions become insolvent
• Administrative and management operating expenses

Investment and Capital Preservation

The deposit insurance fund must be invested according to safety principles, prioritizing liquidity to ensure DIV has sufficient resources for payments when necessary. Investment channels are carefully selected to avoid risks and ensure capital preservation and growth.

Reporting and Information Disclosure Regime

DIV must prepare and submit periodic financial reports as required, including quarterly and annual reports. Financial information must be disclosed transparently so that stakeholders can monitor the organization's activities.

Significance for SME Businesses

Although Circular 33/2026/TT-BTC does not directly apply to SME businesses, it has important indirect impacts:

Strengthening Confidence in the Banking System

Clear regulations on DIV's finances help ensure the organization has sufficient resources to protect depositors. This builds business confidence when depositing money in banks and reduces concerns about capital loss risks.

Stabilizing the Business Environment

An effectively operating deposit insurance system contributes to maintaining financial system stability, preventing bank runs that cause liquidity crises. A stable financial environment is a favorable condition for SME business operations.

Supporting Financial Decision-Making

Understanding the deposit insurance mechanism helps businesses better assess safety levels when selecting banks for deposits and managing cash flow. Businesses should note that only deposits at credit institutions participating in deposit insurance are protected, and there is a maximum insurance coverage as prescribed by law.

Recommendations

SME businesses should:

• Monitor the list of credit institutions participating in deposit insurance on DIV's website
• Appropriately distribute deposits among banks if balances exceed the maximum insurance coverage
• Stay updated on deposit insurance policies to effectively manage financial risks
• Consult financial experts when questions arise about cash and deposit management

Conclusion

Circular 33/2026/TT-BTC establishes a comprehensive financial framework for Vietnam Deposit Insurance, ensuring the organization operates transparently and efficiently. While SMEs are not directly regulated by this document, understanding its provisions helps businesses make informed decisions about banking relationships and cash management, contributing to overall financial security and business continuity. The regulation reinforces the safety net for the banking system, which indirectly benefits all businesses operating in Vietnam's economy.