From a leadership perspective, how do you evaluate the role of ESG and digital transformation in the sustainable development of the bank?
- ESG and digital transformation are not only orientational concepts but have become specific requirements in the bank's operations. At HDBank, we see digital transformation as a tool to support more effective ESG implementation.
For example, with environmental criteria, data analysis tools are used to track emissions from corporate customer operations, or calculate internal resource consumption levels to provide more optimal solutions. Some headquarters have also begun to apply renewable energy or energy-saving operation equipment.
In a social aspect, the bank uses modern human resource management software to improve working conditions, while applying AI to limit discrimination in recruitment. In governance, digital transformation helps standardize the ESG reporting process and supports timely updating of legal regulations. However, this is a long-term process, requiring proper investment and perseverance, especially in changing operating models and strategic approaches.
In the process of digital transformation, where do banks face the biggest difficulties?
- The biggest difficulty is that the initial investment cost is quite high, while the financial efficiency cannot be seen immediately. Technology projects often have a long payback period, causing pressure on budget balance. In addition, human resources are a clear challenge. A team specializing in technology, data, and security is currently quite scarce and highly competitive in the labor market.
The bank also faces cybersecurity risks, from external attacks to ensuring the safety of customer data. Finally, cultural factors - digital transformation requires changes in working methods, which is sometimes not easy to convince all employees to adapt.
On HDBank's side, what digital solutions are currently being implemented to support ESG goals?
- Some specific solutions have been applied, such as the digital banking system (mobile banking, Internet banking) to reduce paperwork and improve operational efficiency. The HDBank Nong Thon application also helps expand access to financial services in remote areas.
Internally, the paperless transaction system (ipaper), human resource management and training tools such as People Bank, E-learning... have been deployed. In credit activities, the lending process has been largely digitized to reduce time for processing and consuming resources.
For customers, the digital MKT tool allows quick interaction and personalized experience. Some units inside and outside the ecosystem such as Vietjet, VinHomes, VNPost... have also applied this tool. The bank is also testing a non-cash hospital fee payment solution via kiosks at medical facilities.
In terms of governance, HDBank is building a system to synthesize and standardize ESG data according to international standards. An AI platform is also being developed to serve data analysis and automated decision making.
Sir, what principles are the banks allocated for digital transformation?
- The budget for digital transformation accounts for a significant part of the bank's medium-term investment plan. However, the allocation is still balanced in each stage, based on the priority level and expected efficiency of each group of solutions.
In addition to technology factors, we also allocate budget for security infrastructure, team training and operating system upgrading. The goal is to ensure substantial digital transformation, while still controlling risks and being consistent with the financial capacity of the organization.
Thank you!
