Firm foundation
Based on Resolution 57-NQ/TW, Agribank has shifted from policy to specific action. Plan 77-KH/DU and Action Program 40486/NHNo-NHS not only determine the goals but also clearly define the roadmap, time and responsibility for implementation.
From the end of 2024, Agribank proactively launched a preparation phase, focusing on reviewing and perfecting internal policies, while upgrading technology infrastructure as a foundation for long-term steps. In the first quarter of 2025, the bank will design core solutions and pilot key products. By mid-2025, the process will be accelerated with expanding scale, integrating national data, and at the same time replicating the smart transaction point model to ensure widespread digital banking services from urban to remote areas.
From the second half of 2025, Agribank will move to a comprehensive operation phase, completing the process, establishing a mechanism to measure results and replicate initiatives effectively. Throughout that roadmap is the principle of "No one is outside digital transformation", ensuring that all staff, branches, and transaction offices participate, and that people and businesses in all regions of the country benefit.
According to this process, projects such as upgrading Core Banking, implementing Open SmartBank and Agribank Plus, applying softPOS, connecting eKYC with the population database... are all set a specific time frame and associated with those responsible, turning vision into measurable results in practice.
Key solutions - A bridge between banks and customers
The key products are not simply software, but a real bridge to bring the bank closer to customers. (i) Open SmartBank and Agribank Plus allow online account opening, depositing - withdrawing - borrowing anytime, anywhere; (ii) SoftPOS converts smartphones into card acceptance points, helping small traders and rural business households easily access cashless payments; (iii) Open API expands cooperation with fintech and retail businesses, integrating Agribank services into the national digital ecosystem. In addition, AI, Big Data, Cloud are applied to personalize services, detect risks early and optimize customer experience, especially during the testing and product refinement stages.
Regarding the transaction model, by mid-2025, Agribank is deploying more than 2,200 smart transaction counters across the system, helping to shorten service time, reduce administrative procedures and shift the focus from "doing procedures" to "value-added consultation". People clearly feel the change: procedures are compact - short - experience is better.
Every position must take action
Technology only works when there are people behind who take clear responsibility. Plan 77 was issued by the Agribank Party Committee on February 28, 2025, emphasizing the 5-clear principle: clear people, clear work, clear responsibilities, clear time, clear results - and the requirement to include digitalization criteria in the action program. Each unit must develop an annual digital transformation plan, the head is directly responsible, periodically report quarterly, creating positive pressure to turn the policy into specific results.
In this roadmap, the role of Agribank staff is key. Each cadre not only talks about digital transformation, but also has to practice digital transformation: open a digital account, use a banking application, and guide customers at the counter. Specific actions to build trust, helping customers be ready to receive new services. The linkage of digital transformation results with emulation, reward and appointment criteria has formed a real driving force for action.
Digital human resources are prioritized for strong development. From the end of 2024, Agribank will implement the "Digital Learning" program, building a digital skills training framework for staff at all levels, and cooperating with universities and research institutes to train and recruit talents. The recruitment and treatment policy is adjusted in the direction of prioritizing technology human resources, data, and system governance.
At the same time, Agribank encourages internal innovation through initiative competitions, replicating effective solutions, along with communication activities - guiding customers through multiple channels, from signs at the counter to instructions on videos, helping to remove barriers to access for farmers, traders, businesses, and the elderly.
Security - Maintain customer trust
As digital services spread to remote areas, security and risk management become more urgent than ever. Agribank operates a multi-layered protection strategy, combining technical measures, management policies and strict monitoring mechanisms. (i) Technical layer: multifactor authentication, biometric, data encryption; (ii) Management layer: delegation of authority, change control, internal audit; (iii) Monitoring layer: early warning system and real-time monitoring, helping to detect and respond promptly.
Along with prevention, Agribank improves response capacity, organizes periodic information security drills, applies AI and machine learning to analyze behavior, detect unusual transactions and forecast risks. Internal policies encourage testing within a safe framework, creating a solid and cautious space for innovation.
Customer trust is also strengthened by experience quality: periodic satisfaction surveys, product updates according to feedback, personalized service development such as financial management, consumer behavior incentive packages, gift-exchanged point accumulation programs. When people see practical benefits - saving time, reducing costs, receiving incentives, they will proactively receive and spread digital services.
Towards a comprehensive digital society
No one is outside digital transformation is no longer a slogan, but has become an act of order - concretized by targets, plans, responsibilities and results in each branch and each cadre. When Agribank brings digital services to farmers, traders, workers, and village officials, the bank not only carries out its business tasks, but also contributes to realizing the national goal: a digital economy - digital society, where financial services become a means to bring opportunities, knowledge and safety to every corner of life.
The road ahead is still long, but if the roadmap is implemented seriously, persistently and responsibly, with clear reporting and assessment according to the directives, that vision will become a reality: Digital services to each citizen - Trust is kept - Agribank continues to be the core force of national digital transformation.
