HLB and So Ban Hang Launch Initiative to Simplify Business M

A testament to its SME expertise and consecutive 6-year recognition as the Best SME Bank, HLB is equipping Vietnamese mSMEs and entrepreneurs with essential digital tools to ensure readiness for the national shift from presumptive tax to self-declaration

HO CHI MINH CITY, 11 December 2025 - Hong Leong Bank Vietnam (“HLB” or the “Bank”), following its strategic partnership with So Ban Hang, has launched a new initiative to assist Vietnamese entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (“mSMEs”) with timely preparation for upcoming tax reforms, addressing key changes, such as the abolition of the presumptive tax system and the mandatory transition to formal tax declaration and e-invoicing.

HLB, the first Malaysian bank to operate in Vietnam, recently announced that it would offer businesses essential features such as HLB account opening, tax compliant QR payments, automatic record-keeping, and instant e-invoice issuances directly within the So Ban Hang app. This integrated solution is designed to streamline workflows, improve business efficiencies, and ensure entrepreneurs are fully compliant with the new tax reforms scheduled for implementation early next year.

Fred Lim, Hong Leong Bank Berhad’s Chief Digital Commercialization Officer, pointed out that the Bank's own 120 years of entrepreneurial history uniquely positions it to understand the demanding challenges faced by small business owners and entrepreneurs today.  

“Given our Bank's extensive experience and heritage in supporting small businesses, we are acutely aware of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. The already difficult task of running a business becomes even more daunting when compliance requirements for managing tax and invoices are added to the mix. Our partnership with So Ban Hang is specifically designed to simplify banking and compliance, freeing up entrepreneurs to fully focus on growing their business and generating income.”

To ensure wide platform adoption and immediate value realization, HLB is rolling out one of the most substantial incentive packages currently available for mSMEs in Vietnam, offering exclusive discounts and bundled offers valued at up to VND 3 million per customer. New HLB customers accessing the integrated solution will receive complimentary benefits, including a free So Ban Hang  account for the first three months, followed by a 35% discount on the subsequent one-year renewal. Furthermore, to support regulatory compliance, customers in their first year can leverage the e-Signature feature and issue up to 10,000 e-Invoices for a special one-time discounted price of just VND 250,000.

This program is designed to reward businesses for achieving operational efficiency, sales growth, and sound financial management, reinforcing the use of HLB's integrated services within the So Ban Hang platform.

Bùi Hải Nam, CEO of So Ban Hang, added, “HLB’s vision to simplify business management for small enterprises aligns fully with our mission at SoBanHang: making it easier for millions of Vietnamese merchants to operate and grow. We are building an all-in-one platform that unifies sales, payments, accounting, tax, and modern banking into a single seamless experience.

Through this partnership and the new incentive program, we believe more entrepreneurs will accelerate their growth with greater confidence and simplicity. We are pleased to have HLB with us on this journey as we work together to drive economic growth and strengthen the mSME ecosystem in Vietnam and beyond."

FIND OUT MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR mSME WHEN OPENING AN HLB ACCOUNT ON THE SO BAN HANG APP

Sincerely, 

Hong Leong Bank Vietnam Limited