TITLE: Vietnam's State Bank Publishes Circular Amending Cheque Operations and Supply Regulations
BODY:
On May 19, 2026, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) published Circular No. 20/2026/TT-NHNN, which amends and supplements provisions of Circular No. 22/2015/TT-NHNN governing cheque operations and supply activities.
The circular modifies existing regulations on cheque provision and usage within Vietnam's banking system. This update forms part of a broader regulatory package released by the SBV on May 19, 2026, which included multiple circulars addressing administrative procedure simplification, decentralisation, and streamlining across various banking and financial sectors. The SBV simultaneously issued related circulars addressing payment service intermediaries, non-cash payment services, credit information procedures, microfinance institutions, and banking sandbox mechanisms, reflecting the central bank's commitment to modernising and simplifying banking operations.
The amendments to cheque regulations reflect ongoing efforts to adapt Vietnam's payment infrastructure to contemporary banking practices. Cheques remain a payment instrument within Vietnam's financial system, and the regulatory updates ensure that operational frameworks remain current and aligned with banking sector developments.
The circular became effective upon publication on May 19, 2026. Financial institutions and other entities engaged in cheque issuance, distribution, and processing must ensure compliance with the amended provisions. The State Bank of Vietnam's website provides access to the full text of Circular No. 20/2026/TT-NHNN and related regulatory documents.