Central bank to license more digital payment providers

The State Bank of Vietnam will issue licenses to more providers of non-cash digital payment, or e-pocket, services in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on a pilot basis, a senior bank official said Wednesday.

Deputy governor Nguyen Toan Thang told Thanh Nien Daily that as more and more people use mobile devices, making payments via mobile phones and the Internet would be helpful for them.

The e-pocket service not only facilitates payments but also promotes non-cash payment, which is being encouraged by the government.

The service is in a trial stage because the country does not have enough experience or banking technology yet for a full-fledged introduction, Thang said adding that five or six businesses have applied for the service.

Viet Phu Company was the first to receive a license in August. The company is cooperating with banks, securities companies and retailers to promote its Mobivi service to be launched this month.

Vinh Son

Thanh nien

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