THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN VIETNAM

Authors

  • Bui Le Uyen Nhi Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade Author
  • Tran Thi Yen Duyen Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade Author
  • Nguyen Thanh Do Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade Author
  • Nguyen Minh Tai Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade Author
  • Tran Thanh Hung Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade Author
  • Bui Hong Diep Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade Corresponding Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62985/j.huit_ojs.vol26.no3E.662

Keywords:

Digital transformation, bank performance, ROA, ROE, commercial banks.

Abstract

This research examines how digital transformation influences the performance of commercial banks in Vietnam. The analysis is based on panel data obtained from the financial reports of 25 banks over the period from 2018 to 2023. To investigate the relationships among variables, the study applies several econometric approaches, including pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), the Fixed Effects Model (FEM), and the Random Effects Model (REM). The selection of the appropriate estimation technique is determined through statistical procedures such as the F-test, Breusch–Pagan Lagrange Multiplier test, and Hausman test, with results indicating that the pooled OLS model provides the best fit for the dataset. The empirical findings demonstrate that digital transformation exerts a positive and statistically significant influence on bank performance, measured through Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). Furthermore, internal factors such as bank size, liquidity level, and growth prospects contribute positively to performance outcomes, whereas financial leverage is found to have a detrimental effect. The results confirm all proposed hypotheses. This study enriches the existing literature by offering empirical evidence on the importance of digital transformation as a strategic asset in improving banking performance, particularly within the context of an emerging economy. From a practical standpoint, the findings highlight the need for banks to intensify digitalization efforts, allocate technological resources more efficiently, and maintain an appropriate financial structure in order to strengthen operational effectiveness and sustain competitiveness in an increasingly digital environment.

References

[1] J. Gomber, R. J. Kauffman, C. Parker, and B. W. Weber, “On the FinTech revolution: Interpreting the forces of innovation, disruption, and transformation in financial services,” Journal of Management Information Systems, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 220–265, 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2018.1440766

[2] P. C. Verhoef, T. Broekhuizen, Y. Bart, A. Bhattacharya, J. Q. Dong, N. Fabian, and M. Haenlein, “Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda,” Journal of Business Research, vol. 122, pp. 889–901, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.09.022

[3] P. K. Ozili, “Impact of digital finance on financial inclusion and stability,” Borsa Istanbul Review, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 329–340, 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bir.2017.12.003

[4] A. Demirgüç-Kunt and H. Huizinga, “Determinants of commercial bank interest margins and profitability: Some international evidence,” The World Bank Economic Review, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 379–408, 1999, doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/wber/13.2.379

[5] I. Mavlutova, L. Fomins, K. Spilbergs, and M. Atstaja, “Digital transformation as a driver of financial inclusion,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 3, 2023, doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031842

[6] D. T. Hoang, H. T. Nguyen, and Q. T. Le, “Digital transformation in Vietnamese banking: Opportunities and challenges,” Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 345–356, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2023.vol10.no2.0345

[7] T. T. Pham and H. T. Nguyen, “Digital banking risks and financial stability: Evidence from Vietnam,” Asian Economic and Financial Review, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 45–60, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.55493/5002.v14i1.4978

[8] G. Vial, “Understanding digital transformation: A review and a research agenda,” The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 118–144, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2019.01.003

[9] B. Nicoletti, The Future of FinTech: Integrating Finance and Technology in Financial Services. Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51415-4

[10] P. C. Verhoef, T. Broekhuizen, Y. Bart, A. Bhattacharya, J. Q. Dong, N. Fabian, and M. Haenlein, “Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda,” Journal of Business Research, vol. 122, pp. 889–901, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.09.022

[11] E. Beccalli, “Does IT investment improve bank performance? Evidence from Europe,” Journal of Banking & Finance, vol. 31, no. 7, pp. 2205–2230, 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2006.10.022

[12] R. DeYoung, W. Lang, and D. Nolle, “How the internet affects output and performance at community banks,” Journal of Banking & Finance, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1033–1060, 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2006.10.003

[13] A. Dadoukis, A. Fiaschetti, and P. Fusi, “IT adoption and bank performance: Evidence from Europe,” Journal of Banking & Finance, vol. 122, 2021, doi:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2020.105997

[14] M. M. Alam, S. Raza, and A. Akram, “The impact of e-banking on bank performance,” International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 45–67, 2021, doi:

https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-02-2020-0064

[15] K. J. Stiroh, “Information technology and the U.S. productivity revival: What do the industry data say?” American Economic Review, vol. 92, no. 5, pp. 1559–1576, 2002, doi: https://doi.org/10.1257/000282802762024638

[16] E. Brynjolfsson and L. Hitt, “Beyond computation: Information technology, organizational transformation and business performance,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 23–48, 2000, doi: https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.14.4.23

[17] T. D. Do, H. A. T. Pham, E. I. Thalassinos, and H. A. Le, “The impact of digital transformation on performance: Evidence from Vietnamese commercial banks,” Journal of Risk and Financial Management, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 21, 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15010021

[18] L. Nguyen-Thi-Huong, H. Nguyen-Viet, A. Nguyen-Phuong, and D. Van Nguyen, “How does digital transformation impact bank performance?” Cogent Economics & Finance, vol. 11, no. 1, 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2023.2217582

[19] H. M. Nguyen, H. T. N. Pham, K. M. Tran, M. T. T. Nguyen, and Y. T. H. Nguyen, “Digitalization and its impact on commercial banks’ profitability in Vietnam,” Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science – Economics and Business Administration, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 152–164, 2024.

[20] J. Barney, “Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage,” Journal of Management, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 99–120, 1991, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108

[21] N. Venkatraman and V. Ramanujam, “Measurement of business performance in strategy research: A comparison of approaches,” Academy of Management Review, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 801–814, 1986, doi: https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1986.4283976

[22] M. Athanasoglou, S. Brissimis, and M. Delis, “Bank-specific, industry-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability,” Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 121–136, 2008, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intfin.2006.07.001

[23] A. N. Berger and C. H. S. Bouwman, “Bank liquidity creation,” Review of Financial Studies, vol. 22, no. 9, pp. 3779–3837, 2009, doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhn104

[24] E. F. Fama and K. R. French, “The cross-section of expected stock returns,” Journal of Finance, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 427–465, 1992, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6261.1992.tb04398.x

Downloads

Published

2026-08-31

Issue

Section

Economics

How to Cite

Bui Le Uyen Nhi, Tran Thi Yen Duyen, Nguyen Thanh Do, Nguyen Minh Tai, Tran Thanh Hung, & Bui Hong Diep. (2026). THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN VIETNAM. HUIT Journal of Science, 26(3E), 2730. https://doi.org/10.62985/j.huit_ojs.vol26.no3E.662