In 2023, I sat in a meeting with a banking partner. They talked about “priority customers” and “special lending products.” I thought: I want to be prioritized too. But I didn’t ask the most important question: What do I need the loan for?
That’s the mistake many make when hearing a bank ranks #1. We look at the brand — and forget to look at our actual needs.
📌 What’s Happening
- MB achieved Top 1 in Top-of-mind (first recall level) for priority banking brand, according to Mibrand survey released June 2026
- MB also leads Top-of-mind in lending products for priority customers
- Survey focused on brand and product recognition among priority banking segment
- First time a Vietnamese bank achieved both #1 positions simultaneously in the same report for this segment
Source: vneconomy.vn
What Ho Alva Sees
I’m not surprised MB hit #1. What surprises me is: How many people will read this and think “I should borrow more.”
When I lost hundreds of millions VND in 2022, part of it was because I used margin lending for stock trading. I thought leverage would make me rich faster. Truth is, it just made me broke faster.
Borrowing isn’t the problem. What you borrow for is the problem.
If you borrow to invest in income-generating assets — rental property, business expansion with clear cash flow, or systematic investments — then borrowing can be good leverage.
But if you borrow because: “This bank is reputable,” “Interest rate looks attractive,” “Everyone’s borrowing” — then you’re pouring money into the sweetest trap of the financial system.
The question I ask myself now isn’t: “Which bank offers the best loans?” but rather: “Do I really need to borrow? Will this loan create cash flow or just create debt pressure?”
We women tend to be more cautious about borrowing than men. That’s a strength — not weakness. Don’t let brand marketing shake your cool head.
🔍 Which Number Actually Matters
What does “Top-of-mind” mean? It means when people think of priority banking, they remember MB first.
This number doesn’t indicate product quality. It only indicates marketing power and brand recognition.
Similar to 2021-2022, many people thought of Mr. Pip first when thinking about forex. Top-of-mind doesn’t protect you from losing money. Knowledge and investment systems protect you.
The number I want to see isn’t “#1 brand” but: What % of MB’s borrowing customers actually generate profit from that loan? What % repay on time without affecting personal cash flow?
Those numbers truly matter to borrowers.
I Once…
In 2022, after losing everything in the VN-Index crash to 911.9 points (down 40%+ from peak — worst in the world at that time), I almost made another stupid mistake: I thought about borrowing money to “recover.”
Luckily I didn’t do it. Not because I was smart. But because I was scared.
That fear saved me. It made me stop. Sit down. Learn from scratch.
Now working with anh Chi Hieu Nguyen and the Faviz Investment team, I see clearly: Successful investors aren’t those who use the most leverage. They’re those who know when to use it — and more importantly — when not to.
MB might be #1. But you must ask yourself: What does #1 mean for my investment portfolio? For my 5-10 year financial plan?
If the answer isn’t clear — don’t borrow. Simple as that.
Have you ever borrowed to invest? How did it turn out? If you could do it again, would you change your decision?
If you’re considering borrowing to invest — or struggling with current debts — schedule a consultation with me. I won’t sell you any products. I’ll just share what I wish I knew before losing money. Schedule free consultation here.
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