Tien Phong Bank

Tien Phong Bank, also known as TPBank, is a financial institution headquartered in Vietnam. As a bank it provides banking services to its customers, including the use of the SWIFT network for cross‑border financial transactions. The bank serves customers that require SWIFT‑based international transfers, linking domestic operations to global payment systems.

On 31 December 2015 TPBank was targeted in an attempted cyber heist involving fraudulent SWIFT messages requesting transfers exceeding one million euros. The attack was detected before any funds were moved, resulting in no financial loss or system disruption. Malware had been installed on a third‑party vendor’s infrastructure that the bank used to connect to SWIFT. Upon discovery the bank halted the transaction, discontinued the vendor’s services, and implemented a more secure direct connection to SWIFT. Cybersecurity firm BAE Systems linked the malware to tactics similar to those used in the Bangladesh Bank heist, noting the use of compromised PDF readers to manipulate SWIFT transaction records.

The incident prompted TPBank to review and strengthen its SWIFT‑related security controls. By moving to a direct SWIFT connection and removing reliance on the compromised third‑party vendor, the bank reduced its attack surface. This response highlights the bank’s focus on securing critical payment infrastructure as a distinguishing attribute. No further details on ownership or corporate structure are provided in the source material, while the bank’s headquarters remains in Vietnam.