Thai banks set for expansion amid ASEAN economies’ growth

[snoop1130]

 

A surge in regional business expansion is forecasted for major local banks in Thailand due to the growth potential of ASEAN economies. This outlook has been provided by Fitch Ratings Thailand, indicating promising revenue prospects for these banks through increased regional operations.

 

In 2023, a noticeable upturn in the regional business of large local banks was observed, primarily due to several cross-border acquisitions. This led to significant overseas loan growth from 2020 to 2022.

 

The international loan portfolio of domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) escalated to 10% of total outstanding loans, a rise from 6% in 2020, according to Jindarat Sirisithichote, associate director for financial institutions at Fitch Ratings Thailand.

 

There are six D-SIBs in Thailand: Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBank), Krungthai Bank (KTB), Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) and TMBThanachart Bank. Among these, BBL, KBank, SCB, and Krungsri have notably increased their operations in neighbouring countries.

 

However, the foreign operations of local banks still constitute less than 1% of each bank’s total assets, except BBL, which has double-digit figures due to its extensive experience in this sector.

 

Jindarat Sirisithichote noted that with the strong growth in Southeast Asian economies, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Thai banks have substantial opportunities for regional expansion. Fitch expects Thai banks to steadily grow internationally by establishing branches and seeking acquisitions. This approach will aid banks in diversifying their revenue streams and applying their locally acquired expertise to similar overseas markets.

 

Announced in February, SCB’s agreement to acquire a 100% share of consumer finance lender Home Credit Vietnam is an example of this strategic international growth. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2025, and will likely support SCB’s international banking business in the long term.

 

Economic growth

 

Revenue growth for KBank’s international banking business is projected at around 20% for 2024, following a 25% uptick the previous year. Krungsri aims to increase its revenue from this segment to 25% in three years, a significant rise from 14% in 2023. BBL, the country’s largest lender by total assets and a leading player in the international banking business, plans to sustain the segment at about 25% of the total loan portfolio in the coming years.

 

According to Jindarat Sirisithichote, the growth in regional business opportunities has encouraged the Thai corporate sector to expand offshore. Over the past decade, overseas direct investment has seen a remarkable 223% increase, providing a ready customer base for Thai banks entering international markets, reported Bangkok Post.

 

However, Thai banks will likely face increased competition from global counterparts, who are also keen on expanding their footprint in the region.

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16

 

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[mark5335]

23 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai banks will likely face increased competition from global counterparts, who are also keen on expanding their footprint in the region.

Perhaps, although Citibank, HSBC and Standard Chartered have each retreated and downsized their retail banking footprint in ASEAN in recent years.

[Middle Aged Grouch]

Sure the Thai banks will start to expand and increase their cash flow...starting by increasing the bank fees for all those awful farangs and their huge amounts of money they bring in !!!! And of course, saving account high interest only for Thai, no for phalang...Farang only bring  money and that's it. But I sincerely hope I am wrong in this rather trivial statement ?

[Romano Bummies]

Growth pute.

[jollyhangmon]

 

... sure, could always finance couple more power plants poisoning the whole region, conveniently built in say Laos with even more corruption ergo no environmental reviews, worked well already.

 

[mikebell]

The growth for the big Thai banks is driven by profiteering; customer exploitation; and racism.

[john donson]

they give max 2.x% interest compared to 5-6 in western countries

 

impossible to sent money back to your own account if not on a wp...

 

retirement, 800k you cannot touch or go under 400k ... at super low interest of nothing to near to nothing...