banking industry

  • Business NewsTBA to the rescue: Thai bankers roll out debt relief plan

    TBA to the rescue: Thai bankers roll out debt relief plan

    The Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) is set to roll out a major debt restructuring programme to provide much-needed relief to the country’s household debt crisis. The scheme, expected to span three years, will focus on borrowers with a staggering 1.4 trillion baht in debt, covering everything from mortgages to auto loans and small business borrowings. In a bold move to…

  • Business NewsBanking stocks set to cash in as BoT preps for another cut

    Banking stocks set to cash in as BoT preps for another cut

    Stock market sleuths are buzzing as banking stocks look set to surge with global interest rates on the slide. All eyes are on the Bank of Thailand (BoT), expected to slash its policy rate again this December. Last week’s unexpected chop of 25 basis points to 2.25% marked the first cut in more than four years, echoing similar moves by…

  • Thailand NewsMortgage growth in Thailand hits 23-year low at 1.2%

    Mortgage growth in Thailand hits 23-year low at 1.2%

    Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) projects a mere 1.2% growth in mortgages within the commercial banking sector this year, marking the lowest expansion rate in 23 years. This subdued growth is largely due to the weakened purchasing power of potential homebuyers. According to Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of banking and financial sector research at K-Research, the second quarter of 2024 saw commercial…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s virtual banking sector faces competition for licences

    Thailand’s virtual banking sector faces competition for licences

    Thailand’s emerging virtual banking sector is seeing intense competition as the number of applications has surpassed the available licences. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) announced it received five applications for virtual banking licences before the deadline, with plans to grant a maximum of three licences. The successful bidders are expected to be announced by mid-2025. The BoT has not disclosed…

  • Thailand NewsCiti Thailand’s transformative era under Narumon’s leadership

    Citi Thailand’s transformative era under Narumon’s leadership

    The bustling financial landscape of Thailand is witnessing a transformative era under the leadership of 52 year old Narumon Chivangkur. With an enviable career spanning 28 years at Citi, she currently holds the esteemed positions of Citi Country Officer (CCO) and Banking Head of Citi Thailand. Her journey reflects not only her professional dedication but also her unique blend of…

  • Business NewsBank of Thailand anticipates slower loan growth: Interest rates not main factor

    Bank of Thailand anticipates slower loan growth: Interest rates not main factor

    The Bank of Thailand anticipates a slower pace of loan growth in the banking industry due to reduced demand, while asserting that rising interest rates are not the main factor impacting loan expansion. The central bank’s soft loan programme, which aimed to aid small and medium-sized enterprises, largely contributed to the increased borrowing during the post-pandemic recovery period. Sakkapop Panyanukul,…