Thailand

Krungthai beat expectations by releasing 80,000 more new cards and earning $6 million net.

Acleda Bank now has 76 ATMs in 51 offices nationwide and 7 outdoor ATMs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Bangkok Bank recorded a net profit for the three months to 30 September 30 of US$149.4 million.

The Thai banking system’s continuous political volatility and economic uncertainty will suppress domestic demand and investment sentiment.

Pursuant to the agreement, the Chinese bank which is the world's biggest lender by market value, will buy Bangkok Bank's ACL Bank shares at 11.5 Thai baht ($0.34) apiece, as reported in China Knowledge. Bangkok Bank is Thailand’s largest lender.

Thanachart’s Chairman Banterng Tantivit said in a Reuters report on Oct 6: "It is in preparation in order to buy a stake in SCIB if we win the bid...and the rest will be used to boost our capital base". Under the plan, which got approval from a shareholder meeting Oct. 6, the bank would issue up to 4 billion new shares with a par value of 10 baht each to raise its registered capital to 59 billion baht from 19 billion baht. The share sale might be in one tranche or several tranches, according the bank's statement issued to its shareholders. Banterng declined to disclose the amount of funds for the acquisition until the bank completed due diligence.

The two companies target to sell 50,000 of Thailand's first housing credit card in the first year of its release.

Stanchart targets US$1 billion worth of secured loans in 2012 by shifting its strategy.

Despite expecting 3 percent to 5 percent growth in loans this year, SCB executive chairman Vichit Suraphongchai studies ways to upgrade the bank's core system.

Siam Commercial Bank is targeting 60,000 card holders within one year for its new "SCB Beyond Platinum" Credit Card aimed at expanding the high-end customer base. It has a wide range of benefits under the "Always Upgrade" concept catering to all client lifestyles, such as an entitlement of up to 4 times reward points, upgrading of air tickets and hotel accommodations, and many other privileges.

And the government considers waiving 49 percent rule to allow foreign banks to take a controlling stake.

Thousands of Google AdWords customers across Thailand are getting assistance from Bangkok Bank financial pre-payment options.

KTB anticipates approving loans of not less than US5.2 billion in the second half of the year.

Bangkok Bank has cooperated with postal services in Japan, South Korea, and Israel for transferring funds to recipients' accounts at Thai banks.

Kasikornbank and its subsidiaries recorded a net profit of US$220.5 million for the first half of 2009. The said net profit is 13.83 percent lower than US$255.89 million net earning during the same period last year.

The SMI Capability Enhancement Project is offering financial support of up to US$2.938 million per entrepreneur for the second year.