Thailand

Broad money supply grew 9%.

SME lending rising strongly from depressed levels.

Most banks expected to post record highs.

Thai Military Bank is currently an acquisition target.

It's one of the strongest in the sector.

Check out what segments will boost growth.

But getting substantial shareholding is still uncertain.

It'll be the first deal of its kind by a Japanese mega bank.

When talking about infrastructure investment, one thinks of various types of risks starting from political risks, operational risks, over-running cost & time risks, and so-on. These types of risks make the investment unattractive to investors.

Flat NIM is also expected.

BAY could benefit from MUFG's group support.

Islamic Bank of Thailand will use proceeds to hike capital.

Investors recognize that Southeast Asia is one of key markets in the decade. Stable GDP growth, political stability, and rising stock markets drive growth of the middle class and massive spending. Major players of the western countries aim to get their foothold in the region. Some of regional and local private equity (PE) players aim to make exit of their investments. AEC in 2015 onward should create opportunity for companies with good business model to expand regionally for capturing 600 population and over 100 million middle class by 2016. I am an optimistic view that it should be the right timing on getting into the region of key players. There are several alternatives of making the best exit for PE players – going initial public offering (IPO), trade sale, or management buyout. Each one has pros and cons on pursuing it.

Remains intent on asset acquisition to fuel expansion.

Loans were up 12.4%.

Nomura adjusted its Kasikornbank’s 2013-14F earnings forecast by 1%.