Thailand

The lender attributes improved economy to help debtors repay. 

Private equity funds' search for SMEs and latter's financing needs prompts SCB to act as middleman.

Lender attempts to teach SME customers and offer promotional campaigns to hedge against financial risk.

Lender to review Nok's competitiveness and financial soundness before it would divest its 10% stake.

Lender now has $1.24bln bad loans as it slices off its second quarter $1.5bln net NPL.

Kasikornbank, Kiatnakin, Siam City, Tisco among local lenders that reaped growth despite political unrest.

But analysts say with strong capital and liquidity, stronger banks can still maintain overall performance in 2010.

With years of experience in the private sector, the Kasikornbank president is eyed as the next Bank of Thailand governor.

Krung Thai has determined remedies to soften the impact from the political unrest on clients. The bank will be extending the repayment period, use principal waiving, and set the financial amount as a circular capital worth over 5 billion baht. It will also provide the head office and branches in Bangkok, places for customers to sell their goods.

Bank of Ayudhya and its subsidiaries issued measures to alleviate the plights of customers suffering from the recent political crisis. It will be allowing affected debtors to repay only interests during given grace period, and extending their repayment periods. In addition, the Bank stands ready to offer help to businesses related to tourism industry and relevant segments affected by the same crisis.

But rating agency said Thai banks' overall financial positions should remain relatively strong in 2010.

Moody's is maintaining its stable outlook on Thailand's banking system despite the recent escalation of violence in the country. This is based on the sector's asset quality and earnings showing considerable resilience to political turbulence in recent years.

Lender harnesses Internet to protect its business from global and political uncertainty.

SCIB chief is optimistic that the combined 679 branches will provide room for further expansion.

Analysts believe net profit growth at $187mln may be sustained due to economic rebound.

Lender sees high-value financial services as vital scheme to strengthen bank’s profitability amidst fierce competition.