Thailand

Lender's optimism extends to its expansion plans and growth in consumer loans.

SCB reported a 2009 net profit of US$630.6 million--almost at par with the record high set in 2008. In addition, the Bank reported a resumption of loan growth at 2.5 percent, significantly higher fee income at 10.9 percent.

Bank wants its new shareholder to help fortify operations and to revise bank's 2010 core business plan.

Bangkok Bank increased its net profit in 2009 by 0.02 percent to US$606 million.  Profit before provisioning and tax amounted to US$1.085 billion, 0.7 percent higher than 2008.

9.5 percent increase is eyed to get rosier this year due to stimulus package.

Lender targets profiting from Chinese small and medium enterprises as it ventures in the country.

Expected increase in small-sized loans prompts bank to focus on SME loans in 2010.

Maybank is targeting a turnaround in the second year of operation for its new Toul Kork branch.

Chakramon Phasukvanich takes over from Dato’ Robert Cheim Dau Meng as Chairman of the Board of Directors of CIMB Thai with effect from 1 January 2010.

Intensified lending to small and medium businesses and economic rebound give Bangkok Bank reason to cheer.

Siam Commercial Bank has maintained its strong financial profile despite political unrest and export contraction that has hit the Thai economy. This is according to Standard & Poor's credit analyst Geeta Chugh, who added that SCB's financial profile remains the strongest among its domestic peers. The bank's business profile also strengthened with about a 15 percent market share of deposits.

Krung Thai Bank will install remote product selling system in 1,382 service points by the first quarter of next year. The system enables customers to use products and services conveniently, while expediting loans' approval.

SCIB decides to suspend shedding off $271.7 million of non-performing loans due to low bids.

Maybank emphasized in an official statement that it will not make any bid for a stake in Siam City Bank.

Sources say central bank would sell its 48 percent stake as Thai government loosens foreign investments restrictions.

Siam Commercial Bank, however, expects 7 percent lending growth due to aggressive moves and better global economy.