Mr. Kenichi Yamato, Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "As we mark 80 years of Krungsri's legacy and advance into the second year of our Medium-Term Business Plan (MTBP) covering 2024-2026, we reflect on a journey built on trust, innovation, and resilience. These values have guided us to where we are today. Looking ahead, we are more committed than ever to shaping a future where sustainability and digital transformation drive meaningful growth. 'Shaping Future Together' goes beyond being a theme - it encompasses multiple dimensions. It's not only about Krungsri's future, but also the future of our customers and society. This is our call to action, and we are determined to lead the way in delivering innovative financial solutions that empower businesses, individuals, and communities to thrive, not just in Thailand but across ASEAN and beyond."
Balanced Growth in Financial Performance for 2024
In 2024, Krungsri delivered balanced growth, with a net profit of 29,700 million baht, demonstrating resilience despite global economic challenges. The bank's unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible finance was evident in Krungsri's leadership in ESG and sustainable finance, as well as investing in digital solutions and AI-driven technologies which strengthened its position while maintaining robust risk management practices. Notable achievements included:
- Sustainable Finance Leadership: Krungsri solidified its market leader position in ESG bond underwriting with a 19% market share.
- AI-Powered Banking Service: Krungsri introduced, an AI-driven valuation system, and optimized ATM cash replenishment solutions, significantly enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Krungsri is committed not only to integrating sustainability into its core business but also to fostering a sustainable society where economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social well-being are interconnected. Krungsri Net Zero Vision focuses on minimizing its environmental impact and assisting customers in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Key sustainable initiatives in 2024 included empowering over 500 corporates and SMEs through the ESG Academy and ESG Symposium, guiding on navigating sustainability challenges. Another key sustainable initiative in 2024 was the reduction of carbon emissions through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction initiatives, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Expanding Regional Presence
Krungsri' s expansion into ASEAN has further solidified its leadership in the region. The bank's network now extends across Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, serving over 19 million customers. In 2024, Krungsri launched the QR Cross-Border Payment service, facilitating millions of transactions in eight countries, including Laos, as part of the Bank of Thailand's connectivity initiative. Additionally, Krungsri is fostering Japan-ASEAN collaboration through the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2024, which facilitated numerous new business partnerships in sectors such as HealthTech, FinTech, and ESG Solutions.
Strategic Priorities for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Krungsri focuses on driving corporate transformation to establish a solid foundation for future growth through its key strategic priorities.
- ONE Krungsri: Krungsri is committed to operating as a unified ONE Krungsri team—fostering a cohesive, agile, and customer-centric organization. By ensuring seamless collaboration across all business units within Krungsri and extending beyond borders into ASEAN, the Bank capitalizes its strengths, enhances cross-segment cooperation, and creates expanded opportunities for growth.
- Regional Expansion: With a focus on strengthening cross-border payments and digital financial solutions, Krungsri is committed to deepening its regional presence while supporting the economic growth of ASEAN nations.
- Sustainability Leadership: To reinforce its leadership in sustainable finance, Krungsri has set a new target to expand its Social and Sustainability Finance (SSF) portfolio to 250 billion baht by 2030. This initiative will continue to support clients with sustainable finance solutions while driving environmental responsibility through green finance initiatives.
Investing in People and Technology
Krungsri remains committed to investing in both its workforce and digital infrastructures. The People Xcellence strategy supports leadership development, regional talent mobility, and building an inclusive workplace, while investments in digital banking technology, data analytics and AI focus on human-centric innovations designed to improve service delivery and enhance customer experiences. Key technological advancements include embedded finance solutions in partnership with leading digital platforms, integrating seamlessly into customers' everyday lives and enabling seamless transactions across e-commerce platforms, thereby making their daily lives simpler.
Krungsri emphasizes balanced and sustainable growth and expects its loan business to grow by 2-4% through 2025, with a targeted net interest margin (NIM) of 3.8-4.1%. The bank anticipates a Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio between 3.25% and 3.50%, and the cost-to-income ratio will be in the mid-40s%.
"Tomorrow starts now - Shaping the Future Together. We recognize that challenges create the greatest opportunities. Our 80 years of growth and transformation serve as a foundation to continue our journey toward a sustainable future and digital banking. Together, we will drive growth, embrace innovation, and stay true to our purpose - making customers' lives simpler every day." Mr. Yamato concluded.
Source: Spark Communications