KBank eyes 25% of B150bn flood-recovery business loans

Kasikornbank (KBank) projects corporate loan demand for post-flood business recovery will amount to 150 billion baht next year, with itself lending 25% of the total.

The strong economic momentum will continue to provide greater business opportunities for corporate customers and financial services next year, says Mr Vasin. 

Vasin Vanichvoranun, an executive vice-president, said seven sectors are expected to seek major financial support for rehabilitation, including automobiles and auto parts, electronics and property.

So far 1,420 of KBank's large corporate customers affected by the crisis have asked for additional credit lines worth a combined 15 billion baht.

Mr Vasin said flood-hit customers will not increase non-performing loans thanks to KBank's relief package offerings, plus most are financially stable enough to continue servicing their debts.

The debt-to-equity ratio of the flood-affected customers is relatively low, in the range of 1.3 to 1.6 times.

As well, wholesale clients are expected to require 1.2 trillion baht next year for business recovery and domestic and international expansion, as well as debt repayment and refinancing.

KBank expects its share from all of these markets to increase to 25% from 22% now.

To this end, it has set a 2012 corporate loan growth target of 9% for next year based on next year's 4.3% growth projection for Thailand's gross domestic product.

"The strong economic momentum will continue to provide greater business opportunities for corporate customers and the bank's financial services next year, both locally and internationally," said Mr Vasin.

KBank, the country's third-largest institution by assets, has set a goal of nine merger and acquisition deals, 75 long-term loan agreements, 21 bond offering deals, five initial public offerings and 43 foreign business expansion contracts next year.

This will help to contribute to revenue growth of 20% from wholesale banking and 22% from fee-based income.

For the first nine months of this year, KBank booked corporate loan growth of 10% for a combined loan portfolio worth 353 billion baht.