Mr. Apinan Klayapatin, CEO of Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group stated that the Thai economy in 2023 still faces risks from high inflation, rising interest rates, and a global recession that could broadly impact credit quality. As a result, this year, Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group plans to grow its business cautiously, aiming for total loan growth of 13%. The focus will be on expanding the customer base with potential and enhancing accessibility through digital platforms for savings and investments, including both Edge and Dime, with the Dime application currently having over 100,000 downloads.

For the 2022 financial results, the net profit was 7,602 million baht, an increase of 20.3% from the previous year, primarily driven by the commercial banking sector, which saw total loans grow by 21.4%. The fund management business also experienced revenue growth, while the investment business continued to perform well due to profits from securities trading and derivatives in a volatile environment. Meanwhile, the investment banking sector generated good revenue from transactions in the second half of 2022, and the personal wealth management business currently manages assets under advice (AUA) exceeding 700 billion baht.

Given the economic conditions, the business plan for this year remains focused on strategic growth (Smart Growth), selectively expanding loans to potential customers and secured loans, such as auto loans and housing loans, while also targeting the new "money-calling car" loan product.

Mr. Precha Techrungchayakul, Head of Finance and Budget at Kiatnakin Phatra Bank Public Company Limited noted that in 2022, the reserve levels remained high compared to 2021 with a reserve ratio to credit-impaired loans at 154.4%. The bank saw an increase in both net interest income and non-interest income, with net interest income amounting to 19,081 million baht, a 21.5% increase, while non-interest income was 8,457 million baht, a decrease of 1.0% from 2021. The bank's total capital ratio to risk-weighted assets (BIS Ratio), calculated under Basel III including profits up to the end of 2022, stood at 16.26%, with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 12.88%.

On the economic outlook, Dr. Pipat Leuangnaruemit, Chief Economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited stated that KKP Research has revised its GDP forecast for Thailand this year from 2.8% to 3.6% due to the recovery in tourism and the return of Chinese visitors. However, it is expected that the economic recovery this year may not be widespread, as tourism revenue may be concentrated in certain provinces only. Exports are anticipated to contract in the first half of the year, in line with the global economic slowdown, but may recover in the second half if the Chinese economy rebounds.