Kasikornbank is advancing its digital asset strategy by launching Orbix Custodian, preparing to become the first licensed digital asset custodian in Thailand. This service will cater to domestic digital asset businesses. Orbix Custodian has received a license to operate as a digital asset custodian from the Ministry of Finance, under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The bank is currently preparing its operational systems before commencing business, which is a significant step in promoting and developing the digital asset industry in Thailand. The focus is on providing transparent, secure, and reliable services in accordance with domestic regulatory standards, ensuring that the custody of digital assets by digital asset businesses meets high standards, thereby enhancing protection and confidence for investors. This reinforces the bank's position as a trusted leader in financial innovation and enriches the digital asset ecosystem of its financial business.

Mr. Pipit Aneknithi, CEO of Kasikornbank, stated that the bank aims to build a strong digital asset ecosystem through effective management structures. This initiative is being carried out under Unita Capital, a subsidiary of Kasikornbank's financial business, which aims to enhance services across the digital asset ecosystem. Recently, the bank launched Orbix Custodian, preparing to be the first digital asset custodian in Thailand, raising the standards for digital asset custody. This marks an important step in building trust and security for digital asset businesses and investors. Previously, the bank's financial business under Unita Capital has already launched:

· Orbix, a digital asset trading center that has attracted diverse investor interest since its acquisition as part of the bank's financial business in October 2023.

· Orbix Invest, a digital asset fund manager that began offering services to the public in July.

· Orbix Technology, a provider of blockchain infrastructure to support various financial services in the future.

For Orbix Custodian, it received its license to operate as a digital asset custodian from the Ministry of Finance, under SEC supervision, on September 13, 2024, and is currently preparing its operational systems before officially starting its business. This is another crucial piece in expanding service offerings to enhance the digital asset ecosystem of the bank's financial business. Orbix Custodian aims to meet the needs of digital asset businesses, allowing them to better serve their investors, with plans to officially launch services in early 2025, emphasizing expertise in infrastructure, technology, processes, and cybersecurity standards. The system will be designed to align with real-world usage, focusing on developing products and services that effectively meet the needs of domestic digital asset businesses, adhering to SEC regulatory standards.

Mr. Pipit further stated that Orbix Custodian will be a significant step in supporting digital asset businesses, ensuring the safety of assets held by licensed digital asset custodians in Thailand, while laying a strong foundation for the development of a digital financial infrastructure in the future. This aligns with government policies to promote Thailand as a Digital Economy Hub and to advance the country's digital industry, preparing for changes in the financial sector.