Clicx unveils next-generation banking vision

Clicx Bank, Thailand’s first virtual bank licence holder, is scheduled to launch its mobile application on June 19, aiming to tap underserved customers.

The virtual bank, jointly established by Krungthai Bank (KTB), Advanced Info Service (AIS) and PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR), received its licence on May 14, becoming the first of three applicants to obtain approval from the Bank of Thailand.

The three companies have a combined customer base of more than 50 million, which Clicx Bank plans to target for its virtual banking services.

According to the central bank, more than 63% of Thais are underserved in terms of access to financial services, while over 80% have emergency savings sufficient to cover living expenses for no more than six months in the event of a sudden income disruption.

These figures highlight how many Thais still lack access to financial services that are appropriate, flexible and aligned with their financial realities, said Suporn Sunthornrohit, chief executive of Clicx Bank.

The bank sees a meaningful opportunity to create a new model of financial services that understands the real lives of Thais, she said.

KTB offers deep financial expertise, while AIS has digital and technological capabilities, and OR a strong understanding of everyday consumer lifestyles, Ms Suporn said.

“This is not merely another mobile bank, but a next-generation financial platform that understands customers better through the integration of technology, data and real-life behavioural insights, with the goal of expanding financial opportunities for Thais on a broad scale,” she said.

By eliminating physical branches, the bank plans to leverage lower operating costs to invest heavily in cutting-edge technology and data analytics, Ms Suporn said.

“Clicx intends to focus on groups often overlooked by traditional banking, such as online merchants and delivery drivers, whose irregular income streams often exclude them from standard credit products despite their high earning potential,” she noted.

DIGITAL INNOVATION

Clicx Bank plans to utilise behavioural data to assess customer potential.

Ms Suporn said this approach allows the bank to offer personalised products, such as customisable account numbers, which will be available from June 2. In a first for Thailand, users will be able to choose their own seven-digit account number.

Its value-added savings offering includes accounts designed not only to generate interest, but also to reduce daily expenses, with rewards such as free internet, coffee or fuel discounts.

Accounts can be opened without a minimum deposit.

The virtual bank did not unveil its interest rates for deposit and lending services, and is holding off on setting a customer target as it evaluates market figures.

Clicx is considering details such as the maximum lending amount per customer, total lending volume and the timeline for launching lending services in the market, she said.

Managing non-performing loans will be a priority for the bank, Ms Suporn said.

Addressing concerns regarding data privacy and surveillance, the bank clarified that all data usage is strictly intended to create financial opportunities and requires explicit customer consent.

The bank’s system follows international cybersecurity standards, with 24/7 monitoring to ensure stability and safety for all users, she said.

The bank is headquartered at CRC Tower in All Seasons Place on Wireless Road.

Customer support is provided through its app, a dedicated call centre (1188) and physical touchpoints at AIS shops nationwide for those requiring assistance.

Somchai Lertlarpwasin, assistant governor for financial institutions supervision at the central bank, said earlier that the two other successful applicants for virtual bank licences had requested delays to their business operations.

The applicants are ACM Holding, backed by the Charoen Pokphand Group, and the SCB X consortium, which includes KakaoBank and WeBank.

Source – Bangkok News