กรุงเทพฯ--6 ก.พ.--SET
As part of its investor base expansion strategy, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is encouraging securities firms to provide services at 40 bank branches in 2008.
The Exchange is adopting a collaborative approach to marketing and aims to attract 100,000 new investors this year — an increase of 5% over 2007, SET President Ms. PatareeyaBenjapolchai said.
“We will support securities firms creating outlets - mini-branches or online facilities - at banks and department stores, so investors trade stocks online and more conveniently. At some outlets, brokers will provide staff to assist customers with opening accounts or investment advice,” Ms. Patareeya added.
This year SET aims at encouraging securities firms to provide services at 40 bank branches. SET executives have visited banks and securities firms to point out the advantages and mutual benefits of the scheme
Last year, Siam City Bank PCL (SCIB) worked with Siam City Securities Co., Ltd. (SCIBS) to open five outlets at its branches in Phuket, Singburi, Suphanburi, Nakornsawan and Chiangmai. These brokerage outlets have attracted more customers to the bank. For example, SCIB’s Chiangmai branch had 100 new accounts after only two months into the project, SCIB President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chaiwat Utaiwan said.
“Establishing a brokerage outlet requires only THB 400,000, while setting up a full branch costs THB 6 — 10 million. The scheme is economical and provides clients with the convenience of doing their transactions in a bank. This year, we will continue working with SCIBS to open 10 more outlets in, for example, Chonburi and Nakornsawan provinces,” Mr. Chaiwat noted.
To keep bank staff updated and informed about capital market products, SCIB, SET and some securities firms have provided workshops for them in Phuket, Chiangmai and neighboring areas.
In 2007, 27 brokerage outlets opened at banks and department stores - four in the Northern region, eight in the Southern, four in the Northeastern, one in the Eastern, and ten in the Central region.