A specialized unit within Bank of Ayudhya, known as Krungsri, is enhancing its resources to facilitate partnerships between Japanese companies and promising startups across Southeast Asia. Bunsei Okubo, Head of Krungsri’s Japanese Corporate and Multinational Banking Group, outlined plans to better connect investors with innovative early-stage firms in high-growth industries.
By organizing business matchmaking events and advising on expansions into new markets, Krungsri aims to stimulate deal-flow and foster sustainability. Their first Japan-ASEAN Startup Conference last year resulted in over 60 startups from six nations linking up. Another is scheduled for June to drive deals between entrepreneurs and investors. The bank is also widening efforts in Laos and Vietnam to showcase digitally-focused products addressing social and environmental issues.
Areas of focus for startups include fintech, automation, food technology, healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors aligned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. To accelerate sustainable development regionally, Krungsri leverages expertise from strategic partner Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in developing finance options like green bonds and a fixed deposit supporting such initiatives.
As a top foreign investor – especially in Thailand – China represents opportunities that Krungsri stands ready to facilitate through East Asian expansion advising. The nation’s infrastructure, manufacturing base and tax privileges appeal to companies from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea seeking growth. Advisory services through their “ASEAN LINK” program ease market entry across nine Southeast Asian markets.
With a 7% loan growth target, Krungsri pledges enhanced financial and knowledge assistance for both industrial and technology customers transitioning to sustainability. As Thailand’s fifth largest conglomerate with 79 years in banking, their synergies with MUFG position them well to capture arising prospects through these tailored services.