Brokerage firm KTB Securities (KTBS) plans to list on the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) by 2018 to raise funds to fuel the expansion of its internet-focused services.
The company, a relatively new player on the market, says its focus on digital investment tools will make it big enough to list next year.
Win Udomrachtavanich, chief executive of KTBS, said the company has operated for three years (which would make it eligible for the MAI), but its business its too small to list at present.
KTBS's performance for the first two quarters of 2017 was in line with expectations, said Mr Win. The company's revenue climbed 67% to 385 million baht year-on-year in the first six months. It had net profit of 7 million baht for the period, up from a net loss of 4 million year-on-year.
He said KTBS incorporates algorithmic trading services from different providers, which allows it to offer strategies that cater to its client's particular investment styles. For example, it offers private funds and bond trading.
"KBTS aims to be a leader in product innovation in the brokerage space by 2020," said Mr Win.
KTBS projects the economy will expand 3.4% in the second half of the year. The increase will be driven by gains in exports and tourism, but lower consumption and floods in the Northeast will hurt growth.
The firm said the baht will hover at an average of 33.2 to the dollar, and oil prices will remain between $45-50 per barrel.
For the second half of the year, Mr Win said KTBS will focus on investments in the EU, Japan, the US, and China, as well as in Thai property in its search for yield.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand will stay in the range of 1,540-1,600, he said. The tourism and transport sectors have high potential for the year, but investors should be wary of banking and property sector stocks.
