Line BK, one of Thailand's first digital banking platforms, is upbeat about achieving double-digit loan growth this year after posting solid expansion in the first half despite the country's sluggish economic conditions.
Tana Pothikamjorn, chief executive at Kasikorn Line Co Ltd, which operates the Line BK platform, said although the company recorded high single-digit loan growth in the first six months of 2026, it remains confident its total loan portfolio will expand by double digits for the full year.
Line BK grew its outstanding loan portfolio to 29 billion baht as of the end of June, up from 27 billion at the end of 2025, representing growth of 7.4%.
During the period, the company's customer base exceeded 8.8 million, up 12% year-on-year, while the number of lending customers rose 15% to around 931,000.
"Loan growth of more than 7% in the first half is a satisfactory level given the economic headwinds and our responsible lending approach," Mr Tana said.
Although demand for credit remains strong, access to financing has become more challenging as borrowers' repayment capacity weakens amid Thailand's slowing economic growth and high household debt levels, with Line BK utilising a prudent approach focused on responsible lending, he said.
Although the company is targeting double-digit loan growth this year, maintaining asset quality remains its top priority, said Mr Tana. During the first half, Line BK kept its non-performing loan ratio at a satisfactory level and expects to maintain healthy asset quality through the end of the year, he noted.
The company continues to invest in technology and enhanced its KLine Score credit assessment model to improve customer accessibility, strengthen the user experience and support more responsible lending decisions.
Line BK launched a new loan campaign along with new features aimed at expanding access to credit, while improving customers' digital financial literacy under its responsible finance framework.
Mr Tana said the gradual rollout of virtual banks in Thailand is expected to intensify competition in the digital banking sector, while accelerating financial innovation and promoting greater financial inclusion. Backed by its solid foundations, Line BK is confident it can continue expanding its business while maintaining prudent asset quality, he noted.
According to Fitch Ratings Thailand, retail lending growth has been driven primarily by non-bank lenders in recent years, as commercial banks continue to deleverage their consumer loan portfolios.
Thailand's household debt fell to 86% of GDP in the first quarter of 2026, from a peak of 96% in the same quarter of 2021. Commercial banks' exposure to the retail lending segment has declined the past three years, with loan growth limited or contracting.
"Retail lending growth has been driven mainly by non-banks, and we expect this trend to continue for 1-2 years," Fitch said.
