SCB X AI-Powered Virtual Bank to Launch in 2026 with USD140m Capital

SCB X, the parent company of Siam Commercial Bank, plans to launch its virtual bank by mid-2026 under the “AI Native Bank” model, deploying artificial intelligence from inception to deliver tailored digital services. The initiative forms part of SCB X’s third-generation growth strategy and aims to serve as a new S-curve growth engine.

Backed by initial capital of THB5bn (USD140m), SCB X will retain an 80–90% stake in the venture, partnering with South Korea’s KakaoBank and China’s WeBank. CEO-designate Arak Sutivong stated that AI integration would reduce operational costs, with staff expenses expected to fall to 20% of total costs, compared with 40% at traditional banks. The virtual bank will scale progressively in line with regulatory and economic conditions.