The Bank of Thailand plans to issue white-label ATM licenses next year to enhance financial access nationwide, particularly in underserved areas, while promoting digital banking and consumer protection.
Key Points
- The Bank of Thailand plans to issue new licenses for white-label ATMs to enhance financial access and inclusion, allowing banks and non-bank operators to brand and operate their ATMs. The initiative, part of the Financial Landscape 2025 framework, aims to serve remote areas, pending approval from the Finance Ministry.
- Assistant Governor Daranee Saeju highlighted that the licensing will cater to banks, fintech firms, and ATM providers, with a focus on keeping fees for basic services low while allowing higher fees for innovative offerings. Despite a drive towards cashless transactions, many consumers still rely on cash and physical banking.
- The central bank is promoting digital payment growth through platforms like PromptPay, with significant user transaction increases. Bangkok Bank is exploring the new ATM scheme to address limited physical presence, as it regularly closes branches in response to rising digital transaction rates.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has announced plans to launch white-label ATM licences next year, aiming to promote competition and enhance access to financial services across the nation. This initiative is expected to diversify the ATM landscape, allowing non-bank entities to operate cash withdrawal and deposit machines.
Under the new framework, private companies and fintech firms will be granted licences to deploy ATMs, breaking the monopoly traditionally held by commercial banks. This move is anticipated to increase the number of machines available to consumers, particularly in underserved regions. Currently, Thailand boasts approximately 60,000 ATMs, predominantly operated by major banks.
The initiative is a strategic response to growing demands for greater financial inclusion, particularly in rural communities. According to a recent BOT report, about 20% of Thais are still without easy access to banking facilities. “Our goal is to empower more players in the market, making financial services more accessible and innovative,” said an official from the Bank of Thailand during a press briefing.
The rollout of white-label ATMs will also include regulations aimed at ensuring security and consumer protection, ensuring that customers can trust these new machines as readily as they do existing bank ATMs. Moreover, it could provide a profitable venture for tech companies eager to enter the financial sector.
When implemented, this initiative could mark a significant shift in Thailand’s banking landscape, potentially improving cash accessibility for millions and fostering a more competitive environment among financial institutions.
Sources: Bank of Thailand, local financial news outlets
