The Bank of Thailand has officially granted the country’s first virtual banking license to CLICX, a joint venture established by three of Thailand’s leading organizations: Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited (KTB), Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR).
The regulatory approval, issued on May 14, 2026, marks a historic milestone for Thailand’s financial industry as it introduces its first licensed branchless commercial bank. Following the receipt of the license, CLICX has announced plans to officially launch its digital financial services to the public by June 2026.
Redefining the financial experience
Operating under the core concept of “Bank in One CLICX,” the venture is designed to move beyond a traditional digital bank and evolve into a “Beyond Banking” platform. The platform aims to seamlessly integrate financial services directly into the everyday lives of consumers, completely free from the limitations of physical branches, paperwork, or traditional service models.
The strategic partnership leverages three distinct corporate strengths from its parent organizations: wide-reaching digital technology that connects people at scale, trusted financial expertise, and an ecosystem that reaches consumers across their everyday touchpoints. The granting of the license reflects the entity’s readiness to operate a fully digital banking business, backed by capabilities in technology, cybersecurity, service standards, and an understanding of modern financial behavior.
Alternative data and financial inclusion
A primary mission of CLICX is to advance financial inclusion by expanding equal access to financial services for all groups of Thai people. The platform specifically targets demographics whose needs are not fully served by the traditional financial system, particularly those who face limitations regarding financial history, income patterns, or formal income documents. These groups include:
- Freelancers, riders, and taxi drivers
- Daily wage workers and individuals with irregular income
- Online merchants and small entrepreneurs
- Students and first-jobbers
To serve these segments, the platform will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the customer experience and conduct real-life behavior analytics. By analyzing alternative data—including lifestyle patterns, communication, mobility, and everyday service usage—CLICX intends to build a comprehensive financial view and a deeper understanding of its users beyond what is shown on traditional documents.
This non-financial behavioral data will be used to develop a new credit assessment model. This approach aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of repayment capability assessments, opening up funding opportunities for individuals and businesses while helping to reduce informal debt and the informal economy. Additionally, the bank plans to use the concepts of behavioral finance to support financial education, encourage savings behavior, and foster long-term financial stability among its users.
Regulatory alignment and services
The platform’s operational model is designed to align with the Bank of Thailand’s policy to promote Open Data for Consumer Empowerment. This regulatory framework enables consumers to make better use of their own data rights, allowing CLICX to gain deeper insights and deliver tailored services.
The bank’s initial portfolio of services will focus on savings, money management, and access to personalized credit solutions. Throughout its operations, the venture intends to place a strong emphasis on transparency, security, and ensuring a true alignment with each customer’s actual repayment capability.
Commitment to sustainable development goals
The establishment of this branchless bank also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The venture has connected its business model to four specific global goals:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Supporting poverty reduction by expanding financial access.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Harnessing technological innovation to help drive the country’s economy.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Advancing equal access to financial platforms.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Fostering multi-sector corporate partnerships to advance sustainable development initiatives.
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