Recently, I’ve also started to wonder which bank stocks are good. In fact, it’s an understandable question because bank stocks seem to be a safe option for people who want stocks with strong fundamentals and consistent dividends. However, the problem is that there are many bank stocks—both in Thailand and abroad. If you don’t study them properly, it’s easy to invest in a random, haphazard way.

So I gathered information and analyzed 12 interesting stocks, divided into 6 Thai banks and 6 foreign banks, to provide a clear picture of which bank stocks are good for the current situation.

Let’s start with Thai banks. BBL is the main one that many people have followed for a long time, thanks to its solid financial base, broad international network, and dividends that never disappoint. As for KBANK, it stands out in Digital Banking through K PLUS, which has a large number of users. Still, you need to keep an eye on NPLs from its large SME portfolio. SCB, which has been restructured into SCBX, is exciting because it is moving into financial technology, but it also comes with some uncertainty. KTB benefits from being a state-owned bank, and from the app “Pao Tang” (๋Pao Tang) that has a huge user base. TTB, formed from a merger, is building synergy and is expected to deliver strong results this year. BAY is also worth following because MUFG is the major shareholder, providing support in technology and its network.

Looking abroad, JPM is considered a leading global bank, with diverse businesses and a high level of trust. Meanwhile, BAC is the second-largest bank in the United States and benefits from rising interest rates. HSBC has strengths as a gateway connecting the West and the East. DBS is the leader in Digital Banking in the ASEAN region, with strong performance. ICBC has the largest asset size in the world, but it also carries specific risks that need to be watched. MUFG of Japan may benefit if the Bank of Japan truly raises interest rates as planned.

So why are bank stocks still worth investing in? First of all, current interest rates are still higher than during COVID, which is a positive factor for net interest income. Bank dividends—especially for large banks—are often consistent and provide satisfactory returns. If the Thai and global economies continue to recover, loan demand will increase. In addition, the valuations of many of these stocks are not too expensive when compared with their historical P/E averages. And one new momentum trend is building Banking Ecosystems through applications. Banks are no longer just taking deposits and issuing loans—they’re becoming platforms that connect a variety of services together: shopping, delivery, insurance, investing—all within a single app.

For trading, if you’re buying Thai bank stocks, it’s straightforward: open an account with a broker, deposit funds, and place orders through the application. If you want to invest overseas, many Thai brokers already offer these services, or you can use CFD if you want leverage and flexibility. But remember that CFDs come with higher risks.

In summary, which bank stocks are good depends on your own situation and your willingness to take risk. If you want safety and consistent dividends, large banks in both Thailand and abroad are good options. If you want growth and innovation, you may consider stocks that are restructuring toward the digital direction. The key is to study the information carefully—don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions too quickly. Invest with awareness and for the long term, and that can help improve returns.