I’ve seen a lot of people asking which bank stocks are good this year, so I’d like to share our perspective on this.

Actually, when it comes to stocks with strong fundamentals, consistent dividends, and stability, bank stocks are always near the top. But the issue is that the market offers a lot of choices—whether Thai banks or foreign banks—each one suits different needs.

Let’s start with Thai banks. BBL is known as a leader in large business loans and has a comprehensive overseas branch network, giving a sense of safety and stability. KBANK focuses on SME customers and digital services through K PLUS, which has a large user base, but you need to be careful about risky lending. SCB is restructuring into SCBX, aiming toward financial technology businesses—exciting, but also comes with uncertainty. KTB benefits from being a state-owned bank, and its “Pao Tang” app is widely used. TTB was formed through a merger and is still in the process of improving efficiency. BAY, with MUFG as its major shareholder, gives the impression of strong support in both capital and technology.

When it comes to which bank stocks are good globally, JPMorgan Chase is considered a top contender—the largest bank in the United States, with a diverse range of business lines, which makes it highly stable. Bank of America is another large and popular option among professional investors. HSBC, with a strong base in Asia, is suitable for those looking for a connection between the West and the East. DBS of Singapore is known as a leader in digital banking. ICBC of China may look inexpensive, but it carries its own specific risks that should be considered. MUFG of Japan could benefit if the Bank of Japan adjusts its interest rate policies.

So why are bank stocks still attractive? Because interest rates remain higher than during the COVID period. Banks’ net interest margin still offers good opportunities. In addition, dividends remain a key draw. Large banks often pay dividends steadily. If the economy recovers as expected, loan demand will increase. And importantly, some bank stocks are still trading at relatively reasonable prices without being overly expensive.

For which bank stocks to choose, it depends on each person’s investment goals. If you want stability and dividends, large banks with strong fundamentals are suitable. If you’re looking for growth, banks that are restructuring toward digital may be more interesting.

Buying Thai bank stocks is easy. Just open an account with a securities firm, deposit funds, and place buy orders through an application. For international stocks, there are several routes, such as trading through Thai brokers, or using CFD services that are more flexible.

In summary, there’s no single answer to which bank stocks are good—it depends on what you’re looking for. If you understand yourself and study the information well, investing in bank stocks can be part of a good investment portfolio.