To gain more customers and raise brand awareness, he said BFIT Securities would participate in joint activities at education institutions, open booths in high-traffic areas, and organise seminars in the provinces.

The brokerage is confident of maintaining a market share this year of no less than 4 per cent, in spite of the intensified competition, said Prasit. It plans this year to open three new branches - one at Pinklao will be functional before April, and others will be in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.

BFIT Securities might also open an online branch as these are relatively inexpensive, he added.

In the investment-banking business, the company will focus on giving advice on raising funds in both the primary and the secondary markets, though the stock market is quite volatile as a result of the government's policies, Prasit said.

The investment banking service will broaden into mergers and acquisitions, he said.

"I'm confident that I will be able to use my almost 20 years' experience in the securities industry to push BFIT Securities forward. I will follow corporate governance practice together with strong management principles," he said.

Following the sharp decline in the Thai stock market, prompted by the central bank's harsh measures to counter the speculation in the baht, the New Year Eve's bombings and the amendments to the Foreign Business Act, BFIT Securities has allocated Bt300 million to Bt500 million to invest in the stock market, he added.

The investment will start by the middle of the year.

Prasit said it presented an opportunity for the company to buy cheap but good-fundamental stocks.

Siriporn Chanjindamanee The Nation