"Since the Securities and Exchange Commission has allowed asset-management firms to open branches, ING is very interested in this idea. We're about to open this kind of cyberbranch soon, starting with five stores," managing director Maris Tarab said last week. Bt5 million-Bt10 million will be spent on computers, Internet connections, closed-circuit TV and space rentals.

Opening cyberbranches would help the firm expand its customer base, as it now depends on sales via Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank and HSBC, which do not operate nationwide. "Customers can walk to the convenience store and fill in the subscription form for the fund they want to buy. If they have any problem, they can just pick up the phone and call our call centre. We also have a CCTV installed, so our call-centre staff can offer the right assistance," Maris said.

Piyarat Setthasiriphaiboon

 The Nation