Message from the Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas Chairman of the Board 2021 was a year in which the world, including Thailand, remained afflicted by the prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic, posing a significant challenge to the country’s already slowing economy. However, TMBThanachart or ttb has recognized the role of financial institutions in influencing the economy. It is critical to assist both retail and commercial customers in overcoming economic hardship together and to collaborate with all sectors to support activities that promote economic recovery. All of these efforts were the Bank’s key priorities. At the same time, another bank’s primary mission was to complete the planned merger of TMB and Thanachart Bank. As a result of the merger, TMBThanachart has grown significantly in asset size, customer base, and financial transactions associated with Thai economy. Consequently, the Bank of Thailand announced TMBThanachart as one of the country’s Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs), which are critical to the country’s financial stability and economic system. Additionally, the Bank’s credit rating has been steadily increasing since the announcement of the merger in 2019 from three leading institutions: Moody’s Investor Service, S&P Global Ratings, and most recently, Fitch Ratings, which announced an increase of one notch for TMBThanachart’s long-term foreign currency rating from BBB- to BBB in 2021, reflecting the Bank’s increased potential and strength after the merger. Following the “Make REAL Change” philosophy, TMBThanachart is committed to improve the life-long financial well-being of Thai people. At the same time, the Bank has continuously adhered to and placed a high priority on prudent and transparent business practices that are consistent with the principles of good corporate governance and sustainability. Guided by good corporate governance policy, the Bank has consistently enhanced its tight internal control measures to adapt to ever-changing circumstances and comply with international standards. All of the Bank’s efforts are crucial to its robust and sustainable growth and serve the best interests of all the stakeholders as a whole. With its unwavering commitment, the Bank garnered numerous notable awards from a number of distinguished organizations, including the following: • Ranked “Excellence” for “GoodCorporateGovernance” byTheThai InstituteofDirectorsAssociation for the thirteenthconsecutiveyear • Selected for the Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) list by the Stock Exchange of Thailand for the fourth consecutive year • Selected for the FTSE4Good Index for the sixth consecutive year • Ranked No. 1 in the Bank’s assessment in compliance with the Fair Finance Thailand guideline for the third consecutive year • Received the Thailand Corporate Excellence Awards 2021 for Financial Management Excellence from the Thailand Management Association and the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University In terms of social responsibility, the Bank continues to put an emphasis on driving social initiatives. Last year, the Bank’s activities turned to online platforms to keep on inspiring youth and communities in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Among the Bank’s activities was the fai-fah learning centers, which shifted to online classes for youth to learn art and life skills. Meanwhile, to maintain community engagement in the face of the pandemic, ttb volunteers worked with communities to help transform them toward sustainability through online consultations and other means. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to shareholders, customers, business partners and all of our stakeholders for their continued support, particularly during challenging times last year. I believe that the potential and strength of TMBThanachart’s successful integration, combined with the steadfast commitment of all management team members and employees to Make REAL Change, will serve as a critical driving force in enhancing services and delivering financial solutions and innovations that cater to each customer throughout their life journey, with the ultimate goal of improving life-long financial well-being of Thai people. Form 56-1 One Report 2021 7
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