Message from Chairman

The year 2023 is another challenging year in many aspects. The global and Thai economies continue to face challenges and uncertainties, and there are new regulatory issues aimed at promoting good financial discipline based on the principles of Responsible Lending, according to the policies of the Bank of Thailand. The Company has conducted its business according to good corporate governance principles, providing fair services to customers and managing risks efficiently to ensure that the Company's operations achieve their goals, in line with the context of sustainable development of the country and international standards. The Company's board of directors has overseen and performed their duties for the utmost benefit of the Company, shareholders, and all stakeholders in a balanced manner, emphasizing support for the management's operations in all aspects, along with internal control, risk management, organizational development, and good and transparent corporate governance.

SAWAD has continued to grow, with the Company and its subsidiaries (ending on December 31, 2023) reporting a total net profit of 5,254 million baht. The Company earned 15,743.71 million baht in interest income and 3,170.82 million baht in other income, totaling 18,914.53 million baht in revenue. This represents an increase of more than 54% compared to the same period of the previous year. The growth in 2023 stems from the core business achieving its targets, including the transition of Fast Money Company Limited ("FM") from an associate company to a subsidiary, leading to increased interest income. This pushed the total loan portfolio for the year to expand to a high level of 98,569 million baht, thereby supporting continuous revenue and net profit growth according to the plan.

Driving the strategy to expand the business, leveraging expertise in the loan service business to create the best experience for customers, the Company operates carefully, securely, delivering value to stakeholders, and fostering sustainability for the organization. The Company resolved to purchase 4,900,000 ordinary shares of Fast Money Company Limited, with a par value of 100 baht per share, by repurchasing shares from the Government Savings Bank according to the shareholder agreement between the Government Savings Bank and the Company (the shareholder agreement), at a price of 306 baht per share, amounting to 1,499.4 million baht. This price is the same as the price at which the Company previously sold the said ordinary shares to the Government Savings Bank, resulting in an increase in the shareholding ratio to 98% from the previous 49%. Bringing Fast Money Company Limited back under management will help the Company manage costs effectively, support increased revenue, and expand the loan portfolio according to the planned targets. Additionally, there is an expansion of the business with the establishment of a subsidiary, Srisawad Asset Solutions Co., Ltd., aimed at supporting the restructuring of asset management business shareholding and accommodating the company's investment in asset management and other businesses. This enhances the company's strength, generating sustainable and stable profits.