**News Flash: Thailand's Kasikornbank to Launch First Licensed Digital Asset Custodian**

Thailand's Kasikornbank (KBank), the country's second-largest bank by assets, is set to launch orbix Custodian, the nation's first licensed digital asset custodian. The license, granted by the Ministry of Finance and supervised by the SEC, was obtained on September 13 but announced two weeks later. Operations are expected to commence in early 2025.

**KBank's Crypto Ventures:**

- **orbix Custodian:** Part of KBank's digital-focused Unita Capital.

- **orbix Invest & Technology:** Inherited from Satang, offering blockchain services.

- **orbix Trade:** Cryptocurrency exchange, formerly Satang.

- **orbix Reward:** Loyalty program launched in September.

**AI Initiatives:**

KBank's tech subsidiary, KBTC, collaborates with AI Singapore and Google Research on Project SEALD to develop large language models in Southeast Asian languages.