Which bank has mutual funds that suit you? Mutual fund investment options in 2026

“I want to invest through mutual funds but don’t know which bank or asset management company is trustworthy?” This is a common question among beginner investors wondering where to start. In fact, choosing mutual funds from reputable banks or asset management companies isn’t difficult if you understand the principles and have a systematic selection process. Today, we’ll explore the world of mutual funds, compare options from leading banks, and recommend 10 interesting funds in 2026.

What are mutual funds? Why choose from established banks

Mutual funds are investment tools that pool money from many individual investors, managed by professionals called “fund managers.” Even with a small amount of capital, you can diversify risk across various assets.

Choosing a fund from a particular bank or asset management company depends on their management track record, fees, and the expertise of their fund managers. Leading Thai banks like SCB, Krungsri, Bualuang, K-Asset, and others have teams of experts ready to manage a variety of funds.

When investing in a mutual fund, your money is converted into “investment units” valued according to each fund’s investment policy. The Net Asset Value (NAV) is calculated and announced at the end of each trading day, reflecting the performance of the assets held by the fund.

Comparing leading Thai banks’ mutual funds

Selecting which bank’s mutual fund is best depends on comparing their strengths. Each institution has unique advantages:

SCB Asset Management (SCBAM) is known for managing dividend equity funds with a consistent dividend payout history, suitable for investors seeking regular cash flow.

Krungsri Asset Management (KSAM) specializes in managing diverse funds, especially ESG and sustainability-focused funds, aligning with future global trends.

Bualuang Asset Management (BBLAM) excels in managing technology and innovation-focused funds, with access to major global funds.

K-Asset (KTAM) offers growth-oriented funds with diversification through investments abroad and in emerging markets.

Other firms like Kasikorn Asset Management, Principal Asset Management, and Asset Plus Fund Management also have excellent funds in various categories.

Types of mutual funds and what to know

When looking for which bank’s mutual fund is good, understanding the fund types is essential, as each carries different risks and returns:

• Money Market Funds: Suitable for short-term cash parking, with the lowest risk, investing in deposits and high-quality short-term debt instruments.

• Fixed Income Funds: Offer higher returns than savings but less risky than equities, investing mainly in bonds and debt securities.

• Equity Funds: Also called “stock funds,” these are high-risk but can generate high long-term returns, suitable for investors comfortable with volatility.

• Hybrid Funds: Fund managers adjust the proportion of stocks and bonds based on market conditions, aiming for risk diversification.

• Sector Funds: Focused on specific industries like technology, healthcare, or energy; high risk but potential for high gains if forecasts are correct.

• Foreign Investment Funds: Allow Thai investors to diversify into global markets such as the US, Vietnam, or China.

• Index ETFs and ESG Funds: Newer tools aligned with global trends; ESG funds invest in companies with good environmental, social, and governance practices.

Tips for selecting promising mutual funds

Before choosing a fund from a bank or asset management company, follow these steps:

Step 1: Self-assessment Understand your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. For example, someone planning retirement in 30 years can take more risk than someone buying a car in 5 years.

Step 2: Study the investment policy Read the Fund Fact Sheet to see what assets the fund invests in, which countries, and its strategy.

Step 3: Analyze performance data Compare past performance, maximum drawdown, and Sharpe ratio with similar funds. Check the total expense ratio (TER), as it significantly impacts long-term returns.

Step 4: Review fund manager history Experienced and consistent managers are good indicators of future performance.

Top 10 popular mutual funds from banks and asset managers in 2026

Based on global economic outlook for 2026, which is expected to be volatile in the first half and recover in the second, with megatrends like AI, clean energy, and sustainability, we selected prominent funds from leading securities firms:

Thai dividend equity funds from top banks

1. SCB Thai Equity Dividend Fund (SCBDV) — A primary choice for steady cash flow, investing in large-cap Thai stocks with strong fundamentals. Risk level: 6.

2. Krungsri Dividend Equity Fund (KFSDIV) — Combines investments across different-sized stocks for higher growth potential with regular dividends. Risk level: 6.

Foreign tech and AI-focused funds

3. KT World Technology Artificial Intelligence Equity (KT-WTAI-A) — Invests globally in AI companies via Allianz, risk level: 6. suited for believers in AI potential.

4. Bualuang Global Innovation & Technology Fund (B-INNOTECH) — Invests in leading tech companies worldwide, including cloud computing and e-commerce. Risk level: 7.

Emerging markets funds

5. Principal Vietnam Equity A (PRINCIPAL VNEQ-A) — Directly invests in Vietnam’s high-growth market, suitable for diversification into emerging markets. Risk level: 6.

Bond and safe-haven funds

6. Krungthai Short-Term Bond Plus Fund (KTSTPLUS-A) — Invests in quality short-term bonds, ideal for cash preservation or risk reduction. Risk level: 4.

Flexible hybrid funds

7. TISCO Flexible Plus Fund (TISCOFLEXP) — Managers adjust allocation from 0-100% stocks/bonds based on market conditions. Suitable for confident investors. Risk level: 6.

Sustainability and health theme funds

8. Krungsri ESG Climate Tech Fund (KFCLIMA-A) — Invests in companies addressing climate change, aligned with sustainability megatrends. Risk level: 6.

9. K-G Healthcare Fund (K-GHEALTH) — Invests in global healthcare companies with stable growth and risk mitigation. Risk level: 7.

Thai ESG equity fund

10. Asset Plus Thai Sustainable Equity Fund (ASP-THAIESG) — Focuses on Thai stocks with good governance and social responsibility, suitable for sustainability-minded investors. Risk level: 6.

Pros and cons of investing in mutual funds

Before deciding which bank or asset management company to invest with, understand the advantages and disadvantages:

Pros: Diversification across assets, professional management, high liquidity, low initial investment, and a wide range of options.

Cons: Fees deducted from returns, no direct control over investments, dependent on fund manager skill, and taxable dividends.

Fees and costs to consider

Choosing which bank or fund company is best also involves understanding fees:

• Sales loads (front-end or back-end): Fees paid when buying or redeeming, but often small compared to ongoing costs.

• Hidden costs within NAV: Management fees, trustee fees, and registrar fees, collectively called Total Expense Ratio (TER).

Even a 1% annual difference in TER between similar funds can lead to tens of percent difference in final returns over 20-30 years. Comparing these costs is crucial.

Final tips for choosing mutual funds from banks

Investing in mutual funds from reputable banks or asset managers is a powerful tool for long-term wealth building.

Key advice:

• Don’t just choose based on reputation; study each fund’s investment policy.
• Compare past performance to gauge management skill.
• Check total expense ratio (TER) carefully, as it impacts net returns.
• Align your choice with megatrends like AI, clean energy, and sustainability in 2026.
• Remember, past performance does not guarantee future results.

In 2026, with its opportunities and challenges, building a diversified portfolio with understanding of global trends will be key to creating lasting wealth and a secure future.