Asset Pro Management (APM), a financial advisory company, is to expand into hire purchase in Laos and open a branch in Singapore by mid-year.
The moves are aimed at capitalising on vast opportunities from the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and pave the way for listing on regional stock markets by 2020.
APM expects to start auto, office and electronic appliance hire purchase in Laos by the second quarter, chairman Somphob Sakpunpanom said.
He forecast its outstanding hire purchase loans would reach 5 million baht in the first year of operation and jump to 20 million in the following year.
"Hire purchase in Laos has high growth potential with a consistent income stream. It gives a return of 3-4% a month for used cars and 2-2.5% a month for new cars," he said.
The company started APM (Lao) Securities in 2013 to provide financial advice in Laos.
It is conducting a feasibility study to expand into both life and non-life insurance in Laos.
Cambodia is expected to be APM's next target for expansion, with Vietnam and Myanmar at a later stage.
"In the next five years, the group's revenue is expected to hit 1 billion baht, underpinned by the AEC. The revenue ratio from overseas business will surge to 50% from around 25% in 2015," Mr Somphob said.
Revenue in 2015 was expected to rise by 15-20% to around 200 million baht. Business in Thailand contributed 75% of revenue, with 25% from Laos.
APM aims to advise on listings of at least 15 initial public offerings (IPOs) in Laos and 35 in Thailand in the next five years.
APM (Lao) last year served as financial adviser for the IPOs of two companies -- Petroleum Trading Lao and Souvanny Home Center -- that listed on the Lao Securities Exchange.
Mr Somphob said the company will open APM International in Singapore with registered capital of 10-20 million baht to build up its reputation among institutional investors. The new firm aims to be a financial adviser for companies seeking dual listing in Laos and Singapore.