The Thailand-based financial services firm has put aside $57m for startup funding but has not decided whether it will invest through a dedicated unit.

Thailand-based financial services firm Bangkok Bank (BBL) is considering establishing a venture capital unit, according to the Bangkok Post.

BBL’s board has already approved a ฿2bn ($57m) budget for investment in startups, though the bank has not decided whether it will set up a specialist fund to locate portfolio companies.

Two other Thailand-based banks, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Kasikornbank, have already formed their own corporate venturing subsidiaries. SCB’s unit, SCB Ventures, was formally established last month with $50m in…