Video: Young Workers and Gen Z Become the Backbone of Digital Banks to Boost Growth

Tensions in the Middle East that have caused a surge in global energy commodity prices have driven up inflation in many countries, consequently diminishing hopes for central bank benchmark interest rate cuts in 2026. CEO of PT Krom Bank Indonesia Tbk (BBSI), Anton Hermawan, views that the US Federal Reserve and Bank Indonesia will exercise significant restraint in lowering benchmark interest rate levels, given the substantial threat of rising inflation. Indeed, if inflation continues to climb, it is not impossible that interest rates could rise. For the banking sector, including digital banks like Krom Bank, this global uncertainty could restrain business expansion, thereby affecting credit disbursement and third-party funds. The banking industry is currently on high alert regarding the impact of volatility on banking liquidity, where digital banks must maintain interest rate levels to attract liquidity while safeguarding credit disbursement. Currently, Krom Bank is focusing on increasing young/Gen Z customers as a new opportunity for growth sources and liquidity support through the provision of products that meet the trends and behaviours of young people. How do bankers view the impact of global volatility on interest rates and banking business? For more details, watch the dialogue between Andi Shalini and CEO of PT Krom Bank Indonesia Tbk (BBSI), Anton Hermawan, in Power Lunch, CNBC Indonesia (Monday, 04/05/2026).