Twelve organisations have applied to Bangladesh Bank for licences to operate digital banks under the central bank’s newly introduced digital banking framework.
According to the central bank, the applicants include telecom operators Banglalink and Robi, fintech giant bKash, private conglomerate Akij, and several microfinance-backed ventures.
The applicants are British Bangla Digital Bank PLC, Digital Banking of Bhutan-DK, Amar Digital Bank, 36 Digital Bank PLC, Boost-Robi, AMAR Bank (proposed), App Bank-Farmers, Nova Digital Bank (a joint venture of Banglalink and Square Group), Moitri Digital Bank, Upokari Digital Bank, Munafa Islami Digital Bank-Akij, and bKash Digital Bank.
Officials said Bangladesh Bank will now evaluate the applications based on technological readiness, capital adequacy, and governance standards before issuing final licences.
The central bank introduced the digital bank licensing policy earlier this year to promote financial inclusion and ensure access to secure, app-based banking services across the country.
As per the policy, each digital bank must have Tk 300 crore in paid-up capital. The banks will operate entirely through digital platforms from their head offices without any physical branches, booths, or ATMs. The banks will also not issue plastic cards.
Digital banks will use the existing fintech ecosystem to provide small-scale loans, particularly targeting unbanked and underbanked populations, in line with the government’s vision for a cashless, inclusive economy.
