BRAC Bank’s agent banking network is expanding its role in Bangladesh’s remittance ecosystem, disbursing Tk2,720 crore in 2025 as the bank pushes to bring more expatriate income into formal financial channels.
The Dhaka-based lender said its network of 1,120 agent outlets has widened access to remittance services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, helping reduce reliance on informal transfer systems.
Remittances remain a key pillar of Bangladesh’s economy, supporting household incomes and strengthening foreign exchange reserves. However, a portion of inflows has historically moved through informal channels, limiting transparency and economic impact.
Agent banking is changing that dynamic by extending financial services closer to communities, enabling recipients to access funds locally rather than travelling to urban centres.
In 2025, BRAC Bank doubled its remittance disbursement through agent banking compared with the previous year. About 85 per cent of the funds were credited directly to customer accounts, reducing dependence on cash and improving transaction security.
The shift is altering financial behaviour in rural areas, with beneficiaries saving time and costs while building trust in formal banking systems.
The bank has also introduced targeted products to deepen engagement with remittance-receiving households. Its ‘Probashi Poribar’ account is designed to encourage savings by offering tailored benefits and financial convenience.
Beyond remittance delivery, BRAC Bank is linking inflows to credit access. Its ‘Swabalombi’ loan programme allows recipients to access financing on relatively easy terms, supporting productive use of funds.
In 2025, 4,506 customers took loans under the programme, totalling Tk490.53 crore. More than 61 per cent of the bank’s total ‘Swabalombi’ portfolio originated from the agent banking channel, indicating growing customer uptake.
The financing is contributing to a shift in how remittance income is used, with recipients increasingly investing in small businesses, agriculture and other income-generating activities rather than limiting spending to consumption.
Nazmur Rahim, BRAC Bank Deputy Managing Director and Head of Alternate Banking Channels, said the bank continues to enhance its agent banking services to streamline remittance flows.
“We firmly believe that innovative and convenient banking solutions not only advance financial inclusion but also encourage greater participation in formal banking channels,” he said.
Industry observers say improved accessibility through agent banking is prompting users to move away from informal and illegal transfer methods, supporting broader economic stability.
Agent banking is becoming a central component of Bangladesh’s financial inclusion strategy, with BRAC Bank positioning its network as a bridge between expatriate income and rural households.
The expansion reflects a wider shift in the remittance landscape, as financial institutions leverage technology and distribution networks to integrate more users into the formal banking system.
