BRAC Bank has received the Best Financial Inclusion and Social Impact Initiatives – SME award at the International Finance Awards 2026, recognising its contribution to expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and promoting inclusive economic growth in Bangladesh.
The award, presented by the UK-based International Finance Magazine, acknowledges financial institutions demonstrating leadership, innovation and measurable impact in advancing financial inclusion and sustainable economic development. It recognises BRAC Bank’s long-standing focus on collateral-free SME lending, customer-centric products, capacity-building programmes, women entrepreneurship and responsible banking, the bank said in a press release.
The recognition comes as BRAC Bank marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of supporting entrepreneurs and expanding financial inclusion across Bangladesh.
Since beginning operations in 2001, the bank has disbursed more than Tk 2 trillion in loans to over 2 million cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs). According to the bank, the financing has helped generate employment, stimulate local economies and broaden access to formal financial services nationwide.
The bank said its collateral-free SME lending model has become a benchmark for inclusive banking in Bangladesh and reflects its continued emphasis on creating sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for entrepreneurs traditionally underserved by the formal financial sector.
Syed Abdul Momen, Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking at BRAC Bank, said the award recognised the resilience of the country’s entrepreneurs.
“This recognition is a tribute to Bangladesh’s entrepreneurs, whose resilience continues to inspire us. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, the award reaffirms our commitment to expanding financial inclusion and empowering entrepreneurs. We are grateful to our customers for their trust in BRAC Bank,” he said.
