The cumulative disbursement of the City Bank–bKash Digital Nano Loan has exceeded Tk10,000 crore, marking a landmark achievement in Bangladesh’s digital lending landscape and its pursuit of financial inclusion.
Since its commercial introduction in December 2021, the service has successfully extended credit to 3.5 million bKash app users through more than 3.19 crore individual loan accounts. On average, borrowers have utilised this short-term credit facility more than nine times, highlighting a strong trend of repeat usage and a rising demand for convenient, small-ticket financial assistance.
Currently, the facility is accessible to over 12 million eligible bKash customers, many of whom previously had limited or no access to formal banking services or traditional credit. The digital nature of the service allows eligible users to secure loans via the bKash app in under a minute, eliminating the need for physical bank visits or the submission of paperwork.
Every day, approximately 100,000 customers receive City Bank’s digital nano loans through the bKash platform. With an average loan size of roughly Tk3,000, monthly disbursements have now reached Tk900 crore. These loans are primarily utilised to address immediate financial requirements, including medical emergencies, educational costs, household expenditures, and small business expenses.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this milestone is the portfolio’s exceptional repayment record. Of the Tk10,000 crore total disbursement, only 0.5%—amounting to Tk53 crore—has been classified as non-performing or written off. This 99.5% repayment rate reflects a highly disciplined repayment culture among the borrowers.
Commenting on the achievement, Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director & CEO of City Bank, stated that while the rise of non-performing loans remains a significant concern within Bangladesh’s broader banking sector, the quality of this small-ticket digital lending portfolio has reached an enviable standard. He noted that this success provides valuable insights and serves as an inspiration for the entire banking industry.
