MetLife Bangladesh has invested Tk50 crore in the country’s first-ever social bond issued by BRAC Bank, marking a milestone in sustainable financing in Bangladesh.
The proceeds of the social bond will be used to support women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), affordable housing, healthcare, agriculture, and climate risk mitigation and resilience projects, aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and social development, MetLife Bangladesh said in a press release on Saturday.
BRAC Bank, a leading private commercial bank, is the highest-rated bank in Bangladesh by local and international credit rating agencies.
The bank has also ranked top among Bangladeshi companies in the Bloomberg environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating, reflecting its strong performance in sustainability practices.
MetLife Bangladesh, the country’s leading life insurer, serves around one million individual customers and more than 900 corporate clients.
The company is one of the largest investors in government bonds and has been diversifying into secured corporate bonds to support sustainable financing for local corporates while ensuring better returns for policyholders.
With the latest investment, MetLife Bangladesh’s total investment portfolio stands at around Tk19,000 crore.
MetLife Bangladesh CEO Ala Ahmad said the move reflects the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Bangladesh.
“By partnering with BRAC Bank on this landmark social bond, we aim to empower communities, promote financial inclusion and contribute to a resilient future,” he said.
The collaboration between MetLife Bangladesh and BRAC Bank is expected to set a benchmark for responsible investment in the country, highlighting the growing role of social bonds in driving positive social impact.
