Bangladesh

Standard Chartered’s 117-year uninterrupted presence in Bangladesh makes for quite a sales pitch. So does being the only multinational, universal bank in an economy tipped to grow 7% in 2022, even as inflation, geopolitical turmoil and further bouts of Covid-19 cloud the outlook.

Banks tempted to protest over a non-bank winning the top digital solutions award can take solace from the way this particular fintech phenomenon is turning the heads of many of the globe’s most important financiers.

After reading all the studies he could find about the economic benefits of diversity and inclusion, Syed Mahbubur Rahman decided to do something about it. The Mutual Trust Bank chief executive endeavoured to make his bank an exemplar in Bangladesh.

Over the last two-plus decades, the IDLC group has developed impressive footholds in corporate, retail and capital market segments. But what impressed Asiamoney the most is how the firm’s small and medium-sized enterprise business was put to the test over the course of the pandemic – and came out with flying colours. It is our pick for best bank for SMEs in Bangladesh in 2022.

The nation has navigated the Covid-19 pandemic better than many of its peers, but its luck won’t last unless it brings in some big, meaningful reforms.

Fintech firm bKash has revolutionized Bangladesh’s payments industry in the 11 years since it was founded. But its CEO still has more tricks up his sleeve.

The Bangladeshi investment bank seems closer to a supranational lender in terms of aspirations.

During the pandemic, Bangladesh’s Eastern Bank proved that it was in safe hands. The company’s chief executive is now turning his attention back to growth.