Mercantile Bank Sets Ambitious Goal to Join Bangladesh’s Top 10 Digital Banks Within Three Years
Dhaka, Bangladesh – June 2, 2025
Mercantile Bank, a prominent commercial bank in Bangladesh, has announced a bold vision to become one of the top 10 digital banks in the country within the next three years. The announcement comes from Mati Ul Hasan, the bank’s newly appointed Managing Director with over four decades of banking experience, during an exclusive interview with The Financial Express ahead of the bank’s 26th anniversary on June 2. Embracing Digital Transformation for the Future
Recognizing the fast-growing, technology-savvy Gen-Z population, Mercantile Bank is accelerating its adoption of cutting-edge technology to meet modern banking demands. The bank has made substantial investments in IT infrastructure, including establishing an in-house technology center at MBL Centre in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, to ensure reliable and efficient digital services.
Their flagship digital platform, MBL-Rainbow, currently offers 16 customer services comparable to those offered by leading digital banks in Bangladesh. By the end of 2025, Mercantile Bank aims to fully centralize its operations and transition into a technology-driven institution.
“Our vision is clear – to be recognized among the top 10 digital commercial banks in Bangladesh within the next three years,” said Mati Ul Hasan.
Strengthening Financial Health and Expanding Services
Apart from technological advancement, Mercantile Bank is committed to enhancing its financial resilience. The bank faces the challenge of rising non-performing loans (NPLs) within the industry but is actively working to reduce its NPL ratio below 7% within three years by intensifying cash recovery efforts.
Mati Ul Hasan emphasized, “Though various sectors have experienced setbacks, and provisions have been made accordingly, our capital base remains strong, with no shortfall. This positions us well for sustainable growth while addressing existing risks.”
The bank’s strategic focus extends to promoting inclusive banking by prioritizing loan disbursement to agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aiming to bring marginalized communities into the formal banking system. This expansion will be supported by Mercantile Bank’s extensive network comprising 152 branches, 47 sub-branches, 46 Islamic banking windows, 200 ATMs, and 188 agent banking outlets across the country.
Supporting National Economic Growth
Highlighting the bank’s broader role in Bangladesh’s economy, the Managing Director stressed the importance of banking services in accelerating economic growth by increasing financial inclusion. The recent shift to a market-determined exchange rate by the central bank was praised for its potential to boost exports and remittances, which, in turn, strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Mercantile Bank currently holds deposits worth Tk 343 billion, with loans and advances totaling Tk 300 billion. Its import and export portfolios stand at Tk 283 billion and Tk 199 billion, respectively.
Looking Ahead
With a clear roadmap combining digital innovation, financial discipline, and targeted lending, Mercantile Bank is poised to transform its service offerings and strengthen its market position over the coming years.
As the bank celebrates its 26th year of service, Mati Ul Hasan’s leadership signals a progressive shift designed to meet the changing needs of Bangladesh’s dynamic population, especially its youth, while contributing robustly to the national economy.
For further information, contact:
Jubair Hasan
The Financial Express
Email: [email protected]
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