Mercantile Bank Sets Ambitious Goal to Join Top 10 Digital Banks in Bangladesh Within Three Years
Dhaka, July 15, 2025 – In a recent exclusive interview with The Financial Express, Mati Ul Hasan, Managing Director of Mercantile Bank, outlined the commercial lender’s strategic vision to become one of the top 10 digital banks in Bangladesh over the next three years. This bold aspiration comes as the bank marks its 26th anniversary on July 15, 2025, emphasizing a significant shift toward innovation and digital transformation.
Focusing on the Tech-Savvy Generation
With a clear focus on meeting the banking demands of Bangladesh’s growing Generation Z population, Mercantile Bank is intensifying its efforts to incorporate cutting-edge technology into its services. The bank aims to deliver digital banking experiences that resonate with tech-savvy customers, adapting to their preferences and expectations.
“Our target is to develop a fully centralized and technology-driven bank by 2025,” Hasan explained. “We want to see Mercantile Bank among the top 10 digital commercial banks in the country within the next three years.”
Leveraging Technology for Seamless Services
Mercantile Bank has made substantial investments in digital infrastructure, including the establishment of its own IT facility at the MBL Centre in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The bank’s digital platform, MBL-Rainbow, already offers 16 distinct services comparable to those provided by leading digital banks nationwide. This platform is designed to deliver convenience and efficiency, enabling customers to manage their finances seamlessly.
Commitment to Financial Stability and Growth
In addition to its digital transformation goals, Mercantile Bank is focused on improving the quality of its loan portfolio. The bank is intensifying efforts to reduce its non-performing loans (NPLs) to below 7 percent within the next three years through enhanced cash recovery measures. Despite recent industry-wide challenges and a rise in NPLs, Hasan assured that Mercantile Bank maintains a strong capital base and has no capital shortfall, positioning it well for sustainable growth.
Prioritizing Inclusive Banking and Economic Development
Hasan emphasized the bank’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion by targeting marginalized populations through strengthened services in agriculture and the small and medium enterprise (SME) sectors. The bank plans to increase loan disbursement in these priority areas, utilizing an extensive network of 152 branches, 47 sub-branches, 46 Islamic banking windows, 200 ATMs, and 188 agent banking outlets.
Supporting National Economic Policies
Regarding the recently introduced market-determined exchange rate by Bangladesh’s central bank, Hasan expressed support for this policy, noting its potential to boost exports and remittances. He highlighted the central bank’s $500 million Market Stabilization Fund as a key tool for maintaining exchange rate stability, although it has not yet been utilized.
Current Financial Highlights
As of 2025, Mercantile Bank reports robust financial metrics with total deposits standing at Tk 343 billion and loans and advances at Tk 300 billion. The bank’s import and export portfolios total Tk 283 billion and Tk 199 billion, respectively, reflecting its significant role in the country’s trade finance sector.
Looking Ahead
With over four decades of banking experience, Mati Ul Hasan leads Mercantile Bank’s march toward digital excellence and financial resilience. The bank’s strategic initiatives aim not only at advancing technology but also at fostering inclusive economic growth by extending banking services to underserved communities across Bangladesh.
Mercantile Bank was founded on June 2, 1999, and continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic financial landscape of Bangladesh. The institution’s forward-looking approach seeks to blend tradition with modernity, aligning with the country’s broader economic aspirations.
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