Adil Chowdhury joins National Bank as Managing Director

Mr. Adil Chowdhury joined as the Managing Director of National Bank PLC on Monday, according to a press release.

With over 25 years of experience across both domestic and international banking institutions, Mr. Chowdhury brings a proven track record of leadership, transformation, and a strong sense of purpose to his new role.

His appointment marks a pivotal moment for NBPLC, the country's first private sector bank fully owned by Bangladeshi nationals, as it seeks to restore its financial stability and regain public trust.

Widely respected in the local banking community, Mr. Chowdhury is known for his focus on sustainable business growth, strong ethical standards, and employee development. He believes in cultivating a culture of work-life balance and accountability, rewarding dedication and performance across all levels of the organization.

Mr. Chowdhury joins National Bank following a successful tenure as President & Managing Director of Bank Asia PLC. Under his leadership, the bank saw record growth in profits and a significant expansion of its digital banking operations. His ability to drive operational efficiency, strengthen governance practices, and recover distressed assets played a key role in making Bank Asia the second most profitable bank in the country by the end of 2022.

His career spans continents. Before returning to Bangladesh in 2020 to join Bank Asia as Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Chowdhury spent over 15 years abroad in various leadership roles. He served as Director at The Bank of Nova Scotia in both Hong Kong and Singapore, overseeing strategic initiatives across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Credit Agricole Indosuez and American Express Bank in Dhaka, and later built the Treasury Department at Scotiabank’s Dhaka branch.

A significant part of his international portfolio involved managing a US$9 billion funding book while working with central banks and government investment agencies. His global exposure has equipped him with deep knowledge of international regulatory frameworks, risk management, and enterprise-wide banking operations—expertise he is expected to bring to the transformation efforts at NBPLC.

Mr. Chowdhury holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (VLSI Design) from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario in Canada. He has also completed several international certifications in financial markets regulation and practices.

Beyond the boardroom, he is known for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to building organizations that are resilient, transparent, and people-focused. His appointment as the Managing Director of National Bank comes at a time when the bank is looking for fresh direction and renewed confidence.