National Bank concludes IFRS-9 ECL implementation workshop

National Bank PLC concluded a day-long training workshop on the implementation of ECL-based loan classification and provisioning under IFRS-9 on Saturday, according to a press release.

The program was organized by the National Bank Training Institute (NBTI) as part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional capacity and ensure compliance with international financial reporting standards.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Syed Zubair Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer of National Bank, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the strategic importance of IFRS-9 adoption in strengthening financial discipline and enhancing the quality of credit risk management.

Senior executives, head office officials, regional heads from Dhaka North and South, branch managers and credit in-charges participated in the program, reflecting the institution’s strong commitment to effective IFRS-9 implementation across all levels.

The training sessions were conducted by Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at the University of Dhaka and Mr. Imran Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director of National Bank. Their presentations provided practical insights and guidance on ECL measurement, credit risk assessment, and implementation challenges.

Also present at the program were Mr. Md. Abdur Rahim and Mr. Md. Meshkat-Ul-Anwer Khan, Deputy Managing Directors (In-Charge), along with mentors from different zones who contributed their perspectives based on regional experiences.

The workshop focused on the practical application of the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) model, which is a core requirement of IFRS-9. Emphasis was placed on enhancing the Bank’s risk management framework, improving regulatory compliance, and ensuring greater accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.

The program was moderated by Shah Syed Rafiul Bari, Principal of the National Bank Training Institute, who ensured effective coordination and smooth conduct of the workshop throughout the day.

It is noteworthy that IFRS 9 is not merely an accounting standard; it represents a fundamental shift in mindset. For the first time, finance, risk, data, and strategy are required to operate in a common language. In an era marked by economic volatility, climate risk, and geopolitical shocks, IFRS 9 emerges as a strategic tool rather than a compliance exercise. Banks that treat it as a checklist item are likely to struggle, while those that embrace it as a driver of innovation will lead.

The standard encourages banks to move from reacting to losses to anticipating them, from relying solely on historical data to adopting probability-based assessments, and from basic compliance to informed intelligence. Expected Credit Loss (ECL) is not about pessimism; it is about preparedness—understanding what could happen and assessing whether institutions are ready to respond.

This training emphasizes professional judgment, governance, data quality, and ethical responsibility, while highlighting that behind every model lies a real customer, a real business, and ultimately, a real economy.