NRBC Bank organises first AI-driven conference

NRBC Bank has organised the ‘AML and CFT Conference 2025’, marking the first use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, to enhance institutional capacity and strengthen awareness among bank officials on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.

The day-long conference was held in a hybrid format at a city hotel on Saturday.

Md Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, executive director of Bangladesh Bank and acting head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), attended the conference as the chief guest.

Dr Md Touhidul Alam Khan, FCMA, CSRA, managing director and chief executive officer of NRBC Bank, was present as the special guest.

Mohammad Abdul Qaium Khan, deputy managing director and chief Anti-Money Laundering & compliance officer (CAMLCO) of NRBC Bank, presided over the conference, says a media release.

Rajib Hasan and Mr Md. Hafizur Rahman Khan, joint directors of BFIU, along with officials from different levels of NRBC Bank, through the AI-powered online platform `Convay’, also attended the event.

The conference featured in-depth discussions on existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws, the latest Bangladesh Bank directives, customer due diligence (KYC), transaction monitoring mechanisms, preparation and submission of Suspicious Transaction/Activity Reports (STR/SAR), and strengthening branch-level compliance functions. Practical experiences and real-life case studies were presented to enhance participants’ operational skills.

Md. Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, in his speech, emphasised the importance of establishing a strong, risk-based, and sustainable compliance framework in the banking sector to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

He highlighted the need for a more coordinated and effective role of BAMLCO officials alongside relevant head office departments. He also stressed regular capacity building, effective transaction monitoring systems, and timely identification, analysis, and reporting of suspicious transactions.

He added that Bangladesh Bank and BFIU would continue to provide policy guidance and supervisory support to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance in the financial system.

Addressing the conference, Dr Md. Touhidul Alam Khan stated that strict compliance with AML and CFT regulations is essential to ensure good governance, transparency, and effective risk management in the financial sector. He noted that BAMLCO officials at the branch level serve as the first line of defence in compliance management. With proper supervision from head office and branch-level officials, preventing money laundering and terrorist financing is achievable. He reaffirmed NRBC Bank’s commitment to conducting all activities in a disciplined and systematic manner to transform the bank into a welfare-oriented institution.