Standard Bank signs deal with Bangladesh Bank to promote financial inclusion

Standard Bank PLC has entered into a participatory agreement with Bangladesh Bank under the Financial Inclusion Credit Guarantee Scheme (FICGS), according to a press release.

On behalf of their organisation, Muhammad Nazmul Haque, Director of the Credit Guarantee Department (CGD) of Bangladesh Bank and Md. KhirkilNowaz, Executive Vice President and Head of SME & Retail Banking Division of Standard Bank exchanged the agreement previously signed by Md. Habibur Rahman, Managing Director of Standard Bank PLC at a ceremony held on 29 September 2025 at the head office of Bangladesh Bank in Motijheel, Dhaka.

Md. SawkatulAlam, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, along with senior officials from both institutions were present at the signing ceremony. The agreement is a key initiative for extending credit facilities to Tk. 10/50/100 account holders, marginal and landless farmers, low-income professionals, school banking account holders and small business owners who often face difficulties in accessing formal financing due to inadequate collateral.

The FICGS seeks to promote inclusive financing by providing credit guarantees against eligible investments, thereby reducing the risk exposure of participating banks and financial institutions.