Written by The Banking Post
Despite expanded usage—marked by rising deposit volumes, loan disbursements, account openings and transactions—Bangladesh’s agent banking network contracted slightly in early 2025, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank.
Key Agent Banking Metrics (Dec 2024 vs Mar 2025)
| Metric | Dec 2024 | Mar 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Accounts | 24,078,230 | 24,668,255 | +594,025 |
| Deposit Balances (Tk crore) | 41,955.14 | 42,632.95 | +677.81 |
| Transaction Value (Tk crore) | 135,315.00 | 141,051.00 | +5,736.00 |
| Loan Disbursements* | – | – | Increased (volume not disclosed) |
*Bangladesh Bank noted loan volumes also rose, though detailed figures were not published.
Agents and Outlets Contract
- Agent Count: Saw a modest decline as some providers withdrew locations.
- Outlet Coverage: The number of active agent outlets fell in parallel, reflecting network consolidation.
What’s Driving the Divergence?
- Growing Digital Adoption: Customers increasingly prefer digital touchpoints and mobile banking, boosting transaction metrics per outlet.
- Rationalisation by Banks: Lenders are trimming underperforming agents to improve cost efficiency.
- Regulatory Oversight: Stricter compliance checks have led to suspension of a small number of non-compliant agents.
Implications and Outlook
The uptick in deposits and transactions underlines the growing role of agent banking in financial inclusion. However, sustained network shrinkage could hamper last-mile outreach. Banks will need to balance quality controls with network expansion to maintain momentum in rural and underserved markets.
