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NRBC Bank has set ambitious targets to expand financing in the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprise (CMSME) sector and accelerate digital transformation to reach unbanked and underbanked populations across Bangladesh, its chairman said.

“Our medium-term priorities focus on boosting CMSME financing and strengthening digital channels to deliver financial services nationwide,” said Md Ali Hossain Prodhania, independent director and chairman of the bank. He said the lender aims to raise its CMSME loan portfolio to 35 per cent by the end of this year, up from the current 29 per cent, by leveraging its nationwide network.

Recognising the CMSME sector as a key driver of economic growth, he said NRBC remains committed to supporting entrepreneurship, rural productivity and employment generation. The bank is also expanding its digital footprint through platforms such as the ‘Planet’ app, alongside automation and data-driven decision-making, to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

NRBC currently has more than 2.0 million deposit accounts, having added about 400,000 current and savings accounts this year through its 109 branches and over 400 sub-branches. With an advance-deposit ratio of 77 per cent, the bank maintains a liquidity surplus exceeding Tk 40 billion.

In partnership with development agencies and industry bodies, NRBC is rolling out entrepreneurship development and financial literacy programmes to help small businesses improve financial management and access formal services. The bank is also considering introducing nano loans—digitally processed, small-ticket credit—for daily earners, micro-traders and rural women entrepreneurs.

Good governance and balance-sheet optimisation remain core priorities, Mr Prodhania said, adding that the bank is focusing on cost efficiency, regulatory compliance and asset quality to ensure sustainable profitability. “We aim to transform NRBC into a technology-driven financial institution with strong corporate governance and best-in-class automation,” he said.

On the broader banking sector, he described rising non-performing loans (NPLs) as the biggest challenge, calling for coordinated action by the government, regulators, banks and borrowers. “A holistic approach, including legal reforms and stronger recovery mechanisms, is essential,” he said, adding that policy caps on high-risk sectors and stricter credit assessments could help contain future stress.

At NRBC, classified loans have declined significantly under regulatory support, he said, while effective cash-flow management and compliance remain top priorities.

The chairman also said the bank recorded strong growth in export, import and remittance services in 2025, reflecting improved customer outreach and service quality. Looking ahead to 2026, he said priorities include improving asset quality, mobilising low-cost deposits, strengthening customer relationships and maintaining strict governance standards.

Commenting on the pre-election outlook, he said money and foreign exchange markets are likely to remain cautious, with stable remittance inflows, export earnings and regulatory interventions expected to help maintain market stability.

Mr Prodhania was recently honoured with the ‘Excellence in Corporate Governance Award’, while NRBC Bank received a Silver Award at the Asia Sustainability Rating Awards for its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

He also welcomed the initiative to establish a microcredit bank and urged policymakers to consider setting up a dedicated SME bank to boost rural financing and accelerate inclusive economic growth.