Best bank 2025: Eastern Bank
Navigating through turbulent market conditions, Eastern Bank (EBL) has once again reaffirmed its leadership in the country’s banking sector, delivering strong financial performance and pioneering customer-centric solutions.
In 2024, the bank’s net profit surged by 22.8%, while its assets grew by 21.1%. Return on equity increased to 18.6%, from 16.3% in 2023. Non-performing loan ratio remained relatively low at 3.34%, scoring the bank the highest credit rating, AAA.
The bank expanded its retail and SME banking portfolio by leveraging digital solutions and launching the EBL High Earning Account to attract more customers. The retail loan segment grew steadily, with a 12% increase in EMI-based retail loan portfolio, demonstrating strong asset quality. The SME segment focused on secured, mortgage-backed lending and introduced a new product, EBL Shohoz, to support small entrepreneurs.
In payroll banking, the bank achieved remarkable growth by onboarding 361 new companies – a 37% year-over-year increase. Significantly, in 2024 the bank introduced Bangladesh’s first Women Payroll Suite banking package targeting female professionals.
In line with its commitment to providing innovative solutions, EBL became the first bank in Bangladesh to receive regulatory approval to offer both life and non-life insurance products in 2024, further diversifying and strengthening its financial services portfolio.
Best investment bank 2025: UCB Investment
UCB Investment (UCBIL) has demonstrated formidable performance, earning it the title of Bangladesh’s best investment bank. In 2024, the bank saw revenue increase 29.25%, reaching Tk166.09 million ($1.36 million), and a net profit rise of 17.39% to Tk70.87 million. These metrics are further bolstered by significant growth in fee income and investment income, which grew by 34.35% and 36.18%, respectively.
UCBIL’s market leadership is evident from its execution of eight major deals in 2024 alone, accumulating roughly Tk21.93 billion. Notably, the institution played a key role in multiple substantial subordinated bond issues for several banks, alongside managing the IPO of NRB Bank, which was oversubscribed by 361%.
Further expanding its footprint, UCBIL has been proactive in arranging significant syndicated loans totalling Tk29.2 billion for notable clients and structuring preference share deals for several distinguished companies.
Beyond its financial achievements, UCBIL has embedded social responsibility into its core operations. Initiatives such as Investing in Society, focusing on child education and women’s entrepreneurship, along with the Decode Investment Banking programme underscore the firm commitment towards promoting financial literacy and sustainable community development.
With a robust strategic vision aimed at sustainable finance, regulatory alignment and persistent market innovation, UCBIL continues to spearhead advancements and influence in the investment banking sector of Bangladesh.
Best investment bank for DCM 2025: IDLC Investments
IDLC Investments has demonstrated a remarkable financial performance and strategic prowess in Bangladesh debt capital markets. This year, it reported operating income of Tk451 million ($3.7 million), marking a 36.25% increase year-on-year. Its pre-tax and post-tax profits showed healthy climbs to Tk297 million and Tk208 million, respectively. Notably, its return on equity improved to 5.90%, and return on assets rose to 4.92%, coupled with an enhanced cost-to-income ratio of 22.17%.
DCM deal execution and innovation have been robust, with notable closed deals such as Southeast Bank’s Tk5 billion perpetual bond and the placement of Pubali Bank’s Tk4 billion subordinated bond. Other DCM deals include substantial projects like the Dutch Bangla Bank subordinated bond at BTk12 billion.
IDLC Investments has also taken significant strides in sustainable and green financing. It has been at the forefront, arranging Shariah-compliant and green syndicated loans for various Akij Group ventures, reinforcing its position in this growing sector. It has introduced innovative market-leading DCM structures, such as the tax-efficient zero-coupon bond for City Auto Rice & Dal Mills and preferential share structures for long-term industrial finance in the City Economic Zone.
The strategic repositioning of its structured finance unit underlines the focus on efficiency and operational synergies. Despite challenges in the broader market, IDLC Investments continues to outperform its peers and holds the largest assets under management in Treasury bonds and bills in the sector, showcasing its market-leading position.
Best investment bank for M&A 2025: Prime Bank Investment
Prime Bank Investment takes the Bangladesh’s best investment bank for M&A award. The institution successfully completed two transactions during the year, amounting to Tk420.9 million ($3.5 million).
The deals consisted of the strategic mergers of Pearl Paper and Board Mills with Bangladesh Monospool Paper Manufacturing, and of Magura Paper Mills with Paper Processing & Packaging. This effectively positioned the bank as the only investment bank out of 64 registered firms in the country to complete two back-to-back M&A transactions for listed entities in 2024.
Beyond numerical growth, these mergers were strategically structured to enhance the capital structure, fulfil regulatory requirements and foster greater operational efficiency.
Ultimately, these factors contributed to strengthening market competitiveness and improving product quality, further sealing Prime Bank Investment’s leadership and innovation in the M&A domain within Bangladesh.
Best investment bank for ECM 2025: CAL Investments
CAL Investments has been recognised as Bangladesh’s best investment bank for ECM owing to its innovative approach and strategic impact in the capital market.
Notably, the bank orchestrated a landmark private placement deal structured as a compulsorily convertible preference share. This $12.5 million capital raise for AKS Pharmaceuticals marked the first foreign investment in Bangladesh after the political unrest in July 2024.
The deal not only introduced a novel financial structure but also secured investment from IFU, the Danish development finance institution, fostering Denmark-Bangladesh bilateral ties.
This transaction was particularly significant as it supported a woman-owned and led healthcare company, aligning with CAL Investments’ commitment to promoting gender-inclusive entrepreneurship and improving healthcare access in Bangladesh. The deal, purposefully timed, showcased CAL Investments’ adeptness in navigating political and economic uncertainties, reinforcing investor confidence in a challenging post-crisis market environment.
CAL Investments extended its expertise to mergers and acquisitions. It provided advisory for notable transactions including a mandate from Sri Lanka’s Hatton National Bank and an acquisition by Bangladesh’s Rangs Group, underlining its proficiency in cross-border engagements.
Best digital bank 2025: Mutual Trust Bank
Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) has emerged as a leading contender for Bangladesh’s best digital bank through its innovative MTB Smart Banking app that has significantly enhanced user interface and introduced advanced features such as real-time exchange rates and personal finance tools, resulting in a 32.01% increase in registered users and a 102.72% increase in transaction volume.
MTB has been a pioneer in digital lending, providing products like Torit Loan and Daylight e-Loan for micro-enterprises, which have broadened financial access and enabled instant credit availability. This initiative has seen exponential growth, expanding financial inclusion across customer segments.
MTB’s MEasy feature permits swift and remote account opening, underpinned by a robust e-KYC system, marking a 170% growth in digital account openings and a notable 1,678% increase in e-KYC accounts.
In open banking, MTB holds the distinction of being the first in Bangladesh to monetise APIs, partnering with over 35 fintech companies – with eight new partners being added in 2024. The bank has seen a 235% rise in e-banking transactions, alongside noticeable enhancements in mobile financial services and open banking transactions.
The bank’s efforts in digital payment systems have also been transformative, with a new payment gateway enhancing e-commerce payment reliability and QR code expansion driving cashless payments in rural regions, promoting financial inclusion in rural areas and providing traditional forms of banking to the rural communities.
Lastly, in digital cash management and embedded finance, MTB’s collaborations with bKash and telecom companies have facilitated real-time banking and airtime purchases, ensuring seamless financial services integration.
Best bank for securities services 2025: Prime Bank Investment
Prime Bank Investment stands out as Bangladesh’s best bank for securities services, driven by impressive strides in portfolio management, product innovation, targeted investor solutions and outreach.
Managing over Tk12 billion ($99 million) in assets, it offers both discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio services tailored to diverse investor needs. Its innovation is showcased through the launch of PrimeInvest, a suite of seven discretionary products. These offerings include capital-protected, Shariah-compliant and secured income schemes, thoroughly addressing a varied investment appetite.
The institution has also demonstrated responsiveness to distinct market segments via its launch of PrimeInvest Women, Probashi, Youth, and Shariah, adding to its appeal within niche demographics. Notably, it developed Bangladesh’s first capital markets product dedicated to remittance earners, expanding its clientele base.
Strategic partnerships with corporates and trade bodies further augment its accessibility and market penetration. The bank is also committed to raising financial literacy and investment awareness through various programmes.
Best bank for diversity and inclusion 2025: Mutual Trust Bank
Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) has demonstrated remarkable commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within its operations and community outreach in Bangladesh.
MTB’s strategic initiatives include the launch of the Shreya platform in 2024, which supports over 800 female employees through gender equity promotion, workplace challenges resolution and career development.
Additionally, the Swanirbhar Angona Project partners with Speed and Creative IT to empower women in teaching and digital marketing, fostering self-reliance.
MTB’s diversity statistics are commendable, with 25% female representation on its board, substantially higher than the industry average of 13.61%. The introduction of Shreya led to noteworthy corporate policy enhancements such as miscarriage leave and robust support systems like the Harassment Assistance Committee and Female Employee Assistance Committee, demonstrating MTB’s holistic approach to employee welfare.
The bank’s impact on women’s financial independence is evident through the MTB Angona platform, which served 81,202 women in 2024. Moreover, Agent Banking expanded to 184 centres, facilitating significant financial transactions and financial literacy through 267 rural programmes.
MTB’s investment in diversity and inclusion has contributed to a 35.1% increase in customers and a 65.1% rise in deposits within MTB Angona. The bank also actively supports regional economic development by disbursing loans to farmers and women entrepreneurs under various schemes.
Best bank for ESG 2025: Prime Bank
Prime Bank has shown remarkable leadership in embedding sustainable and ethical business practices into its operations, earning the title of Bangladesh’s best bank for ESG.
The bank’s green finance portfolio experienced substantial growth, increasing by 76% to reach $141 million, with a strategic focus primarily on energy and resource efficiency (85%) and environment-friendly establishments (14%).
The bank has successfully developed key ESG offerings catering to areas such as renewable energy, energy and resource efficiency, waste management, recycling, and environment-friendly brick production.
Upskilling has also been core to its strategy. In 2024, the bank organised five training programmes for 401 employees, including regional officials. Additionally, 12 employees also participated in two different workshops organised by the International Finance Corporation and British International Investment.
In 2024, Prime Bank took a significant step by establishing a comprehensive climate strategy aligned with the Net-Zero Banking Alliance requirements. This strategy involves meticulous calculations of financed emissions and the development of a bank-wide approach as part of its own Scope 3 emissions for managing climate-related risks.
The bank’s framework for ESG includes strategies for sustainable financing and dedicated initiatives for engagement and advocacy to promote wider industry standards, fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation in the banking sector of Bangladesh.
Best bank for sustainable finance 2025: HSBC Bangladesh
HSBC Bangladesh has been exemplary in propelling the sustainable finance landscape across Bangladesh, playing a pivotal role in supporting energy-efficient initiatives and promoting eco-friendly business practices.
HSBC Bangladesh has extended substantial green financing to prominent players in the local industry. This includes a multi-million-dollar green trade loan to a textile manufacturer for the import of organic materials, and another sizable green loan to a denim producer for the acquisition of energy-efficient machinery. Additionally, other companies in the garments and pharmaceutical sectors have also benefited from the bank’s green financing initiatives, receiving support for investments in energy-efficient technologies.
A notable landmark was the structuring of a sustainability-linked loan with innovative key performance indicators for Pran RFL Group, which marked the first Export Credit Agency-backed sustainable finance deal for both HSBC Bangladesh and the country. This pioneering approach not only underscores HSBC’s commitment to sustainability but also sets a benchmark in the sector.
In addition to financial dealings, HSBC Bangladesh strategically published its first net-zero transition plan in January 2024. This detailed plan is geared towards embedding net-zero ambitions across all organisational facets and aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard. HSBC’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its adherence to high-profile benchmarks such as IFRS S2 standards of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, ensuring transparency and accountability in climate-related financial reporting.
HSBC Bangladesh’s extensive engagements in sustainable finance and robust organisational strategies solidify its status as a leader in facilitating a transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon economy in Bangladesh.
Best bank for independent advisory 2025: Green Delta Capital
Green Delta Capital stands out as Bangladesh’s best for independent advisory through its provision of high-yield debt advisory and equity capital markets (ECM) advisory services, alongside strategic shareholder advisory.
In debt advisory, the firm successfully acted as the mandated lead arranger for the landmark $100 million Patenga Container Terminal PPP deal. This transaction not only pioneered the PPP model in Bangladesh’s port sector but also attracted significant international investment while enhancing operational efficiencies.
Additionally, Green Delta structured a $30 million Shariah-compliant murabaha facility for Pubali Bank in collaboration with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector. These initiatives highlight Green Delta’s prowess in sectors of cross-border financing, Islamic finance and infrastructure development.
The bank’s ECM advisory is equally commendable. It executed a BDT 50 million ($0.41 million) qualified investor offer for Craftsman Footwear, empowering the SME to fund its expansion and modernisation plans successfully. This transaction underlines the bank’s adeptness at navigating regulatory frameworks, roping in institutional investors, and facilitating SMEs’ access to capital markets.
Furthermore, in shareholder advisory, Green Delta provided strategic consultation to RSGT Bangladesh, achieving crucial approvals from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Bangladesh Bank. This facilitated the inflow of foreign equity in USD, optimising the capital structure to align with business expansion goals. Green Delta’s advisory services enhanced the client’s regulatory compliance, liquidity management and operational efficiency.
These comprehensive financial services underscore Green Delta Capital’s excellence and expertise in the financial advisory landscape of Bangladesh.
Best bank for large corporates 2025: HSBC Bangladesh
HSBC Bangladesh secured its position as Bangladesh’s best bank for large corporates, by enhancing corporate banking through innovative technological implementations.
A cornerstone of its strategy has been the advancement of digital payment infrastructures. This includes bulk e-statutory payment execution using HSBCnet and Host-to-Host connections, which enables streamlined submission of taxes, VA and excise duty payments. Moreover, direct debit collections leveraging the same technologies have facilitated automation in recurring collections, significantly improving reconciliation processes.
Further enhancing its service offerings, HSBC Bangladesh has introduced an advanced Treasury API suite. This technology provides corporates with real-time balance and transaction transparency across accounts, immediate payment initiations, and seamless ERP integrations. Such advancements not only reduce operational friction but significantly augment financial control for large corporates.
In an era prioritising digital transformation, HSBC Bangladesh has strategically partnered in key ecosystem initiatives. Noteworthy is their role in digitising significant public services, such as port bill collections and utility bill payments through partnership with Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited, drastically modernising traditional, paper-based processes.
Moreover, HSBC remains a leader in sustainable banking in Bangladesh by offering exclusive green loans and sustainability-linked loans. Complementing these offerings are its Trade Academy workshops which significantly aid clients in navigating complex trade finance environments.
Best bank for SMEs 2025: City Bank
City Bank has been recognised as the country’s best bank for SMEs, particularly through its outstanding loan performance, women inclusion initiatives and its outreach to rural areas of Bangladesh.
On the financial side, as of December 2024, the bank had an outstanding loan balance of Tk4,152 crore (approx. $338.5 million), with non-performing loans accounting for just 1.76%.
A significant aspect of City Bank’s strategy is its focus on SMEs and women banking. The bank disbursed Tk3,676 crore in loans, with 26% allocated specifically to women entrepreneurs. This considerable investment highlights City Bank’s commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting women’s economic empowerment within Bangladesh.
The bank also made considerable strides in agent banking, which plays a vital role in strengthening its reach in rural areas. The bank has successfully managed to onboard 3.75 lakh accounts, collect Tk827 crore in deposits, and implement digital onboarding through electronic KYC processes.
City Bank has introduced the Remittance Beneficiaries Loan, a unique financial product aimed at addressing the needs of remittance recipients. This loan strives to empower women both in rural and urban settings, enabling them to pursue business expansions, agricultural initiatives, and home renovations. This product underscores the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and embodies the potential of innovative banking solutions in fostering broader economic development.
Best bank for research 2025: UCB Stock Brokerage
UCB Stock Brokerage sets the standard for in-depth financial research in Bangladesh, earning it the title of Bangladesh’s best for research. The company’s specialised research team, collectively accounting for over 30 years of industry experience and with three CFA charter-holders, has significantly moved from providing quarterly macroeconomic updates to monthly, responding dynamically to market needs.
Further integrations of cutting-edge AI tools such as ChatGPT, Notebook LM, and Deepseek have refined knowledge management systems, while the adoption of Power Automate has greatly increased operational efficiency. Strategic foresight in its 2024 Bangladesh Equity Strategy Note accurately anticipated economic conditions, guiding clients effectively during volatile market phases.
UCB covers nearly half of Bangladesh’s equity market capitalisation, now including an extended list of 10 new major companies, providing a widespread analysis that ranges from blue-chip firms to various emerging sectors. The firm offers comprehensive research outputs including initiation reports with extensive investment theses, daily market updates, and macroeconomic research, enhancing its role in informed investment decision-making.
Distribution has notably expanded, moving from a single platform to include major data platforms like Bloomberg and Factset, placing it as a paramount source of research information in South Asia. The integration of Capital IQ datasets further stands out, underscoring a commitment to enhancing the robustness and precision of UCB’s research services.
Best securities house 2025: UCB Stock Brokerage
UCB Stock Brokerage has emerged as Bangladesh’s best securities house through a combination of strategic innovations, market leadership and sustainable growth.
The firm launched the U-Invest app, a comprehensive tool that facilitates access to account information and fund transfers. It stands out as the only stock brokerage in the country to integrate Microsoft Workplace Cloud Services, significantly boosting operational efficiency and scalability.
Additionally, UCB has enhanced its physical outreach by expanding to 26 branches, creating one of Bangladesh’s most widespread brokerage networks. This expansion reflects its commitment to accessibility and client service, supporting its market leadership wherein it maintained its position as the number one stock brokerage. Despite tough market conditions and a fragmented landscape, UCB held its market share at 7.0% in 2024, down from 7.5% in 2023.
Financially, UCB has demonstrated robust performance with net profit before tax of Tk211 million ($1.7 million) in 2024. Even with slight decreases due to broader market challenges, the sustained profitability underscores the institution’s resilience and adept management strategies.
Human capital has also seen significant growth, with a workforce expansion to 525 employees and a client base increase to 17,618 in 2024.
The dramatic rise in industry ranking from number 102 in 2016 to maintaining the number one position consecutively from 2022 through 2024 showcases UCB Stock Brokerage’s exceptional strategic execution and industry leadership.
Best bank for homeowners 2025: BRAC Bank
BRAC Bank has been distinguished as Bangladesh’s best bank for homeowners by implementing outstanding initiatives, significantly impacting the underserved segments and innovating with customer-centric mortgage products.
The bank launched the Thikana SME home loan programme catering specifically to business owners in less urbanised areas. This initiative saw the successful disbursement of Tk540 million ($4.4 million) to 290 clients in just six months, highlighting its significant outreach and the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion.
Understanding the unique needs of their clients, BRAC Bank conducted extensive research, including focus group discussions and surveys with over 2,150 SME clients. This research influenced the development of mortgage products tailored for accessibility and satisfaction, featuring phase-based disbursement and legal support that eased the homeownership process.
Moreover, BRAC Bank has embraced digital innovation to ensure sustainable mortgage practices. The implementation of an in-house loan origination system has not only digitised essential processes like legal checks and property validation but also significantly reduced the risk of defaults, thereby securing long-term viability for both the bank and its customers.
Such strategic measures have reinforced BRAC Bank’s standing as a leader in the banking sector in Bangladesh, particularly in facilitating homeownership in underserved markets.
