Growth Partners for the Future for MSME

Faisal Rahman 
Chief Executive Officer 
Prime Bank PLC 

As MSMEs become more digital and innovation-led, Prime Bank is upgrading its digital infrastructure and prioritising cash-flow-based lending for startups, women, and youth. Supported by a nationwide network of Relationship Managers, we provide both financing and advisory services to help entrepreneurs adapt to a competitive and evolving economy.

Prime Bank is spearheading a digital shift in MSME banking by moving away from traditional collateral to data-driven, cash-flow assessments. By combining a nationwide agent banking network with specialised products for women and youth, the bank is ensuring that grassroots entrepreneurs can thrive in a modern economy.

The Daily Star (TDS): How is your bank changing its plans to support this new group of young and modern entrepreneurs?

Faisal Rahman(FR): Prime Bank is transitioning to data-driven, cash-flow-based lending and automated, paperless services to support tech-savvy entrepreneurs. We offer unsecured working capital to ICT and e-commerce startups while leveraging agent banking and fintech partnerships to provide mentorship and financial access to both urban and rural communities.

TDS: It is often hard for very small (cottage/micro) businesses to get loans. What new methods are you using to provide loans without requiring security (collateral), and are these reaching people who have never had a bank account before?

FR: Prime Bank prioritises collateral-free lending for cottage and micro-enterprises by assessing cash flow and transaction history rather than physical assets. We offer unsecured small-ticket loans with simplified documentation through our agent banking and digital networks to reach rural communities. Collaborations with fintechs and MSME clusters further help identify and support previously unbanked borrowers.

TDS: How do you make sure that small businesses in remote villages get the same banking services and support as those in big cities?

FR: We provide rural access through a nationwide network of agent banking points and branches, supported by digital channels. Every branch features dedicated CMSME Relationship Managers who conduct field visits to assess business potential rather than location. This decentralised model ensures that remote entrepreneurs receive the same financing, support, and speed as urban businesses.

TDS: This year focuses heavily on youth and women. What special loan packages or services do you offer to help young entrepreneurs and women grow their businesses?

FR:  Prime Bank offers the “Prime Start-Up Loan” for young innovators and specialised collateral-free, low-interest financing for women-led MSMEs. We complement these loans with capacity building, financial literacy training, and end-to-end guidance through dedicated Relationship Managers to ensure a smooth banking experience for these segments.