Rapid, inclusive home loans IFIC Bank PLC.

Helal Ahmed
Chief of Branch Business & Head of Operations
IFIC Bank PLC.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

By offering two-day approvals and specialised financing for semi-pucca houses, we are ensuring that formal home finance is no longer a privilege of the urban elite but a reachable reality for every hard-working family.

IFIC Bank PLC has established itself as a market leader in home finance by prioritising middle-income accessibility and rural inclusion. Through its flagship “Aamar Bari” suite and an expansive network of more than 1,400 business points, the bank is simplifying the path to homeownership with rapid approvals and tailored solutions for diverse segments.

The Daily Star (TDS): What are the primary bottlenecks preventing buyers from accessing formal home finance?

Helal Ahmed (HA): The most significant hurdles are high borrowing costs, rising construction expenses, and inflation, which lead to high monthly instalments. Many prospective buyers postpone decisions despite genuine needs. Additionally, the complexity of title verification and delays in land records create uncertainty. To bridge this gap, IFIC launched the “Aamar Bari” solution, which utilises a simplified application process and long tenures to lighten the instalment burden, ensuring home financing is more accessible to the masses.

TDS: What specific products have you introduced to make home loans more inclusive, especially for rural areas?

HA: Our flagship “IFIC Aamar Bari” is designed for speed and simplicity, offering approvals in as little as two working days for eligible customers. To promote inclusivity, we introduced the “Aamar Bari Semi-Pucca Home Loan”, providing up to BDT 50 lakh for semi-pucca homes in rural and semi-urban areas. We also target young professionals aged 22–35 with specialised segments, enabling them to construct or purchase homes earlier in their careers with a broader range of financing options.

TDS: How are internal process improvements and digital tools reducing turnaround times?

HA: Efficiency is our priority. By streamlining internal due diligence, we have achieved a two-day approval capability for complete applications. Our digital transformation agenda includes a new system where customers can assess their loan eligibility online from anywhere in the country without visiting a branch. This reduces administrative friction and simplifies the initial stages of the journey, ensuring a faster, more transparent experience for the borrower while maintaining rigorous credit standards.

TDS: What policy-level changes are needed to expand the reach of home finance in Bangladesh?

HA: Expanding long-term, lower-cost refinancing facilities is essential to help banks offer more affordable rates to middle-income families. Furthermore, the digitisation of land records and property registration would eliminate major operational bottlenecks and reduce legal uncertainty. Rationalising the high costs associated with property transfer and registration would also significantly lower the entry barrier. Finally, maintaining macroeconomic stability and sustainable interest rates is critical to encouraging genuine housing demand across the country.