Rewriting the Script for Women’s Finance

Ali Reza Iftekhar
Managing Director
EBL

We are bridging geographic barriers through Agent Banking and simplified digital onboarding. Our goal is to enhance financial literacy and digital confidence, supporting long-term economic empowerment for women across Bangladesh.

This year, EBL is celebrating Women’s Day by transforming financial inclusion into measurable economic impact. In this interview with The Daily Star, Managing Director, Ali Reza Iftekhar delves through the bank’s  specialised SME programs and digital innovation. That is how EBL empowers women to become key drivers of national prosperity.

The Daily Star (TDS): What led EBL to introduce a dedicated women-focused banking portfolio?

Ali Reza Iftekhar (ARI): Our portfolio was driven by market insight and strategic intent. We identified a structural financing gap despite women’s growing economic participation. Integrating Women Banking into our Retail and SME strategy enables us to unlock growth and advance sustainable banking.

TDS: What is the current size and percentage of your women’s portfolio?

ARI: Our portfolio stands at approximately BDT 10,000 crore in deposits and BDT 1,000 crore in loans. This represents 27% of our total deposit base and 13% of our overall loan portfolio, reflecting strong liability engagement.

TDS: How many women customers do you serve and what is their engagement level?

ARI: We serve 200,000 women with 300,000 active accounts. In 2025, transaction volume reached BDT 2,700 crore, demonstrating that women are not just opening accounts but actively participating in formal digital transaction ecosystems.

TDS: Which products or services are most in demand among women clients?

ARI: Savings products and credit cards are highly sought after for financial planning and lifestyle needs. We also offer Mukti, a women-led SME solution, and recently launched Women Home Credit to support homeownership aspirations.

TDS: How has this segment grown over the last few years?

ARI: Over three years, we onboarded 80,000 new women customers, while deposits increased by BDT 4,000 crore. Women’s loan accounts grew by 16%, reflecting steady portfolio deepening and growing financial inclusion across the country.

TDS: How does the repayment performance of women borrowers compare?

ARI: The Mukti program demonstrates exceptional asset quality with an NPL of approximately 0.18%. This performance underscores a superior repayment culture among women entrepreneurs compared to the broader SME portfolio, reinforcing our confidence in this segment.

TDS: What sectors and barriers are you currently addressing?

ARI: Women frequently borrow in fashion, beauty, and e-commerce. To address barriers like limited financial literacy and lack of collateral, we provide simplified digital onboarding and structured training through our dedicated initiative, Adita.

Interview conducted by Tagabun Taharim Titun