In a remarkable achievement, Bangladesh Finance has been recognized as a top sustainable financial institution for the second consecutive year. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon the company in recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible financial practices. The honor was presented to Md. Kyser Hamid, the esteemed Managing Director and CEO of Bangladesh Finance, by Abdur Rouf Talukder, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank.
The award ceremony took place on the afternoon of August 29, 2023, at the Jahangir Alam Conference Center of the Central Bank. The event saw the Governor of Bangladesh Bank commend and applaud the sustainable banks and financial institutions that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainable business practices. This year's recognition was conferred upon the top four Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) and seven banks from both the public and private sectors.
Bangladesh Bank highlighted the key criteria that were considered in conferring this recognition. The benchmarks included maintaining a minimal non-performing loan ratio, fostering sustainable financing for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, promoting green refinancing, actively engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring extensive banking service coverage, and upholding the principles of core banking sustainability. Notably, the sustainable financing index played a pivotal role in the selection process.
Following the announcement of the award, the Managing Director & CEO of Bangladesh Finance, Md. Kyser Hamid, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm. He shared that an impressive 29% of the institution's total investments are dedicated to the Credit Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise (CMSME) sector. Bangladesh Finance's commitment to financing ventures extends beyond metropolitan areas, reaching the farthest corners of the nation to support various micro and small-scale entrepreneurs. In regions where physical branches are absent, the institution has established collaborations with diverse organizations to provide crucial loan facilities.
Moreover, Bangladesh Finance has taken a proactive stance in promoting financial inclusion for marginal agricultural entrepreneurs across the country. The institution's financing activities span approximately 40 districts, surpassing the constraints of traditional branch banking through innovative digital financing approaches.
Distinguished officials from Bangladesh Bank including the Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar and Executive Director Md. Khurshid Alam graced the occasion with their presence, further underscoring the significance of this achievement in the realm of sustainable finance.