MTB building a more accessible and digitally driven bank
With technology at the heart of its strategy, MTB is expanding digital banking, simplifying access to finance and strengthening its support for customers, entrepreneurs and businesses across Bangladesh
Bangladesh's banking sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation.
Customers increasingly expect banking to be faster, simpler and more accessible, while businesses need financing solutions that can keep pace with a changing economy. At Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB), we see technology, financial inclusion and responsible financing as central to how we respond to these changes.
Digital transformation is one of our key priorities, particularly in Retail Banking. We have been redesigning customer experiences around technology so that banking becomes more convenient and inclusive. One of our most significant steps has been the complete digitalisation of account opening through our e-KYC platform. Customers can now open accounts without visiting a branch by submitting digital identification documents, completing live-photo verification and fulfilling the required compliance checks online. This has significantly reduced onboarding time while improving convenience and compliance.
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Our MTB Neo online banking app is another important part of this journey. Customers can use the platform for fixed and recurring deposits, fund transfers, bill payments and other banking services. We have also introduced MTB Torit e-Rin, a fully digital retail loan solution that allows eligible customers to access financing directly through the MTB Neo app. With loans ranging from Tk500 to Tk50,000 for up to six months, the facility is designed to address short-term financial needs quickly. We are also piloting a fully digital personal loan application platform that will eventually allow customers to apply online for personal loans of up to Tk20 lakh.
"We have introduced MTB Torit e-Rin, a fully digital retail loan solution that allows eligible customers to access financing directly through the MTB Neo app. With loans ranging from Tk500 to Tk50,000 for up to six months, the facility is designed to address short-term financial needs quickly."
At the same time, we recognise that digital banking must be accompanied by meaningful access to finance. Consumer financing is changing, with customers looking for quicker decisions and smoother borrowing experiences. We have therefore strengthened our secured lending portfolio while streamlining processes. In Home Loans, for example, customers can now receive conditional approval within 48 hours, provided all required documents are submitted.
We are also supporting the transition towards sustainable transportation by partnering with leading electric vehicle brands, including BYD and DongFeng, to provide attractive financing options. This is an area where banking can directly support broader economic and environmental priorities.
Our commitment to inclusion extends to Bangladesh's growing freelancer community. Freelancers represent an important emerging source of foreign currency earnings, and we have developed specialised banking solutions for them. Through our Freelancer Bundle Package, customers can open both a Taka account and a foreign currency account with one set of documents, alongside benefits such as zero account maintenance fees and international and dual-currency debit cards.
Beyond retail banking, MTB remains deeply involved in financing Bangladesh's industrial and economic development. Our structured finance capabilities support local and foreign loan syndication, infrastructure projects, special funds from multilaterals and development finance institutions, and ECA guarantee-backed financing. At the same time, CMSME financing remains a major priority because smaller businesses are fundamental to the country's economic base.
We have assigned 130 dedicated SME relationship managers across around 100 distribution points, and our access to CMSME finance has grown significantly. Technology is helping us take this further. We are developing automated financing tools for exporters, simplifying loan applications and working towards fully automated platforms for CMSMEs and tender bidders. Through embedded financing programmes, we are also working with corporate partners to support both backward and forward links in value chains.
Financial inclusion also means reaching people beyond traditional banking locations. Our agent banking network provides services including paperless account opening, deposits, withdrawals, inward remittances, SME and agricultural loans, and utility payments to rural customers. Through MTB Angona and related initiatives, we are also working to expand financial access and skills development for women.
As we look ahead, our ambition is to become the best digital-first, solution-oriented bank in the country. We are investing in artificial intelligence, technology infrastructure and cybersecurity while continuing to build on our in-house digital capabilities. From AI-powered customer service and personal financial management to TradeX, MTB e-Bank, eKYC and other digital platforms, our objective is not technology for its own sake. It is to identify financial and business problems and solve them more effectively.
Responsible growth is equally important. We integrate environmental and social due diligence into our lending decisions and prioritise green industries, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient MSMEs. We have also strengthened our governance and sustainability reporting while working to reduce our operational footprint.
The banking environment remains challenging, particularly with high non-performing loans, weak capital positions and subdued private-sector credit growth. Yet difficult periods can also create opportunities for disciplined institutions. As customers become more selective, trust, sound governance and the ability to deliver relevant solutions will become increasingly important.
For MTB, the path forward is therefore clear: combine technology with human expertise, expand access to finance, support productive sectors and maintain a strong commitment to sustainability and security. Our goal is to build a banking experience that works not only for today's customers, but can scale to meet the needs of millions of customers tomorrow.
Financing the businesses that power Bangladesh
Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB) has built a diversified financing portfolio that reflects the breadth of Bangladesh's economy. From large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects to small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, the bank's approach combines sectoral reach with a growing emphasis on technology-driven access to finance.
Manufacturing and extractive industries account for the largest share of MTB's customer portfolio at 27%, followed by ready-made garments at 15% and food and allied industries at 10%. The bank also serves clients across textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, power and gas, and financial institutions, giving it exposure to a wide cross-section of productive economic activity.
At the heart of this approach is a strong focus on CMSMEs, which MTB regards as a critical engine of Bangladesh's economic development. The bank has expanded its SME relationship management network and is using automation to make financing faster and more accessible. Embedded financing programmes also allow MTB to support businesses across different points of corporate value chains.
Its financing reach is supported by a nationwide distribution network comprising 122 branches, 58 sub-branches and more than 180 agent banking centres. This allows MTB to serve businesses and customers across urban and semi-urban markets while extending financial services into underserved communities.
The bank is also increasingly aligning financing with sustainability. Green industries, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient MSMEs feature among its priority areas, supported by environmental and social due diligence in lending decisions.
Taken together, MTB's presence across industries, infrastructure, CMSMEs and emerging segments demonstrates an approach to banking that goes beyond individual transactions. Its role is increasingly that of a financial partner supporting businesses at different stages of Bangladesh's economic activity.
The author Syed Mahbubur Rahman is the managing director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank PLC.
