BRAC Bank brings SMEs together to expand digital lending
BRAC Bank has taken a pioneering step in digital lending by rolling out a series of entrepreneur conferences to promote its SME e-Loan, "Shafollo"—the first of its kind in Bangladesh's banking sector.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in expanding financial inclusion through fast, transparent, and paperless lending.
The "Shafollo Uddokta Shomabesh" events brought together more than 600 small and medium business owners across Gazipur, Dinajpur, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Syedpur, and Rajshahi.
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Supported by the Gates Foundation, the programme aimed to raise nationwide awareness of SME e-loan services.
A key highlight was the live demonstration of instant "Shafollo" loan disbursement—an industry first, according to BRAC Bank.
The demonstration showcased the speed, transparency, and efficiency of BRAC Bank's e-loan platform.
BRAC Bank collected direct feedback from entrepreneurs during the sessions to refine service features and enhance customer convenience.
The bank said this customer-centric approach underscores its efforts to tailor digital financial services to the evolving needs of SMEs.
The "Shafollo" e-loan programme is expanding access to formal credit for underserved segments by offering fast, collateral-free loans with minimal documentation.
Designed to address long-standing credit barriers for small traders and rural entrepreneurs, the programme provides easier access to formal credit for grassroots businesses.
AI-based credit scoring enables digital assessment of customer eligibility, with approved funds disbursed directly to borrowers' accounts.
The fully digitised process—from application and verification to disbursement—allows eligible borrowers to secure loans within minutes.
