EBL named best bank in Bangladesh by euromoney

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has been named the 'Best Bank in Bangladesh' at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 — marking the bank's sixth time winning this prestigious global accolade.

Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director of EBL, said, "This recognition from Euromoney reflects our relentless focus on excellence, customer-centric innovation, and value creation across all segments. We are deeply grateful to our customers, employees, and partners who inspire us to keep moving forward."

In 2024, despite global economic headwinds, EBL posted a strong performance, with net profit up by 22.8% and total assets growing 21.1%. The return on equity reached 18.6%, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained at 3.34%. The bank retained its AAA credit rating — the highest in the industry — for the third consecutive year.

EBL expanded its retail and SME portfolios, introducing the EBL High Earning Account and upgrading digital banking services, which contributed to a 12% increase in retail loans while maintaining asset quality. In SME banking, the launch of EBL Shohoz — a secured lending product — aimed to empower small businesses with easier access to finance.

In payroll banking, the bank added 361 new companies in 2024, representing a 37% year-over-year increase. It also launched the country's first Women Payroll Suite, designed to meet the specific needs of female professionals with customised financial services.

As a financial industry pioneer, EBL became the first bank in Bangladesh to receive regulatory approval to distribute both life and non-life insurance products, further expanding its integrated service offerings.