No customer has ever failed to withdraw money from NRB Bank
Trust is the foundation of NRB Bank’s growth strategy, centred on small-scale deposit mobilisation. Through branch expansion and digital innovation, we’re reshaping how customers bank with us
Highlights:
- 14% deposit growth in 2024, despite the banking sector recording its lowest growth in a decade.
- Over BDT 800 crore deposits mobilised in just the first four months of this year.
- The bank plans to shift focus from corporate lending to retail and SME segments.
- Launch of 'Grameen Home Loan' to support rural housing outside major cities.
- A specialised 'NRB Division' was introduced for expatriates.
At NRB Bank, trust has always been our foundation. Even in times of change, like the recent board restructuring mandated by Bangladesh Bank, not a single customer has faced issues withdrawing their funds. This uninterrupted service is not just operational efficiency; it is proof of the confidence our clients place in us.
In 2024, while the banking sector as a whole experienced the lowest deposit growth in over a decade, NRB Bank achieved a remarkable 14% deposit growth. Our strong capital adequacy ratio and sound liquidity position ensured that customer trust remained unshaken.
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After the board restructuring in August 2024, while some banks experienced panic among customers and institutional depositors, we maintained composure. From our ATMs to digital platforms, all services remained functional. Notably, we did not require any special support from the Bangladesh Bank—another testament to our sound financial health.
Despite sector-wide challenges, NRB Bank mobilised deposits worth nearly Tk738 crore in 2024. And in just the first four months of 2025, we have already collected over Tk800 crore in deposits. While there was minor pressure on our institutional segment following the board change, our core retail deposit base remained unaffected, highlighting the loyalty and faith of our customers.
No withdrawal restrictions
Let me state clearly: since I joined in September 2024, not a single customer has been turned away or asked to withdraw less than they intended. Our liquidity position remains entirely comfortable. Whether customers approach us with cheques or opt for digital transactions, all requests have been honoured promptly.
At NRB Bank, we believe the strength of a bank lies in the trust of its depositors. Our current strategy is focused on safeguarding and growing this trust. We're concentrating on mobilising deposits from small-scale customers. Currently operating 100 branches, we've received regulatory approval for 11 more. We've also intensified our recovery efforts, especially for non-performing assets.
We're embracing digital transformation to make banking more accessible. Our exclusive mobile app enables interbank transfers, utility bill payments, and loan repayments. We have also introduced "NRB Straight Banking," an internet banking platform for our corporate clients. Soon, we'll launch a digital onboarding solution, allowing customers to open accounts from home.
A strategic shift in lending
Our loan portfolio currently leans heavily towards the corporate sector—around 65-70%. Over the next three years, we aim to balance this to 50% corporate and 50% retail and SME. Smaller, customer-focused, and regionally diverse loans will be prioritised, and we intend for 50% of our loan book to comprise small-ticket loans. This approach ensures portfolio risk diversification.
For instance, if a single borrower defaults on Tk150 crore, the impact on capital is immense. But a well-diversified retail/SME loan book spreads the risk, making it more manageable. We are already implementing this model.
We're also focusing on inclusive banking. Our board has mandated special emphasis on "Women Banking" and "Women Financing." Women make up nearly 50% of our population—our 'better half'—and cannot be left behind. We've already launched women-centric banking services and plan to expand these offerings further.
'NRB Grameen Griho Rin'
In November last year, we launched a unique product—'NRB Grameen Griho Rin'—targeting rural housing finance. While many banks offer home loans for urban areas, few cater to rural households. With Bangladesh Bank's policy support, we're now offering loans up to BDT 40 lakh under this initiative and have received encouraging responses from the rural belt.
NRB Bank was founded with a mission to serve Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and facilitate their investments. Over time, we became a full-fledged commercial bank, but now we are re-aligning with our original goal.
We've appointed dedicated NRB Relationship Officers in every branch to support families and beneficiaries of NRBs. We've also formed a specialised unit—'NRB Division'—to streamline inward remittances, two-way trade, and foreign direct investments.
We offer tailored services like 'NRB Home Loan' with central bank support, and a 'Probashi Sohayota Loan' that covers expenses like visas and training, ranging from BDT 5 to 7 lakh. Even with guarantors, many aspiring migrants face financing hurdles—we're actively working to solve that.
Why trust NRB Bank?
Our capital adequacy ratio is significantly above the regulatory minimum of 12.5%, and our liquidity remains strong. We have never failed to meet a withdrawal request. Moreover, we're continuously evolving, launching customer-centric digital products, and embracing innovation to meet the needs of tomorrow's banking customers.
As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to ensuring every client, whether in Dhaka or a rural village, at home or abroad, can rely on NRB Bank with confidence.
This interview was conducted by The Business Standard's Staff Correspondent Sakhawat Prince
