UCB: Bringing banking out of the branch and into your pocket
With Unet, managing finances has never been easier. From cashless transactions and real-time account visibility to instant payments and growing trust in digital channels, UCB is empowering people to take control of their money independently
In Bangladesh, banking has long felt like an exclusive, closed space. Many people hesitate to walk into a branch, some feel intimidated, while others simply aren't comfortable with the formal environment. At UCB, we wanted to break that barrier once and for all. Our mission has been simple but ambitious: to take banking out of that "closed box" and place it directly into the hands of everyday people. That's why we have been redesigning our mobile app and digital ecosystem from the ground up, ensuring anyone can use it confidently, regardless of their background or familiarity with banking.
Over the past few years, we have made significant progress toward building a truly digital-first ecosystem. UCB launched the country's first microservices-based open Core Banking System, equipped with intelligent, future-ready digital capabilities. We also introduced Bangladesh's first API banking platform, enabling deeper integration with partners and fintechs. On the global stage, we became only the sixth institution worldwide to adopt the latest FCUBS 14.7. These technological milestones are more than achievements—they are the foundation that allows us to innovate faster and deliver a seamless, resilient experience to our customers.
Our next major leap is the launch of a Super App, which we envision as a natural part of people's everyday lives—not just another banking app. This platform will allow customers to manage their daily financial needs smoothly, securely, and without friction. Banking should be as easy as using your phone. Our goal is for anyone, regardless of age, profession, or technical ability, to transact, save, pay, and manage finances with confidence. We want the Super App to empower not only the digitally savvy but also those who have never used banking apps before. We are planning to launch it in the very first month of 2026, marking a milestone for both UCB and Bangladesh's digital banking landscape.
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While we are keeping most features under wraps, I can share that the app will be deeply integrated with everyday life. We are designing it to feel like a lifestyle companion, simplifying everything from payments to personal finance and day-to-day transactions. The experience will be intuitive, personalized, and extremely secure.
A key part of our vision is making our cards and mobile app a true alternative to cash. In practice, this means customers can handle everything—shopping, paying bills, sending money, receiving payments, or accessing financial services—without ever needing physical cash. Our aim is to make digital transactions so accessible and intuitive that anyone can use them anytime, anywhere. Banking should literally be in your hand or pocket.
The impact of mobile banking in Bangladesh has been remarkable. With over 120 million internet users and smartphone penetration near 95% among economically active people, app-based banking has become a major driver of financial inclusion. A decade ago, banking meant branches and paper forms; today, customers expect real-time access, self-service, and convenience. At UCB, our journey with Unet reflects this philosophy. We have focused on empowering everyone—from large corporates to neighbourhood shops to families—to manage their finances through their phones. Digital banking is no longer just convenient; it is essential to the economy.
Our mobile app has changed customer behavior profoundly. With Unet, people quickly became comfortable managing their financial lives independently. We have seen widespread adoption of cashless transactions, real-time visibility of accounts and loans, instant payments that save time and travel, and strong trust in digital channels. Today, Bangladesh records billions in digital transactions daily, and Unet has been a major contributor to this progress. Our biggest achievement is the trust customers place in our platform.
Mobile banking also plays a critical role in building a cashless society. Handling cash is expensive—it costs countries 1–1.5% of GDP annually. Each digital transaction increases transparency, reduces costs, and boosts productivity. Moving toward cashless doesn't mean eliminating cash; it means making digital the preferred choice—and Bangladesh is moving confidently in that direction.
Of course, as mobile banking grows, so do security responsibilities. Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, posing risks such as phishing, identity theft, and SIM swaps. To counter these, we are investing heavily in biometric authentication, AI-based fraud analytics, device binding, real-time alerts, and financial awareness campaigns. We also appreciate the strong leadership of Bangladesh Bank in digital security, which is critical for safeguarding the ecosystem.
Regulatory support has been a game changer for digital transactions. Systems like BEFTN, NPSB, RTGS, BIN interoperability, digital onboarding, and e-KYC have transformed the industry. Going forward, universal interoperability, secure cloud enablement, API-driven open banking, digital lending frameworks, and streamlined cross-border payments will accelerate growth.
As Bangladesh enters this new chapter of digital transformation, collaboration is key—between banks, regulators, fintechs, and customers. At UCB, our promise is to innovate responsibly, protect our customers at every step, and build an ecosystem where progress benefits everyone. The future of banking is already here, and together, we can make it smarter, safer, more inclusive, and proudly Bangladeshi.
