UCB's vision for Bangladesh's next growth phase 

Over the next five years, our ambition at United Commercial Bank is clear: to become one of the most trusted, innovative and sustainable financial institutions in Bangladesh. We want to build on the strength and experience we have gained over more than four decades while transforming UCB into a technology-driven, customer-centric bank that is prepared for the changing needs of our economy and our customers.

For us, growth is not simply about expanding the balance sheet. It is about creating long-term value for our customers, shareholders and the wider economy. That means maintaining strong fundamentals in governance, risk management and profitability while investing in technology, improving customer experience, promoting financial inclusion and embracing responsible banking.

I believe UCB's greatest strength is our ability to combine stability with innovation. More than four decades of banking experience have given us a strong foundation and a reputation for reliability. At the same time, we have continued to invest in our people, technology and products so that we can respond to a rapidly changing financial landscape.

Infographic: TBS

Our approach to lending reflects this balance. We maintain a diversified portfolio while prioritising sectors that contribute directly to employment generation, industrial development and economic growth. These include manufacturing, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, infrastructure, renewable energy, trading businesses and SMEs. We also remain committed to export-oriented industries that strengthen Bangladesh's competitiveness in global markets.

Our role goes beyond providing capital. As a commercial bank, we see ourselves as a partner in Bangladesh's development journey. From large industrial projects to emerging entrepreneurs, we provide financing across the business spectrum. Manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, trade finance and supply chain financing all have an important role in enabling businesses to expand, create employment and contribute to economic transformation.

SMEs are particularly important in this regard. They represent one of the most important pillars of Bangladesh's economy, and strengthening SME banking has therefore become a strategic priority for UCB. We provide financing solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium enterprises, including collateral-light products, working capital facilities and trade-related financing. But finance alone is not enough. Entrepreneurs also need knowledge, networks and guidance to build sustainable businesses.

That is why we have developed initiatives such as our SME Club, which promotes mentoring and networking, as well as the "Cha-Chokro" initiative for hyperlocal engagement with SMEs and MMEs. We have also established a dedicated SME Facebook page and developed partnerships with trade bodies and chambers to better understand the needs of businesses and design more relevant financial solutions.

At the same time, we recognise that sustainable growth requires a balanced portfolio. While corporate banking remains an important part of our business, we have strengthened our focus on retail, SME, agricultural and consumer banking. This diversification allows us to expand our customer base, reduce concentration risk and ensure that the benefits of financial growth reach a wider section of society.

Technology will be at the centre of this transformation. We believe the future of banking will be increasingly digital, data-driven and customer-centric. Our investments in core banking modernisation, digital channels, APIs, artificial intelligence, analytics and automation are helping us improve both customer experience and operational efficiency.

The launch of UCB One, our next-generation Super App, represents an important milestone in this journey. By bringing account opening, fund transfers, QR payments, card management, bill payments and digital lending into one platform, we are making everyday banking simpler and more convenient. Nearly two-thirds of our customer transactions are now conducted through digital channels, reflecting the progress of our transformation.

Yet we do not believe technology should replace human relationships. Our "Phygital" approach is about combining digital convenience with personalised service. Banking must remain accessible and human even as it becomes more technologically advanced.

Sustainability is another important part of our long-term strategy. We are supporting renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, environmentally responsible industrial projects and climate-resilient initiatives. ESG considerations are increasingly incorporated into our credit evaluation and risk assessment, while internally we are also pursuing initiatives such as paperless banking and resource optimisation.

Financial inclusion remains equally important. Through our branch network, sub-branches, agent banking operations and digital channels, we are working to extend financial services to underserved communities, rural customers and women entrepreneurs. Our objective is not merely to provide access to banking, but to enable more people and businesses to participate in economic activity.

The banking sector today stands at an important crossroads. There are significant opportunities arising from digital adoption, financial inclusion and demand for more sophisticated financial services, but these come alongside challenges such as asset quality, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity and changing customer expectations.

I remain optimistic about the future. Banks that combine innovation with sound governance, strong risk management and a genuine focus on customers will be best placed to succeed. As Bangladesh moves towards its next phase of economic development, UCB intends to play its part by mobilising capital, supporting entrepreneurs, financing businesses and helping build a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Financing growth across Bangladesh's economy

For United Commercial Bank, growth has always been closely connected to the growth of Bangladesh's businesses and communities. Over more than four decades, the bank has built a diversified financing portfolio designed to support the sectors that drive employment, investment and economic activity.

UCB's lending extends across manufacturing, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, infrastructure, renewable energy, trading and export-oriented industries. This broad sectoral presence allows the bank to support businesses at different stages of their journey, from established industrial enterprises to emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses.

SMEs remain a particularly important part of this story. Recognising their role in the economy, UCB has developed tailored financing solutions alongside initiatives focused on entrepreneurship development, mentoring, networking and financial literacy. Its SME Club, "Cha-Chokro" initiative and partnerships with trade bodies and chambers are aimed at bringing the bank closer to entrepreneurs and understanding their evolving needs.

The bank is also broadening the reach of financial services through retail, agricultural, consumer and agent banking. This diversification reflects UCB's wider objective of making financial growth more inclusive and ensuring that individuals, farmers and smaller businesses can participate in the country's economic progress.

Technology has become another major pillar of this journey. Through digital banking platforms, UCB One, Open API infrastructure and its partnership with Upay, the bank is working to make financial services faster and more accessible. Nearly two-thirds of its customer transactions are now conducted through digital channels.

Alongside growth, UCB is placing greater emphasis on sustainable finance, supporting renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible industrial projects.

By combining sector-focused financing, SME support, digital transformation and sustainable banking, UCB is positioning itself not simply as a provider of capital, but as a financial partner to businesses and communities contributing to Bangladesh's next phase of growth.