FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Financial System Operative in Bangladesh

Financial System:
The Financial System is a set of institutional arrangement through which surplus units transfer
their fund to deficit units. The financial system is a set of organized institutional set-up through
which surplus units transfer their funds to deficit units.
Define a financial system fair narrowly, to consist of a set of markets, individuals and institutions,
which trade in those markets and the supervisory bodies responsible for their regulation. The endusers of the system are people and firms whose desire is to lend and to borrow.
At present the financial system in Bangladesh is mainly composed of two types of institutions like
banks and non-bank financial institution (NBFIs). The formal financial sector in Bangladesh
includes: (a) Bangladesh Bank as the central bank, (b) 48 commercial banks, including 4
Government owned commercial banks, 30 domestic private banks (PCBs) (of which 6 banks are
operating under Islamic Shariah), 9 foreign banks (FCBs) (of which 1 bank is operating as Islamic
bank); and 5 government-owned specialized banks (DFIs); (c) 28 non-bank financial institutions
(NBFIs) licensed by the Bangladesh Bank); (d) 2 large government- owned insurance
companies (life and general) and 60 private owned (17 life and 43 general) insurance companies;
(e) 2 stock exchanges and, (f) some co-operative banks. Besides, a good number of semi-formal
micro finance institutions (MFIs) also are operating in Bangladesh.
Overview of Financial system of Bangladesh
The financial system of Bangladesh is comprised of three broad fragmented sectors:
Formal Sector, Semi-Formal Sector, Informal Sector.
The sectors have been categorized in accordance with their degree of regulation.
The formal sector includes all regulated institutions like Banks, Non-Bank Financial Institutions
(FIs), Insurance Companies, Capital Market Intermediaries like Brokerage Houses, Merchant
Banks etc.; Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).
The semi formal sector includes those institutions which are regulated otherwise but do not fall
under the jurisdiction of Central Bank, Insurance Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission
or any other enacted financial regulator. This sector is mainly represented by Specialized Financial
Institutions like House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC), Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation
(PKSF), Samabay Bank, Grameen Bank etc., Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs and discrete
government programs.
The informal sector includes private intermediaries which are completely unregulated

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Financial System of Bangladesh

Formal Sector
Financial Market
Money Market
(Banks,
NBFIs,Primary
Dealers)
Capital Market
(Investment banks,
Stock Exchanges,
Credit Rating
Companies etc.)
Foreign Exchange
Market
(Authorized
Dealers)

Regulators &
Institutions
Bangladesh Bank
(Central Bank)

Semi Formal Sector

Informal Sector

Specialized Financial Institutions:

1.
2.
3.
4.

House Building Financial Corporation(HBFC)

Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation(PKSF)
Samabay Bank
Grameen Bank

Banks
47 scheduled & 4 non-scheduled banks
NBFIs 31 NBFIs
Insurance Development & Regulatory Authority
(Insurance Authority)
Insurance Companies
18 Life and 44 Non-Life Insurance Companies
Securities & Exchange Commission
(Regulatory of capital market Intermediaries)
Stock Exchanges, Stock Dealers & Brokers,
Merchants Banks, AMC s, Credit Rating Agencies
etc.
Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MFI Authority)
Micro Finance Institutions 599 MFIs

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

The main constituents of financial system are :

i) Financial Institutions
ii) Financial Instruments, and
iii) Financial Markets.
Financial Institutions
The modern name of Financial Institution is Financial Intermediary (FI), because it mediates or
stand between ultimate borrowers and ultimate lenders and helps transfer funds from one to
another.
The Financial system helps production, capital-accumulation and growth by
i) encouraging savings and
ii) allocating them among the alternative uses and users.
Financial Instruments
Financial Instruments are of two types:
i) Primary (or Direct)
ii) Secondary (or Indirect)
Financial Markets
Financial markets facilitate the flow of funds in order to finance investments by governments,
corporations, and individuals. It transfers funds from those who have excess funds (surplus units)
to those who need funds(deficit units).
The financial market in Bangladesh is mainly of following types:
1. Money Market: The primary money market is comprised of banks, FIs and primary
dealers as intermediaries and savings & lending instruments, treasury bills as instruments.
There are currently 15 primary dealers (12 banks and 3 FIs) in Bangladesh. The only
active secondary market is overnight call money market which is participated by the
scheduled banks and FIs. The money market in Bangladesh is regulated by Bangladesh
Bank (BB), the Central Bank of Bangladesh.
2. Capital market: The primary segment of capital market is operated through private and
public offering of equity and bond instruments. The secondary segment of capital market
is institutionalized by two (02) stock exchanges-Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong
Stock Exchange. The instruments in these exchanges are equity securities (shares),
debentures, corporate bonds and treasury bonds. The capital market in Bangladesh is
governed by Securities and Commission (SEC).
3. Foreign Exchange Market: Towards liberalization of foreign exchange transactions, a
number of measures were adopted since 1990s. Bangladeshi currency, the taka, was
declared convertible on current account transactions (as on 24 March 1994), in terms of
Article VIII of IMF Article of Agreement (1994).

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Overview of Financial system of Bangladesh

Financial markets facilitate:

The raising of capital (in the capital markets)

The transfer of risk (in the derivatives markets)
Price discovery
Global transactions with integration of financial markets
The transfer of liquidity (in the money markets)
International trade (in the currency markets)

Role of Financial markets in the economy

One of the important requisite for the accelerated development of an economy is the existence of
a dynamic financial market. A financial market helps the economy in the following manner.

Saving mobilization: Obtaining funds from the savers or surplus units such as
household individuals, business firms, public sector units, central government, state
governments etc. is an important role played by financial markets.
Investment: Financial markets play a crucial role in arranging to invest funds thus
collected in those units which are in need of the same.
National Growth: An important role played by financial market is that, they contributed
to a nations growth by ensuring unfettered flow of surplus funds to deficit units. Flow of
funds for productive purposes is also made possible.
Entrepreneurship growth: Financial market contribute to the development of the
entrepreneurial claw by making available the necessary financial resources.
Industrial development: The different components of financial markets help an
accelerated growth of industrial and economic development of a country, thus contributing
to raising the standard of living and the society of well-being.

Functions of Financial Markets

Intermediary Functions: The intermediary functions of a financial markets include the

following:
o Transfer of Resources: Financial markets facilitate the transfer of real economic
resources from lenders to ultimate borrowers.
o Enhancing income: Financial markets allow lenders to earn interest or dividend
on their surplus invisible funds, thus contributing to the enhancement of the
individual and the national income.
o Productive usage: Financial markets allow for the productive use of the funds
borrowed. The enhancing the income and the gross national production.
o Capital Formation: Financial markets provide a channel through which new
savings flow to aid capital formation of a country.
4

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

o

Price determination: Financial markets allow for the determination of price of

the traded financial assets through the interaction of buyers and sellers. They
provide a sign for the allocation of funds in the economy based on the demand and
supply through the mechanism called price discovery process.
Sale Mechanism: Financial markets provide a mechanism for selling of a financial
asset by an investor so as to offer the benefit of marketability and liquidity of such
assets.
Information: The activities of the participants in the financial market result in the
generation and the consequent dissemination of information to the various
segments of the market. So as to reduce the cost of transaction of financial assets.

Financial Functions
o Providing the borrower with funds so as to enable them to carry out their
investment plans.
o Providing the lenders with earning assets so as to enable them to earn wealth by
deploying the assets in production debentures.
o Providing liquidity in the market so as to facilitate trading of funds.

Constituents of Financial Market

Based on market levels

Primary market: Primary market is a market for new issues or new financial claims.
Hence its also called new issue market. The primary market deals with those securities
which are issued to the public for the first time.
Secondary market: Its a market for secondary sale of securities. In other words,
securities which have already passed through the new issue market are traded in this
market. Generally, such securities are quoted in the stock exchange and it provides a
continuous and regular market for buying and selling of securities.

Based on security types

Money market: Money market is a market for dealing with financial assets and securities
which have a maturity period of up to one year. In other words, its a market for purely
short term funds.
Capital market: A capital market is a market for financial assets which have a long or
indefinite maturity. Generally it deals with long term securities which have a maturity
period of above one year. Capital market may be further divided in to: (a) industrial
securities market (b) Govt. securities market and (c) long term loans market.
o Equity markets: A market where ownership of securities are issued and
subscribed is known as equity market. An example of a secondary equity market
for shares is the Bombay stock exchange.
o Debt market: The market where funds are borrowed and lent is known as debt
market. Arrangements are made in such a way that the borrowers agree to pay the
lender the original amount of the loan plus some specified amount of interest.
5

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Derivative markets: Derivative securities are financial contracts whose values are
derived from the underlying assets. And derivative markets are Markets that allow for
buying & selling of derivative securities.

Financial service market: A market that comprises participants such as commercial

banks that provide various financial services like ATM. Credit cards. Credit rating, stock
broking etc. is known as financial service market. Individuals and firms use financial
services markets, to purchase services that enhance the working of debt and equity
markets.
Depository markets: A depository market consist of depository institutions that accept
deposit from individuals and firms and uses these funds to participate in the debt market,
by giving loans or purchasing other debt instruments such as treasure bills.
Non-Depository market: Non-depository market carry out various functions in financial
markets ranging from financial intermediary to selling, insurance etc. The various
constituency in non-depositary markets are mutual funds, insurance companies, pension
funds, brokerage firms etc.

The financial market in Bangladesh is mainly of following types:

1. Money Market: The primary money market is comprised of banks, FIs and primary
dealers as intermediaries and savings & lending instruments, treasury bills as instruments.
There are currently 15 primary dealers (12 banks and 3 FIs) in Bangladesh. The only
active secondary market is overnight call money market which is participated by the
scheduled banks and FIs. The money market in Bangladesh is regulated by Bangladesh
Bank (BB), the Central Bank of Bangladesh.
2. Capital market: The primary segment of capital market is operated through private and
public offering of equity and bond instruments. The secondary segment of capital market
is institutionalized by two (02) stock exchanges-Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong
Stock Exchange. The instruments in these exchanges are equity securities (shares),
debentures, corporate bonds and treasury bonds. The capital market in Bangladesh is
governed by Securities and Commission (SEC).
3. Foreign Exchange Market: Towards liberalization of foreign exchange transactions, a
number of measures were adopted since 1990s. Bangladeshi currency, the taka, was
declared convertible on current account transactions (as on 24 March 1994), in terms of
Article VIII of IMF Article of Agreement (1994). As Taka is not convertible in capital
account, resident owned capital is not freely transferable abroad. Repatriation of profits or
disinvestment proceeds on non-resident FDI and portfolio investment inflows are
permitted freely. Direct investments of non-residents in the industrial sector and portfolio
investments of non-residents through stock exchanges are repatriable abroad, as also are
capital gains and profits/dividends thereon. Investment abroad of resident-owned capital
is subject to prior Bangladesh Bank approval, which is allowed only sparingly. Bangladesh
adopted Floating Exchange Rate regime since 31 May 2003. Under the regime, BB does
not interfere in the determination of exchange rate, but operates the monetary policy
prudently for minimizing extreme swings in exchange rate to avoid adverse repercussion
6

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

on the domestic economy. The exchange rate is being determined in the market on the
basis of market demand and supply forces of the respective currencies. In the forex
market banks are free to buy and sale foreign currency in the spot and also in the forward
markets. However, to avoid any unusual volatility in the exchange rate, Bangladesh Bank,
the regulator of foreign exchange market remains vigilant over the developments in the
foreign exchange market and intervenes by buying and selling foreign currencies
whenever it deems necessary to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market.

Money market & its instruments

The money market is used by a wide array of participants, from a company raising money by
selling commercial paper into the market to an investor purchasing CDs as a safe place to park
money in the short term. The money market is typically seen as a safe place to put money due
the highly liquid nature of the securities and short maturities, but there are risks in the market
that any investor needs to be aware of including the risk of default on securities such as
commercial paper. The primary money market is comprised of banks, FIs and primary dealers as
intermediaries and savings & lending instruments, treasury bills as instruments. There are
currently 15 primary dealers (12 banks and 3 FIs) in Bangladesh. The only active secondary
market is overnight call money market which is participated by the scheduled banks and FIs. The
money market in Bangladesh is regulated by Bangladesh Bank (BB), the Central Bank of
Bangladesh.
The developed money market has the following characteristics:
(i) Existence of Central Bank,
(ii) Highly organized commercial Banking System
(iii) Existence of sub-markets
(iv) Healthy competition in sub-markets
(v) Integrated structure of money market
(vi) Availability of proper credit instruments.
(vii) Adequacy and Elasticity of funds
(viii) International attraction
(ix) Uniformity of interest rates
(x) Stability of prices and
(xi) Highly developed Industrial system
Money Market Instruments:
The common types of money market securities traded in Bangladesh are given below:
i) Treasury Bills(T-Bills)
ii) Repurchase Agreements( Repo or Reverse Repo)
iii) Commercial Papers
iv) Certificate of Deposit
v) Banker's Acceptance
Treasury Bills or T-Bills:

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Treasury Bills, one of the safest money market instrument, are short term borrowing instruments
of the Central Government of the country issued through the Central Bank. They are zero risk
instruments. It is available both in the primary market as well as secondary market. T-bills are
short-term securities that mature in one year or less from their issue date. They are issued with
three-month, six-month and one-year maturity periods.
The Central Government issues T-Bills at a price less than their face value (par value). They are
issued with a promise to pay full face value on maturity. So, when the T-Bills mature, the
government pays the holder its face value. The difference between the purchase price and the
maturity value is the interest income earned by the purchaser of the instrument.
T-Bills are issued through a bidding process at auctions. The bid can be prepared either
competitively or non-competitively. In case of competitive bidding, the return on maturity is
specified in the bid. In case the return specified is too high then the T-Bill might not be issued to
the bidder. In case of non-competitive bidding, return required is not specified and the one
determined at the auction is received on maturity.
Commercial paper:
Commercial paper is short term debt instruments issued by well known, credit worthy firms. It is
generally not issued in Bangladesh. But only types of commercial papers available are- the bills of
exchange and promissory notes, mutual funds etc.
Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCDs):
NCDs are certificates that are issued by large commercial banks as a short term source of fund.
The nonfinancial corporations often purchase NCDs. The minimum denomination is not fixed in
Bangladesh. Maturities on NCDs normally range from 15 to 1 years. It provides return in the form
of interest along with the difference between the price at which NCDs is redeemed and the
purchase price.
Repurchase Agreements:
With RA or repo one party sells securities to another party with an agreement to repurchase it
back at a specific date and price. Financial institutions often participate in RA.
Bankers Acceptance:
It indicates that a bank accepts responsibility for a future payment which is commonly used for
international trade. Maturity of it is ranged from 30 to 270 days. The return from it is above t-bill
yield.

Capital Markets & its instruments

A market in which individuals and institutions trade financial securities. Organizations/institutions
in the public and private sectors also often sell securities on the capital markets in order to raise
funds. Thus, this type of market is composed of both the primary and secondary markets. Both
the stock and bond markets are parts of the capital markets. For example, when a
company conducts an IPO, it is tapping the investing public for capital and is therefore using the
8

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

capital markets. This is also true when a country's government issues Treasury bonds in the bond
market to fund its spending initiatives.
A. Regulatory Bodies
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exercise powers under the Securities and
Exchange Ordinance 1969, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Act 1993, Depository Act,
1999. It regulates institutions engaged in capital market activities.
B. Participants in the Capital Market
The SEC has issued licenses to institutions to act in the capital market of these, 52 institutions
are Merchant Banker & Portfolio Manager while 16 are the Asset Management Companies and 9
(one) acts as Security Custodians beyond these institutions SEC issuing 9 (nine) registration
certificate for Credit Rating Companies.
C. Stock Exchanges
There are two stock exchanges: a) The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and b) The Chittagong
Stock Exchange (CSE) which deals in the secondary capital market. DSE was established as a
Public Limited Company in April, 1954 thereafter CSE in April, 1995. As on June 15, 2012 the total
number of enlisted securities with DSE and CSE were 237 and 204 respectively. Out of 281 listed
securities including mutual fund with the DSE, 237 were listed companies, 41 mutual funds.
D. Intermediaries
At present, capital market intermediaries are of following types:
1. Stock Exchanges: Apart from Dhaka Stock Exchange, there is another stock exchange in
Bangladesh that is Chittagong Stock Exchange established in 1995.
2. Central Depository: The only depository system for the transaction and settlement of
financial securities, Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd (CDBL) was formed in 2000 which
conducts its operations under Depositories Act 1999, Depositories Regulations 2000,
Depository (User) Regulations 2003, and the CDBL by-laws.
3. Stock Dealer/Sock Broker: Under SEC (Stock Dealer, Stock Broker & Authorized
Representative) Rules 2000, these entities are licensed and they are bound to be a
member of any of the two stock exchanges. At present, DSE and CSE have 238 and 136
members respectively.
4. Merchant Banker & Portfolio Manager: These institutions are licensed to operate under
SEC (Merchant Banker & Portfolio Manager Rules) 1996 and 45 institutions have been
licensed by SEC under this rules so far.
5. Asset Management Companies (AMCs): AMCs are authorized to act as issue and portfolio
manager of the mutual funds which are issued under SEC (Mutual Fund) Rules 2001.
There are 15 AMCs in Bangladesh at present.
6. Credit Rating Companies (CRCs): CRCs in Bangladesh are licensed under Credit Rating
Companies Rules, 1996 and now, 5 CRCs have been accredited by SEC.
9

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

7.

Trustees/Custodians: According to rules, all asset backed securitizations and mutual funds
must have an accredited trusty and security custodian. For that purpose, SEC has licensed
9 institutions as Trustees and 9 institutions as custodians.
8. Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB): ICB is a specialized capital market
intermediary which was established in 1976 through the ordainment of The Investment
Corporation of Bangladesh Ordinance 1976. This ordinance has empowered ICB to
perform all types of capital market intermediation that fall under jurisdiction of SEC. ICB
has three subsidiaries:
a. ICB Capital Management Ltd.,
b. ICB Asset Management Company Ltd.,
c. ICB Securities Trading Company Ltd.

Capital market instruments:

Bonds :
Bonds are long term debt securities issued by corporations & government agencies to support
their operations.
Mortgages :
Mortgages are long term debt obligations created to finance the purchase of real estate.
Stocks:
It is also called equity securities. Stocks are certificates representing ownership in the
corporations that issued them. It has higher rate of return but also exhibit a higher degree of risk.
Bangladesh Capital Market
Summary
(As on 31 March 2008)
Indicators

Dhaka
Stock
Exchang
e
270
14
8
75
1
368

No. of companies
No. of mutual funds
No. of debentures
No. of treasury bonds
No. of corporate bonds
Total No. of Listed Securities

10

Chittagong Stock
Exchange
215
14
1
230

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Financial institutions in Bangladesh

Banking and Non Banking Financial Institutions
In Bangladesh now different commercial banks and the non banking financial organizations are
operating their business. And every organization now involved attracting the retail customers that
means the middle income group people of the country. To draw their attention the sells persons
of different organization try to knock every possible door. These activities of different organization
increase the interest about this sector. As both commercial banks and the non financial institutes
are in the market, so it makes confusion to the general people about the activities of these
organizations. This article helps the customers to makes differentiate between these.
Depository institutions of Bangladesh
After the independence, banking industry in Bangladesh started its journey with 6 Nationalized
commercialized banks, 2 State owned Specialized banks and 3 Foreign Banks. In the 1980's
banking industry achieved significant expansion with the entrance of private banks. Now, banks in
Bangladesh are primarily of two types:

Scheduled Banks: The banks which get license to operate under Bank Company Act, 1991
(Amended in 2003) are termed as Scheduled Banks.
Non-Scheduled Banks: The banks which are established for special and definite objective
and operate under the acts that are enacted for meeting up those objectives, are termed
as Non-Scheduled Banks. These banks cannot perform all functions of scheduled banks.

There are 56 scheduled banks in Bangladesh who operate under full control and supervision of
Bangladesh Bank which is empowered to do so through Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 and Bank
Company Act, 1991. Scheduled Banks are classified into following types:

State Owned Commercial Banks (SOCBs): There are 4 SOCBs which are fully or majorly
owned by the Government of Bangladesh.
Specialized Banks (SDBs): 4 specialized banks are now operating which were
established for specific objectives like agricultural or industrial development. These banks
are also fully or majorly owned by the Government of Bangladesh.
Private Commercial Banks (PCBs): There are 39 private commercial banks which are
majorly owned by the private entities. PCBs can be categorized into two groups:
Conventional PCBs: 31 conventional PCBs are now operating in the industry. They
perform the banking functions in conventional fashion i.e interest based operations.
Islami Shariah based PCBs: There are 8 Islami Shariah based PCBs in Bangladesh and
they execute banking activities according to Islami Shariah based principles i.e. Profit-Loss
Sharing (PLS) mode.
Foreign Commercial Banks (FCBs): 9 FCBs are operating in Bangladesh as the branches of
the banks which are incorporated in abroad.

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FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Central bank

Bangladesh Bank

Pursuant to Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 the Government of Bangladesh reorganized the Dhaka
branch of the State Bank of Pakistan as the central bank of the country, and named it Bangladesh
Bank with retrospective effect from 16 December 1971.

Banks

After the independence, banking industry in Bangladesh started its journey with 6 Nationalized
commercialized banks, 2 State owned Specialized banks and 3 Foreign Banks. In the 1980s
banking industry achieved significant expansion with the entrance of private banks. Now, banks in
Bangladesh are primarily of two types:
Scheduled Banks: The banks which get license to operate under Bank Company Act, 1991
(Amended in 2003) are termed as Scheduled Banks.State-owned commercial banks, private
commercial banks, Islamic commercial banks, foreign commercial banks and some specialized
banks are Scheduled Banks.
Non-Scheduled Banks: The banks which are established for special and definite objective and
operate under the acts that are enacted for meeting up those objectives, are termed as NonScheduled Banks. These banks cannot perform all functions of scheduled banks. Grameen
Bank, Probashi Kallyan Bank, Karmasangsthan Bank, Progoti Co-operative Land Development
Bank Limited (progoti Bank) and Answer VDP Unnayan Bank are Non-Scheduled Banks.

State-owned commercial banks

State-owned are functioning as nationalist. Here is the list 1.
2.
3.
4.

Sonali Bank
Janata Bank
Agrani Bank
Rupali Bank

Private commercial banks

Private banks are the highest growth sector due to the dismal performances of government banks
(above). They tend to offer better service and products. Here is the list 1. AB Bank Limited
2. Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited
3. Bank Asia Limited
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FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

4. BRAC Bank Limited
5. Dhaka Bank Limited
6. Dutch Bangla Bank Limited
7. Eastern Bank Limited
8. Farmers Bank Limited
9. IFIC Bank Limited
10.Jamuna Bank Limited
11.Meghna Bank Limited
12.Mercantile Bank Limited
13.Midland Bank Limited
14.Modhumoti Bank Limited
15.Mutual Trust Bank Limited
16.National Bank Limited
17.NCC Bank Limited
18.NRB Bank Limited
19.NRB Commercial Bank Limited
20.NRB Global Bank Ltd
21.One Bank Limited
22.Prime Bank Limited
23.Pubali Bank Limited
24.South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank Ltd
25.Southeast Bank Limited
26.Standard Bank Limited
27.The City Bank Limited
28.The Premier Bank Limited
29.Trust Bank Limited
30.United Commercial Bank Ltd
31.Uttara Bank Limited
There are 8 Islamic Commercial Banks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited

Export Import Bank of Bangladesh Limited
First Security Islami Bank Limited
ICB Islamic Bank
Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited
Shahjalal islami bank Limited
Social Islami Bank Limited
Union Bank Limited

Foreign commercial banks

10 foreign commercial banks are operating in Bangladesh. These are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Bank Alfalah
Citibank NA
Commercial Bank of Ceylon
Habib Bank Limited
HSBC ( The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd. )
National Bank of Pakistan
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FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

7. Standard Chartered Bank
8. State Bank of India
9. Woori Bank
10.ICICI Bank
Specialized banks
Specialized Banks (SDBs): 4 specialized banks are now operating which were established for
specific objectives like agricultural or industrial development. These banks are also fully or majorly
owned by the Government of Bangladesh.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Bangladesh Krishi Bank

Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
Bangladesh Development Bank Ltd
BASIC Bank Limited
Probashi Kallyan Bank

Non-banking financial institutions

Non-banking financial institutions which are not banks.These institutions cannot perform all
functions of banks, which get license to operate under Financial Institution Act, 1993 are termed
as Non-banking financial institutions.
Non Bank Financial Institutions (FIs) are those types of financial institutions which are regulated
under Financial Institution Act, 1993 and controlled by Bangladesh Bank. Now, 34 FIs are
operating in Bangladesh while the maiden one was established in 1981. Out of the total, 2 is fully
government owned, 1 is the subsidiary of a SOCB, 13 were initiated by private domestic initiative
and 15 were initiated by joint venture initiative. Major sources of funds of FIs are Term Deposit
(at least six months tenure), Credit Facility from Banks and other FIs, Call Money as well as Bond
and Securitization.
The major difference between banks and FIs are as follows:

FIs cannot issue cheques, pay-orders or demand drafts.

FIs cannot receive demand deposits,
FIs cannot be involved in foreign exchange financing,
FIs can conduct their business operations with diversified financing modes like syndicated
financing, bridge financing, lease financing, securitization instruments, private placement
of equity etc.

Non-banking financial institutions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB)

Uttara Finance and Investments Limited
United Leasing Company Limited (ULCL)
Union Capital Limited
The UAE-Bangladesh Investment Co. Ltd
Saudi-Bangladesh Industrial & Agricultural Investment Company Limited (SABINCO)
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FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

7. Reliance Finance Limited
8. Prime Finance & Investment Ltd
9. Premier Leasing & Finance Limited
10.Phoenix Finance and Investments Limited
11.People's Leasing and Financial Services Ltd
12.National Housing Finance and Investments Limited
13.National Finance Ltd
14.MIDAS Financing Ltd. (MFL)
15.LankaBangla Finance Ltd.
16.Islamic Finance and Investment Limited
17.International Leasing and Financial Services Limited
18.Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)
19.Industrial Promotion and Development Company of Bangladesh Limited (IPDC)
20.Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IIDFC) Limited
21.IDLC Finance Limited
22.Hajj Finance Company Limited
23.GSP Finance Company (Bangladesh) Limited (GSPB)
24.First Lease Finance & Investment Ltd.
25.FAS Finance & Investment Limited
26.Fareast Finance & Investment Limited
27.Delta Brac Housing Finance Corporation Ltd. (DBH)
28.Bay Leasing & Investment Limited
29.Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company Limited (BIFC)
30.Bangladesh Finance & Investment Co. Ltd.
31.Agrani SME Finance Co. Ltd.
32.CAPM Venture Capital and Finance Ltd.
33.Meridian Finance and Investment Ltd.
34.The Dhaka Mercantile Co-Operative Bank Ltd.
Credit unions:
1. The Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.
2. Mausaid Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Dhaka Dhaka City
3. Nagori Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Gazipur Kaliganj
4. Rangamatia Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Gazipur Kaliganj
5. Tumilia Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Gazipur Kaliganj
6. Mathbari Christian Samabaya Rindan Samity Ltd Gazipur Kaliganj
7. Tuital Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd Dhaka Nawabganj
8. Dhorenda Christian Samabaya Rindan Samity Ltd. Dhaka Savar
9. Hasnabad Christian Samabaya Rindan Samity Ltd. Dhaka Nawabganj
10. Solepur Christian Samabaya Rindan Samity Ltd. Munshiganj Sirajdikhan
11. Golla Christian Samabaya Rindan Samity Ltd. Dhaka Nawabganj
12. Bonpara Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. Natore Baraigram
13. Jonail Christian Agriculture Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. Natore Baraigram
14. Rajshahi Sahar Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. Rajshahi Rajshahi City
15

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

15. Notre Dame College Karmachari S.R. Samity Ltd.
16. Mathurapur Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. Pabna Chatmohar
17. Jessore Christian Sam.Rindan Samity Ltd. Jessore Jessore Sadar

Non-depository institutions of Bangladesh

Finance companies:
Organisations
Agrani SME Finance Co. Ltd.
Bangladesh Finance & Investment Co. Ltd.
Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company Limited (BIFC)
Bay Leasing & Investment Limited
Delta Brac Housing Finance Corporation Ltd. (DBH)
Fareast Finance & Investment Limited
FAS Finance & Investment Limited
First Lease Finance & Investment Ltd.
GSP Finance Company (Bangladesh) Limited (GSPB)
Hajj Finance Company Limited
IDLC Finance Limited
Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IIDFC) Limited
Industrial Promotion and Development Company of Bangladesh Limited(IPDC)
Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)
International Leasing and Financial Services Limited
Islamic Finance and Investment Limited
LankaBangla Finance Ltd.
MIDAS Financing Ltd. (MFL)
National Finance Ltd
National Housing Finance and Investments Limited
People's Leasing and Financial Services Ltd
Phoenix Finance and Investments Limited
Premier Leasing & Finance Limited
Prime Finance & Investment Ltd
Reliance Finance Limited
Saudi-Bangladesh
(SABINCO)

Industrial

&

Agricultural

The UAE-Bangladesh Investment Co. Ltd

Union Capital Limited
United Leasing Company Limited (ULCL)
Uttara Finance and Investments Limited
16

Investment

Company

Limited

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

a) Insurance Companies
The insurance sector is regulated by the Insurance Act, 1938 with regulatory
oversight provided by the Controller of Insurance on authority under the Ministry of
Commerce. A separate Insurance Regulatory Authority is being established. A total of
62 insurance companies have been operating in Bangladesh, of which 19 provide life
insurance and 43 are in the general insurance field. Among the life insurance
companies, except the state-owned Jiban Bima Corporation (GBC) foreign owned American
Life Insurance Company (ALlCO), and the rest of the private. Among the general insurance
companies, state-owned Shadharan Bima Corporation (SBC) is the most active in the
insurance sector. A total of 31 insurance companies are listed in the capital market, of
which 8 offer life insurances.
Insurance sector in Bangladesh emerged after independence with 2 nationalized insurance
companies- 1 Life & 1 General; and 1 foreign insurance company. In mid 80s, private sector
insurance companies started to enter in the industry and it got expanded. Now days, 62
companies are operating under Insurance Act 2010. Out of them18 are Life Insurance Companies including 1 foreign company and 1 is state-owned
company,
44 General Insurance Companies including 1 state-owned company.

Insurance companies in Bangladesh provide following services:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Life insurance,
General Insurance,
Reinsurance,
Micro-insurance,
Takaful or Islami insurance.
i) Life Insurance Company (Public)
Jiban Bima Corporation
ii) Life Insurance Company (Foreign)

American Life Insurance Co.

iii) Life Insurance Company (Private) National Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Delta Life
Insurance Co. Ltd.
Fareast Islami Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Homeland Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Meghna Life
Insurance Co. Ltd. Padma Islami Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Sandhani Life Insurance Co.
Ltd. Sunflower Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Baira Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
Golden Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
Progoti Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Prime Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Popular Life
Insurance Co. Ltd.
iv) General Insurance Company (Public)
Sadharan Bima Corporation

17

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

v) General Insurance Company (Private)
Agrani Insurance Company Limited.
Bangladesh Co-operative General Insurance Ltd.
Bangladesh General Insurance Co. Ltd.
Bangladesh National Insurance Co. Ltd.
Central Insurance Co. Ltd.
City General Insurance Co. Ltd
Eastern Insurance Co. Ltd
Eastland Insurance Co. Ltd
Federal Insurance Co. Ltd Green
Delta Insurance Co. Ltd Janata
Insurance Co. Ltd Karnafully
Insurance Co. Ltd Meghna
Insurance Co. Ltd Mercantile
Insurance Co. Ltd
Northern General Insurance Co. Ltd
People's Insurance Co. Ltd
Phoenix Insurance Co. Ltd
Pioneer Insurance Co. Ltd
Prime Insurance Co. Ltd
Progoti General Insurance Co. Ltd
Provati Insurance Co. Ltd
Purabi General Insurance Co. Ltd
Reliance Insurance Co. Ltd
Rupali Insurance Co. Ltd
United Insurance Co. Ltd
Takaful Islami Insurance Company Limited
Crystal Insurance Co. Ltd
Republic Insurance Company Limited
Global Insurance Company Limited
Paramount Insurance Co. Ltd. Standard
Insurance Co. Ltd.
Asia Pacific Insurance Co. Ltd.
South Asia Insurance Co. Ltd.
Express Insurance Ltd.
Continental Insurance Ltd. Desh
General Insurance Ltd.
b) Security Firms
Financial institutions that underwrite securities and engage in related activities such as
securities brokerage, securities trading and making a market in which securities
can trade.
Nabiul Karim Securities Ltd.
Haji Mohammad Ali Securities Ltd.
GMF Securities Limited
Quaiyum Securities Ltd.
Dragon Securities Ltd.
TA Khan Securities Co. Ltd.,
18

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Md. Fokhrul Islam Securities Limited.
Shahiq Securities Ltd.
Habibur Rahman Securities Limited
Ershad Securities Ltd.
Mian Abdur Rashid Securities Ltd.
Khurshid Securities Ltd.
Rapid Securities Limited
Dawn Securities Limited.
Arafat Securities Ltd.
Shahed Securities Ltd.
Tobarak Securities Ltd.
Midway Securities Ltd.
Parkway Securities Ltd.
HR Securities & Investment Limted
Kazi Feroz Rashid Securities Ltd.
MAH Securities Ltd.
DMR Securities Services Ltd.
Alhaj Jahanara Securities Ltd.
RNI Securities Ltd.
GQ Securities Ltd.
Crest Securities Limited.
Asenz Securities Ltd.
Finvest Securities Ltd.
MAH Securities Limited
Nabiul Karim Securities Limited
Jalalabad Securities Limited Haji
Mohammad Ali Securities Akij
Securities Limited
Mian Abdur Rashid Securities
c) Investment Banks
It primarily helps net suppliers of funds transfer funds to net users of funds at a low cost and
with maximum degree of efficiency.
Bay Leasing & Investments Limited.
Union Capital Ltd.
First Lease International Limited
Phoenix Leasing Co. Ltd.
Peoples Leasing & Financial Services Ltd.

e) Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are portfolios of different securities such as stocks, bonds, treasuries,
derivatives, etc. Mutual funds pool money of both individual and institutional investors
allowing the funds to achieve: (i) economies of scale by reducing costs and increasing
investment returns; (ii) divisibility and diversification; (iii) active management with superior
stock picking and market timing; (iv) reinvestment of dividends, interest and capital gains;
(v) tax-efficiency; and (vi) buying and selling flexibility. There might be varieties of mutual
funds that differ in terms of their investment objectives, underlying portfolios of shares, risks
and returns, fees and expenses, etc.

19

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Some categories of mutual funds are:
ICB, 1st ICB Mutual Fund, 2nd ICB Mutual Fund, 3rd ICB Mutual Fund,
4th ICB Mutual Fund, 5th ICB Mutual Fund, 6th ICB Mutual Fund, 7th
ICB Mutual Fund
ICB Mutual Fund
1st BSRS Mutual Fund AIMS
First Granted Mutual Grameen
Mutual Fund One Grameen
One: Scheme Two ICB AMCL
1st Mutual Fund
ICB AMCL Islamic Mutual Fund
ICB AMCL Unit Fund
ICB AMCL Pension Holder Unit Fund
ICB AMCL First NRB Mutual Fund
ICB AMCL Second NRB Mutual Fund
f) Pension Funds
Pension funds are analyzed as financial intermediaries using a functional approach to finance,
which encompasses traditional theories of intermediation. Funds fulfill a number of the
functions of the financial system more efficiently than banks or direct holdings. Their growth
complements that of capital markets and they have acted as major catalysts of change in
the financial landscape. Financial efficiency in this functional sense is not the only reason
for growth. It is also a consequence of fiscal incentives and benefits to employers, as well as
growing demand arising from the ageing of the population.

Employers, such as companies, public corporations, and industry or trade groups, typically
sponsor

pension

contribute.

funds;

accordingly,

employers

as

well

as

employees typically

Funds may be internally or externally managed. Returns to members of

pension plans backed by such funds may be purely dependent on the market (defined
contribution funds) or may be overlaid by a guarantee of the rate of return by the sponsor
(defined benefit funds).

20

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Key Financial Indicators

Banks

As on June 2011
Deposits

Advances

4115855.50
Million

Total Capital*

3212848.70
Million

No. of
Branches

461697.00
Million

7772

FIs

As on December 2010
Deposits

Loans and
leases

94374.80
Million

321284.87
Million

Assets

Share Capital &

Reserve

No. of
Branches

251527.34 44689.29 Million

Million

115

Insurance

As on December 2009
Asset

Share Capital

Reserve

Life
Insurance

118020.15 Million

1245.54 Million

106098.88 Million

Non-Life
Insurance

42622.90 Million

6653.83 Million

12133.30 Million

Capital Market
Market Capitalization of Dhaka Stock Exchange
As on September 2011
All Listed Securities

2,782,901Million

All Listed Companies Shares

2,202,274 Million

All Listed Mutual Funds

35,733 Million

All Debentures

576 Million

All Listed Govt. T-Bonds

537,381 Million

All Listed Corporate Bonds

6,937 Million

MFIs

As on June 2009
Total
Outstanding
1,21,881.85
Million

Number of
Clients
24.77 Million

Number of
Borrowers
19.50Million

* Sum of Tier-I, Tier-II and Tier-II Capital Components.

21

No. of
Branches
18,022

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Micro Finance Institutions(MFIs)
The member-based Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) constitute a rapidly growing segment of the
Rural Financial Market (RFM) in Bangladesh. Microcredit programs (MCP) in Bangladesh are
implemented by various formal financial institutions (nationalized commercial banks and
specialized banks), specialized government organizations and Non-Government Organizations
(NGOs). The growth in the MFI sector, in terms of the number of MFI as well as total
membership, was phenomenal during the 1990s and continues till today.
Despite the fact that more than a thousand of institutions are operating microcredit
programs, but only 10 large Microcredit Institutions (MFIs) and Grameen Bank represent 87% of
total savings of the sector and 81% of total outstanding loan of the sector.

Credit services of this sector can be categorized into six broad groups:
i) general microcredit for small-scale self employment based activities,
microenterprise loans,

ii)

iii) loans for ultra poor,

iv) agricultural loans,
v) seasonal loans, and
vi) loans for disaster management.

Currently, 599 institutions (as of October 10 2011) have been licensed by MRA to operate
Micro Credit Programs. But, Grameen Bank is out of the jurisdiction of MRA as it is operated under
a distinct legislation- Grameen Bank Ordinance, 1983.

The member-based Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) constitute a rapidly growing segment of the
Rural Financial Market (RFM) in Bangladesh. Microcredit programs (MCP) in Bangladesh are
implemented by various formal financial institutions (nationalized commercial banks and
specialized banks), specialized government organizations and Non-Government Organizations
(NGOs). The growth in the MFI sector, in terms of the number of MFI as well as total
membership, was phenomenal during the 1990s and continues till today.
Despite the fact that more than a thousand of institutions are operating microcredit programs, but
only 10 large Microcredit Institutions (MFIs) and Grameen Bank represent 87% of total savings of
the sector and 81% of total outstanding loan of the sector. Through the financial services of
microcredit, the poor people are engaging themselves in various income generating activities and
around 30 million poor people are directly benefited from microcredit programs.
Credit services of this sector can be categorized into six broad groups: i) general microcredit for
small-scale self employment based activities, ii) microenterprise loans, iii) loans for ultra poor, iv)
22

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

agricultural loans, v) seasonal loans, and vi) loans for disaster management. Currently, 599
institutions (as of October 10 2011) have been licensed by MRA to operate Micro Credit Programs.
But, Grameen Bank is out of the jurisdiction of MRA as it is operated under a distinct legislationGrameen Bank Ordinance, 1983.

Key Financial Indicators

Banks

As on June 2011
Deposits

Advances

4115855.50
Million

Total Capital*

3212848.70
Million

No. of
Branches

461697.00
Million

7772

FIs

As on December 2010
Deposits

Loans and
leases

94374.80
Million

321284.87
Million

Assets

Share Capital &

Reserve

No. of
Branches

251527.34 44689.29 Million

Million

115

Insurance

As on December 2009
Asset

Share Capital

Reserve

Life
Insurance

118020.15 Million

1245.54 Million

106098.88 Million

Non-Life
Insurance

42622.90 Million

6653.83 Million

12133.30 Million

Capital Market
Market Capitalization of Dhaka Stock Exchange
As on September 2011
All Listed Securities

2,782,901Million

All Listed Companies Shares

2,202,274 Million

All Listed Mutual Funds

35,733 Million

All Debentures

576 Million

All Listed Govt. T-Bonds

537,381 Million

All Listed Corporate Bonds

6,937 Million

MFIs

As on June 2009
23

FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATIVE IN BANGLADESH

Total
Outstanding
1,21,881.85
Million

Number of
Clients
24.77 Million

Number of
Borrowers
19.50Million

* Sum of Tier-I, Tier-II and Tier-II Capital Components.

24

No. of
Branches
18,022