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BRAC Bank Limited

Companies/Bangladesh  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

This timeline traces the corporate journey of BRAC Bank Limited, from its founding as a subsidiary of BRAC in 2001 to its current status as one of Bangladesh's largest private banks, highlighting key milestones in leadership, product innovation, expansion, and financial performance on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

Chronological Storyline (37 Milestones)

Jul 4, 2001 CE

BRAC Bank Receives Banking License

Bangladesh Bank grants a commercial banking license to BRAC Bank Limited, a subsidiary of BRAC, enabling it to start operations. The bank aims to serve small and medium enterprises and low-income communities. #banking #Bangladesh

Jul 4, 2001 CE

Founding Vision: Sir Fazle Hasan Abed

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, founder of BRAC, conceives BRAC Bank as a for-profit institution to complement BRAC's development activities. The bank aims to create sustainable impact. #vision #socialenterprise

Founding Vision: Sir Fazle Hasan Abed
Founding Vision: Sir Fazle Hasan Abed
By BRAC - Sir Fazle Hasan Abed receives Thomas Francis, Jr. Medal archived on 9 April 2016 from the Original, 07 April 2016, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51244582
Oct 1, 2001 CE

First Group of Employees Hired

BRAC Bank hires its first 50 employees, many from BRAC's microfinance operations. The team brings deep understanding of grassroots finance. #workforce #startup

2001 CE

BRAC Bank Commences Operations

BRAC Bank begins its commercial operations, focusing on SME banking and microfinance integration. It leverages BRAC's extensive network to reach underserved markets. #banking #SME

Apr 1, 2002 CE

Launch of 'Probashi' Remittance Service

BRAC Bank launches a specialized remittance service for Bangladeshi expatriates, offering faster and cheaper money transfers. The service captures a significant market share. #remittance #expat

2002 CE

Launch of SME Banking Services

BRAC Bank launches dedicated SME banking services, becoming the first bank in Bangladesh to offer tailored products for small and medium enterprises. This pioneering move drives economic inclusion. #banking #SME

Mar 1, 2003 CE

First Branch Opens in Dhaka

BRAC Bank opens its first branch in Dhaka, marking the physical expansion of its retail banking network. The branch offers full-service banking including deposits, loans, and remittances. #banking #expansion

Nov 1, 2004 CE

Partnership with IFC for SME Lending

BRAC Bank partners with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand SME lending. IFC provides technical assistance and risk-sharing, boosting the bank's portfolio. #IFC #SME

Oct 17, 2005 CE

BRAC Bank Goes Public on DSE

BRAC Bank Limited lists on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) through an initial public offering, raising Tk 1.5 billion. The IPO is oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence. #IPO #DSE

Jun 1, 2006 CE

Launch of Islamic Banking Window

BRAC Bank introduces an Islamic banking window, offering Shariah-compliant products such as mudaraba savings and murabaha financing. This attracts a growing segment of religiously observant customers. #IslamicBanking #Shariah

Sep 15, 2006 CE

First Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program

BRAC Bank launches its first CSR initiative, focusing on education and health in underserved communities. The program reflects the bank's commitment to social development. #CSR #socialimpact

Jan 1, 2007 CE

Appointment of Syed Mahbubur Rahman as CEO

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, a veteran banker, is appointed as the first CEO and Managing Director. His leadership steers the bank through rapid growth and expansion. #leadership #CEO

Dec 15, 2008 CE

Reaches 100 Branches Milestone

BRAC Bank achieves a network of 100 branches across Bangladesh, covering both urban and rural areas. This expansion solidifies its position as a leading private bank. #expansion #network

May 1, 2009 CE

Partners with BRAC to Launch bKash

BRAC Bank partners with BRAC to establish bKash Limited, a mobile financial service provider. bKash revolutionizes digital payments in Bangladesh, reaching millions of unbanked customers. #fintech #mobilebanking

Partners with BRAC to Launch bKash
Partners with BRAC to Launch bKash
By Sakib.mahboob - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139338094
Mar 31, 2010 CE

Crosses Tk 50 Billion in Total Assets

BRAC Bank reports total assets exceeding Tk 50 billion, driven by strong loan growth and deposit mobilization. This milestone positions it among the top private banks in Bangladesh. #financialperformance #assets

Dec 31, 2010 CE

Net Profit Exceeds Tk 2 Billion

BRAC Bank reports a net profit of Tk 2.1 billion for the fiscal year, driven by strong net interest income and fee-based revenue. The result underscores profitability. #profit #financialresults

Jul 1, 2011 CE

Launch of Agent Banking Services

BRAC Bank introduces agent banking to extend banking services to remote areas without physical branches. Agents facilitate transactions, expanding financial inclusion. #agentbanking #financialinclusion

Jun 30, 2012 CE

Asset Base Tops Tk 100 Billion

BRAC Bank's total assets exceed Tk 100 billion, doubling in two years. The achievement reflects aggressive expansion and a robust SME lending portfolio. #growth #assets

Jan 1, 2013 CE

Opens First Sub-Branch

BRAC Bank opens its first sub-branch in a rural area, providing limited banking services through a smaller outlet. This innovative model reduces costs while increasing reach. #ruralbanking #innovation

Jun 30, 2014 CE

Crosses Tk 150 Billion in Deposits

Deposits at BRAC Bank exceed Tk 150 billion, reflecting growing customer trust and an expanding branch network. Low-cost current and savings accounts drive growth. #deposits #growth

Sep 15, 2014 CE

Introduces Mobile Banking App

BRAC Bank launches a mobile banking application, allowing customers to perform transactions, check balances, and pay bills via smartphone. The app drives digital adoption. #mobileapp #digitalbanking

Nov 20, 2015 CE

Wins Best SME Bank in Bangladesh Award

BRAC Bank is awarded 'Best SME Bank in Bangladesh' by the Asian Banker for its innovative lending solutions and support to small businesses. The award recognizes its market leadership. #SME #award

Apr 1, 2016 CE

Receives ISO 27001 Certification

BRAC Bank achieves ISO 27001:2013 certification for its information security management system, becoming one of the first banks in Bangladesh to do so. This enhances customer trust. #cybersecurity #ISO

Feb 1, 2017 CE

Launches Digital Platform 'BRAC Bank Digital'

BRAC Bank launches a comprehensive digital banking platform, offering online account opening, loan applications, and instant transfers. The initiative accelerates digital transformation. #digitalbanking #fintech

Nov 30, 2017 CE

Launches 'Astha' Women's Banking Product

BRAC Bank introduces 'Astha', a banking package for women entrepreneurs, featuring lower interest rates and fee waivers. The product promotes gender equality in finance. #womensbanking #financialinclusion

Oct 5, 2018 CE

Partners with Mastercard for Card Solutions

BRAC Bank partners with Mastercard to issue credit and debit cards with enhanced security features and rewards. The partnership expands the bank's card portfolio. #partnership #Mastercard

Jul 1, 2019 CE

Expands to 200 Branches

BRAC Bank reaches 200 branches nationwide, with a strong presence in growth corridors. The expansion supports the government's financial inclusion goals. #expansion #retailbanking

Dec 31, 2019 CE

Loan Portfolio Reaches Tk 200 Billion

BRAC Bank's gross loan portfolio surpasses Tk 200 billion, with SME loans accounting for over 40%. The bank remains a market leader in SME finance. #loans #SME

Mar 25, 2020 CE

COVID-19 Relief and Digital Services Surge

In response to the pandemic, BRAC Bank offers loan moratoriums and expands digital banking. Online transactions increase by 150%, highlighting the shift to digital. #COVID19 #digital

Jul 4, 2021 CE

Celebrates 20th Anniversary

BRAC Bank marks two decades of operations, reflecting on its journey from startup to one of Bangladesh's largest private banks. The bank launches a year-long community engagement program. #anniversary #milestone

Oct 1, 2021 CE

Issues First Green Bond in Bangladesh

BRAC Bank issues the first green bond in Bangladesh, raising Tk 1 billion to finance renewable energy and eco-friendly projects. The bond is listed on the DSE. #greenbond #sustainability

Apr 15, 2022 CE

Opens 50 Agent Banking Outlets in a Year

BRAC Bank opens 50 new agent banking outlets in rural areas within 2022, reaching 1 million new customers. The expansion drives financial inclusion in underserved regions. #agentbanking #rural

May 1, 2022 CE

Appointment of Imran Kabir as CEO

Imran Kabir succeeds Syed Mahbubur Rahman as Managing Director and CEO. Kabir focuses on accelerating digital innovation and sustainable banking practices. #leadership #CEO

Sep 15, 2023 CE

Launches Green Banking Initiative

BRAC Bank introduces a green banking program, offering preferential loans for renewable energy and energy-efficient projects. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh's climate goals. #sustainability #greenbanking

Dec 5, 2023 CE

Wins Best Bank for SME in Asia Award

BRAC Bank is named 'Best Bank for SME in Asia' by the Asian Banker, recognizing its innovative SME products and outreach. The award highlights global recognition. #SME #award

Mar 1, 2024 CE

Introduces AI-Powered Chatbot 'BracBot'

BRAC Bank launches an AI-powered chatbot on its website and app, providing 24/7 customer support and personalized financial advice. The chatbot handles 80% of routine queries. #AI #chatbot

Aug 1, 2024 CE

Partners with Visa for Contactless Payments

BRAC Bank partners with Visa to launch contactless debit and credit cards, enabling tap-and-go payments. The move enhances convenience and aligns with global payment trends. #Visa #contactless