Banking Sector Overview
Bangladesh's banking sector comprises 61 commercial banks: 6 state-owned, 43 private, 9 foreign, and 3 specialized development banks. Total sector assets reached approximately $230 billion in 2021, representing 110% of GDP. Islamic banking accounts for roughly 25% of total deposits, while mobile financial services (bKash, Nagad) continue to expand financial inclusion. Korean banks — Woori Bank and Hana Bank — operate Dhaka branches to support trade finance needs of Korean companies operating in the market.
Banking Sector by Institution Type
| Type | Count | Asset Share | Key Institutions | NPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State-Owned Commercial Banks | 6 | 25% | Sonali, Janata, Agrani | 20%+ |
| Private Commercial Banks | 43 | 55% | Islami Bank, BRAC, etc. | 5–7% |
| Foreign Banks | 9 | 8% | HSBC, Standard Chartered, Woori | 3–5% |
| Specialized Development Banks | 3 | 5% | BASIC, BDBL (development) | 15%+ |
| Islamic Banking Windows | 8 (dual) | 25% | Shariah-based operations | 4–6% |
State-owned bank NPL ratios exceeding 20% represent a systemic risk factor for the sector. Private and foreign banks maintain NPL ratios around 5%, reflecting comparatively healthier balance sheets. For Korean companies conducting transactions in Bangladesh, private or foreign banks are the recommended counterparties.
Korean Banks vs. Global Banks
Korean Company Financial Services Utilization Flow
Bangladesh's banking market — comprising 61 banks with $230 billion in assets — is characterized by Islamic finance and mobile banking as structural differentiators. Korean companies can leverage Woori Bank and Hana Bank Dhaka branches to efficiently process trade finance and international remittances, while also exploring technology export opportunities in the growing fintech sector.