Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced plans to have presence in every inhabited island in the Maldives.
The bank said in a press release that in an address to staff on the occasion of its 33rd anniversary, CEO and Managing Director Andrew Healy thanked employees for their commitment and contribution, and announced plans to open a BML branch in Vaavu Atoll which will ensure the national bank has a branch presence in all 20 atolls. The bank said that the rollout of cash agent services to inhabited islands is nearing completion, with the 160th island milestone recently achieved.
Healy was keen to use this expansion to underline the bank’s commitment to the entire nation, not just the capital Male’. He said, “Our bank has more branches than all other banks combined. More ATMs than all other banks combined. We have doubled new lending this year to Maldivian businesses and individuals – more than MVR 2.5 billion has been disbursed. We make 2,000 Dhoni Banking visits a year. Our customers can bank online via their mobile app or internet banking. They can access one of our 3,500 card terminals around the country. We are increasing our Islamic Banking services which can be accessed throughout the country. And I’m proud to say we have more employees than all other banks combined, Maldivian employees – over 99 percent of our staff are Maldivians and one-third are in the atolls. This is a bank that touches the lives of people in every part of this country. We are privileged to do so and we will continue to work hard to give them the service and support they deserve”.