Empowering People. Strengthening Communities. Sustaining Futures
bank accounts opened for rural households
one flat charge per year for year-round transactions
of transactions made by fingerprint (biometric)
serving communities in Goalchamot and Gajaria
Account figures are approximate (about 5,000 in Goalchamot and 2,000 in Gajaria).
In many villages, formal banking is still out of reach for ordinary people. Through Agent Banking, SDC works with Bank Asia Limited to take trusted banking services to the doorstep of rural communities in Goalchamot and Gajaria. Every transaction is verified by the customer's fingerprint, so almost every service of a conventional bank is available in a simple, secure and very low-cost way including loans for small businesses.
To bring ordinary people into the formal banking system by providing low-cost banking services secured by fingerprint (biometric) identification.
Intervention: Agent banking points in Goalchamot and Gajaria reach rural households that conventional banks do not serve.
Impact: About 7,000 accounts have been opened roughly 5,000 in Goalchamot and 2,000 in Gajaria - bringing villagers into the formal banking system.
Intervention: Almost all regular banking services are offered through a biometric system: every transaction is verified by the customer's fingerprint.
Impact: Banking is safe and hassle-free for customers, with every transaction confirmed by their own fingerprint.
Intervention: A single, very small annual charge of BDT 230 covers transactions throughout the year.
Impact: Banking stays affordable for ordinary families, who can transact as often as they need throughout the year.
Intervention: Alongside everyday banking, business loans are available to local entrepreneurs.
Impact: Local entrepreneurs can access business loans close to home, together with everyday banking services.
Since 2016, SDC's Agent Banking has made formal banking a part of everyday village life in Faridpur. With thousands of accounts, secure fingerprint-based transactions, a minimal annual charge and access to business loans, it is bringing rural households into the formal banking system and widening their access to finance.