BRAC Bank has been honoured as the best bank at the Commonwealth Business Awards, a recognition that highlights its work in widening access to finance and helping small businesses grow. The award also spotlights the bank’s role in supporting inclusive digital banking across the country. It recognises efforts to serve low-income households, women entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises through easy loans, simple digital tools and a wide network of local agents that bring basic banking to remote towns. In recent years the bank invested in mobile apps, agent banking points and loan products designed for shop owners, farmers and small factories so customers can get credit, accept digital payments and keep clearer records without long waits. The bank has backed training programmes that teach basic business skills, financial planning and bookkeeping so new entrepreneurs can manage cash, set prices and plan for steady growth. By linking small firms to affordable credit and practical advice the bank helps shops buy stock for busy seasons, hire a few workers and invest in small machines that raise productivity. Green finance and sustainability efforts are part of the plan too, offering loans and guidance for businesses that adopt cleaner production, energy saving equipment and recycling steps that cut costs while lowering pollution. Customer service changes included simpler account opening, faster payment processing and plain language guidance so people who are new to banking feel confident using accounts and apps. Support for women entrepreneurs has been steady, with mentorship, group loans and training spaces that make it easier for women to start and grow small ventures. Award judges looked for measurable impact on jobs, local incomes and small business growth, and the bank’s results showed clear gains that matter for towns and communities. Staff training, digital upgrades and transparent reporting helped the bank show results and win trust from partners and customers. This recognition may boost confidence among depositors, small clients and investors and help the bank expand pilot projects so benefits reach more districts and towns. For towns and villages better access to finance means more local trade, more formal records for businesses and more chances for farmers and artisans to sell beyond nearby markets. The bank plans to scale successful loan models, expand digital literacy drives and deepen work with partners to fund training and green projects. The award highlights how steady, inclusive banking can lift many lives by turning small savings and loans into real jobs, clearer incomes and safer futures for households across the country. With this honour the bank can attract partners that help expand services, open new training centres and support more small firms to move into formal markets. Many families will feel the benefits in daily life.
