With CMSMEs contributing 25% of Bangladesh’s GDP and employing 80% of the workforce, NCC Bank PLC is focused on transforming this vital sector into a digital-first, globally connected powerhouse. In this interview, Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of NCC Bank PLC, discusses the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and building a resilient ecosystem for women and youth.

The Daily Star (TDS): The Future Generation of MSMEs- How is your bank aligning its strategy to support this new wave of entrepreneurs?

Md. Habibur Rahman (MHR): The future of Bangladesh’s MSME sector will be driven by innovation, technology adoption, and the entrepreneurial spirit of a young generation. At NCC Bank PLC, we are strategically transforming our CMSME ecosystem to nurture future-ready entrepreneurs, startups, digital enterprises and emerging businesses through customised financial solutions, seamless processes, and technology-enabled banking services. Presently, CMSMEs are contributing about 25% to the total GDP and employing 80% of the workforce of Bangladesh and the percentages are increasing day by day.

TDS: What initiatives have you undertaken to extend collateral-free financing and bring unbanked entrepreneurs into the formal financial system?

MHR: NCC Bank prioritises CMSME financial inclusion through 10 specialised products, including collateral-free loans backed by cash-flow analysis and the central bank’s Credit Guarantee Scheme. Using our branch and digital networks, we provide accessible financing to underserved entrepreneurs without requiring traditional security. We recognise that many promising entrepreneurs lack traditional collateral despite possessing strong business potential. Therefore, we are strengthening collateral-free and small-ticket financing through innovative credit assessment methodologies focusing on cash-flow analysis, business prospects, and alternative data.

TDS: This year highlights youth and women entrepreneurship. What dedicated initiatives does NCC Bank offer to empower these segments?

MHR: NCC Bank supports youth and women through tailored financing and simplified documentation. In partnership with Bangladesh Bank, we recently conducted an entrepreneurship development program for 50 participants, 85% of whom were women, to strengthen their business capacity and financial literacy.

TDS: Where do you envision Bangladesh’s MSME sector in the next five years?

MHR: Over the next five years, Bangladesh’s MSME sector is expected to become more digitalised, and globally connected. However, challenges will continue to require focused attention. NCC Bank aims to play a catalytic role in this transformation.