The Bangladesh Bank on Sunday raised the minimum paid-up capital requirement for a digital bank to Tk聽300 crore, more than double the previous threshold.
BB officials said the move was aimed at strengthening the capital base of digital banks, a new concept in Bangladesh鈥檚 financial sector.
Until now, firms needed Tk 125 crore to establish a digital bank.
In comparison, a conventional commercial bank requires Tk 500 crore in paid-up capital to obtain a licence.
Bangladesh Bank first introduced its digital bank guidelines on June 14, 2023.
The regulator is now preparing to invite applications from interested firms for licences under the updated framework, BB officials said.
Digital banks are designed as fully virtual, branchless institutions that deliver end-to-end banking services online.
According to the guidelines, such banks are expected to play a key role in expanding access to financial services nationwide.
The central bank has also made it mandatory for a digital bank to launch an initial public offering (IPO) within five years of receiving its licence.
The IPO size must not be less than the sponsors鈥� initial paid-up capital.
While digital banks will differ structurally from traditional banks by operating without physical branches, the business, governance, and operational requirements applicable to conventional banks will continue to apply to them, the guidelines said.
Digital banking is part of the broader push toward online financial services in Bangladesh.
