At a special ceremony hosted at Barceló Nasandhura Malé this week, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially launched the new corporate campaign of Bank of Maldives (BML) under the theme “Dhivehinge Bank Mulhi Raajje Ah”, positioning the national bank as a financial institution serving every corner of the country. The event highlighted several key achievements that are transforming how banking services reach Maldivian citizens and residents across the nation’s dispersed islands.
The centrepiece of the ceremony was the announcement of the successful completion of the ‘Mulhi Raajjeah BML ATM’ project, a strategic initiative that now ensures every inhabited island in the Maldives has access to 24/7 ATM services. In just nine months, BML deployed state-of-the-art ATMs to 105 inhabited islands spanning all 20 atolls, an unparalleled feat in the country’s financial sector. The first ATM was installed in February 2025, and through an accelerated roll-out supported by multiple stakeholders, the entire project was completed with a 33% cost reduction compared to traditional installations.
President Dr Muizzu presented commemorative plaques to the project team, recognising their role in completing this large-scale infrastructure expansion with exceptional speed and precision. In appreciation of the President’s leadership in initiating and supporting the ATM roll-out, Bank of Maldives presented him with a commemorative plaque.
The campaign launch also included the introduction of several new banking services and innovations that promise to enhance customer experience and improve access to digital finance. President Dr Muizzu launched BML’s new Digital Wallet service, a forward-looking solution aimed at modernising transactions and supporting the country’s shift towards cashless payments.
Among other highlights, BML unveiled a rebranded identity for the SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) following its recent acquisition of the majority stake in the institution. The bank also launched its USD Visa Platinum cards, expanding premium banking options for high-net-worth customers and frequent international travellers.
The event was attended by Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, BML’s Board of Directors, and key figures from the financial sector. BML’s CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef spoke of the bank’s mission to connect every citizen to modern banking services. “Our goal was simple yet ambitious to ensure that every Maldivian, regardless of where they live, has access to essential banking services. We are proud that the team delivered this project with efficiency, professionalism, and a deep sense of national duty,” Shareef said.
In recognition of its efforts to bridge the financial access gap across the Maldives, BML has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Financial Inclusion by Qorus, a globally respected awards platform dedicated to excellence in the financial sector. The award affirms the project’s role in advancing financial inclusivity and strengthening the country’s financial infrastructure.
The recent developments underscore BML’s commitment to support socio-economic development and make banking more inclusive across the island nation. With improved infrastructure, new digital tools, and a renewed strategic direction, the bank continues to play a vital role in enabling equitable access to financial services for all Maldivians a message that resonates strongly with global travellers and investors alike, who increasingly seek destinations with modern connectivity and forward-thinking development.
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