President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has inaugurated the new branch network and expanded ATM services of the Bank of Maldives, marking a significant step in strengthening access to financial services across the country. The inauguration ceremony was held tonight at Barceló Nasandhura, where the President officially launched BML’s new branch network simultaneously across six islands and also inaugurated 90 newly installed ATMs throughout the Maldives.
The newly introduced ATM network includes 70 US Dollar ATMs and 20 Maldivian Rufiyaa ATMs, further broadening the range of banking services available to the public. The expansion reflects continued national efforts to improve convenience, accessibility, and efficiency in the banking sector, especially for communities living outside the Greater Malé region. By increasing both physical branch presence and self-service banking points, the initiative is expected to support individuals, families, and businesses with easier access to essential financial services.
Expanding banking services throughout the Maldives remains a key priority of President Dr Muizzu. As part of this commitment, he initiated a nationwide project to establish ATM services on every inhabited island, with the aim of bringing essential banking facilities closer to citizens in all parts of the country. The initiative forms part of a broader vision to ensure equitable access to services and to strengthen the ease of daily life for people living across the islands.
This national effort reached completion in October 2025 under the ‘Dhivehinge Bank Mulhi Raajje Ah’ initiative, translated as ‘Maldivian Bank for the entire nation’. Implemented over a period of nine months, the project ensured that every inhabited island in the Maldives is now equipped with at least one Self-Service Banking Unit. The completion of the project represents an important achievement in the decentralisation of banking services and reflects the country’s continued progress in enhancing public service delivery through practical and people-focused solutions.
With self-service banking facilities now established across the country, residents are able to deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds from their home islands with greater ease. The facilities also allow customers to make credit card and loan payments without the need to travel to larger population centres. This improved accessibility is expected to bring substantial benefits to island communities by saving time, reducing travel-related costs, and supporting greater participation in formal financial services.
The ceremony at Barceló Nasandhura provided an elegant and fitting setting for the occasion, bringing together senior government officials and banking leaders in a venue associated with modern hospitality and national events. The gathering reflected the importance of the expansion to the country’s development agenda and highlighted the strong institutional collaboration behind the programme. The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers as well as senior officials and staff of the Bank of Maldives.
The inauguration of the expanded BML branch network and ATM services underscores the Maldives’ continued focus on inclusive development and service accessibility. For citizens across the islands, the strengthened banking network offers greater convenience and confidence in managing daily financial needs, while also reinforcing the role of financial infrastructure in supporting national growth and community wellbeing.
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