A total of 52 domestic and foreign companies have applied for the licence to set up digital banks.
These companies include commercial banks, mobile financial services (MFS), ride-sharing, food delivery companies, IT service providers, pharmaceutical companies and domestic and multinational companies.
Some of the companies have applied for licences individually, while some applied jointly.
"After the web portal for digital banking licence opened, as many as 52 companies applied. It was more than we expected. We will verify all the applications now," Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Md Mezbaul Haque said on Sunday (20 August).
According to the policy, the central bank board will now issue a letter of intent (LOI) for the licence of those who applied in accordance with the conditions for the eligible candidates.
Digital Bank will operate without any branches, sub-branches or ATM booths. There will be no in-person transactions.
Bank services will be provided to customers only using mobile and digital devices.
