editorial

Mobile banking in Bangladesh: An opportunity with constraints?

by Jeffrey R. Bloem and
Khandker Wahedur Rahman
Open Access
Citation
Bloem, Jeffrey R.; and Rahman, Khandker Wahedur. 2023. Mobile banking in Bangladesh: An opportunity with constraints? Brac Institute of Governance & Development Blog. First available online on February 28, 2023. https://bigd.bracu.ac.bd/mobile-banking-in-bangladesh-an-opportunity-with-constraints/

Digital financial services (DFS), particularly mobile banking, have the potential to extend financial services to unbanked populations.[1] Specifically, DFS reduce direct and indirect transaction costs. Mobile banking allows clients to access bank accounts, save money, and send and receive payments directly from their mobile phones, eliminating travel to a physical bank. Additionally, mobile banking reduces social or administrative constraints—such as in-person meetings and paperwork, and safety concerns while travelling with money—which can be especially salient for women.