BRAC Bank’s leadership highlighted the importance of competence, strong governance, and compliance in tackling future banking risks. This message was shared at the Annual Risk Conference 2025.
Held on 29 November at the bank’s headquarters in Dhaka in a hybrid format, over a thousand branch managers, branch operations managers, and sub-branch in-charges attended the day-long event. The conference was inaugurated by BRAC Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Tarek Refat Ullah Khan. Special guest Suravi Ghosh, Additional Director of Bangladesh Bank’s Department of Off–Site Supervision, was present.
Sessions discussed risks in anti-money laundering, the digital banking ecosystem, the rapidly evolving risk landscape, and key challenges for the banking sector. Participants emphasised reviewing current risk management and strengthening frameworks to address future challenges.
Key sessions and speakers are summarised below:
| Session/Presentation | Presenter | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Macroeconomic Outlook | Zahid Hossain | LDC graduation and trade tariff |
| Banks Readiness & Economic Forecasting | Meheriar M Hasan, Asif Khan, Tarek Refat Ullah Khan | Plan for 2026 |
| Data-Driven AML Framework | Saleq Ahmed Abul Masrur, Chowdhury M A Q Sarwar, Sheikh Mohammad Ashfaq | Risk identification and management |
| Strengthening Risk Management | Mahmuda Haque | Bangladesh Bank initiatives |
| Retail Lending Risk | Kazi Faruq Kamal | Risk culture and stress testing |
Kazi Faruq Kamal stated, “A strong risk culture enables institutions to identify and solve risks. Continuous stress testing is essential.”
Suravi Ghosh added, “Risk is inherent in banking. Bangladesh Bank is implementing effective policies to address it.”
Meheriar M Hasan said, “Today’s programme will enhance frontline staff knowledge on risk management. They can apply this practically to manage risks confidently.”
Saleq Ahmed Abul Masrur added, “Advanced risk management and governance remain our priority. Continuous training will strengthen our capacity.”