Top 9 Foreign Banks in Bangladesh [Full List and Function]

“Foreign banks aren’t just safer. They have mastered the ins and outs of international trade.”

Choosing the right bank in Bangladesh as a foreign founder can feel confusing. Different rules, unclear fees, and scattered information online make it hard to know where to start. You just want a bank that understands international business, handles remittances smoothly, and won’t slow down your setup.

Most founders and investors struggle to find clear information on which foreign banks actually operate here and which ones are best for global trade, remittances, and foreign currency accounts.

To save you time, here’s a snapshot table of top 9 Foreign Banks in Bangladesh, each officially licensed and supervised by Bangladesh Bank. This quick overview helps you identify the right fit at a glance, whether you’re a corporate investor, exporter, or startup founder managing overseas clients.

Quick list of Foreign Banks in Bangladesh

Foreign Bank Name	What Stands Out	In Bangladesh Since	Origin
Standard Chartered Bank	Trade finance, corporate banking, strong compliance	1948	United Kingdom
Citibank N.A.	High-end corporates, no retail services	1987	United States
HSBC Bangladesh(The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited)	Multi-currency support, SME-friendly digital flow	1996	United Kingdom
Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC)	Friendly for small foreign-run businesses	2003	Sri Lanka
State Bank of India (SBI)	INR transactions, India-Bangladesh business bridge	1975	India
Woori Bank	Trade finance + EPZ support	1996	South Korea
Bank Alfalah Ltd.	Shariah-compliant products + SME support	2005	Pakistan (UAE-owned)
Habib Bank Ltd.	Regionally familiar for South Asian companies	1976	Pakistan
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)	Basic corporate presence	1994	Pakistan

What Exactly Is an International Bank in Bangladesh?

Let’s not overthink it. A foreign bank in Bangladesh is simply a bank that started elsewhere, but is legally operating inside Bangladesh under the supervision of the Bangladesh Bank. These aren’t “international apps” or offshore platforms. They have local branches, real licenses, and desks where you can actually walk in and talk to someone.

The difference? Their playbook is international. Their systems are used to foreign passports, cross-border transactions, and the kind of paperwork that confuses most local banks. So if you’re running a company with investors in Dubai and a holding entity in Singapore, they won’t raise an eyebrow. As they’ve seen it before.

List of Top Foreign Banks in Bangladesh

Now, let’s talk about top international banks in Bangladesh…

Not all international banks feel the same. Some are built for large corporations; others actually pick up the phone when a small business owner walks in with BIDA papers and ten questions. Let’s take a look at the following list of top foreign banks in Bangladesh:

1. Standard Chartered Bank (SCB)

Origin: United Kingdom

Website: www.sc.com/bd

In Bangladesh Since: 1948

• Bangladesh’s most established international bank.
• Known for business banking, international trade finance, and strong compliance infrastructure.
• Especially suitable for companies that have already sorted their BIDA approvals and need something global-ready.

Why it works: If you’re running payroll across borders or holding funds for export operations, SCB is often the go-to. Their back-end may be slow, but their structure is sound.

2. HSBC Bangladesh

Origin: United Kingdom

Website: www.hsbc.com.bd

In Bangladesh Since: 1996

• Strong digital infrastructure, globally recognized KYC practices, and support for multi-currency accounts.
• Perfect for foreign SMEs looking to scale.

Why it works: If you’ve just opened a business bank account (see: How to Open a Business Bank Account in BD as a Foreigner), HSBC makes it easier to move money internationally without triggering compliance headaches.

3. Citibank N.A.

Origin: United States

Website: www.citigroup.com

In Bangladesh Since: 1987

• Not for everyday entrepreneurs. Citibank focuses on large corporations, embassies, and development organizations.
• High security, high structure, and no retail presence.

Why it works: If you’re running a multi-million-dollar operation with a U.S. footprint, Citibank is your structured sandbox.

4. Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC)

Origin: Sri Lanka

Website: www.combank.net.bd

In Bangladesh Since: 2003

• Not as shiny as HSBC or SCB—but don’t overlook it.
• Friendly to SMEs, smoother onboarding, and helpful support teams.
• Winner of several “Best Foreign Bank in Bangladesh” awards.

Why it works: CBC is ideal for new foreign-owned companies still setting up their base (see: How to Register a Private Limited Company in BD as a Foreigner). If you’re working with local partners or suppliers, CBC tends to be less bureaucratic.

5. Woori Bank

Origin: South Korea

Website: go.wooribank.com/bd

In Bangladesh Since: 1996

• Initially focused on Korean expats and industrial zones, but now expanding to wider markets.
• Trade finance and SME support are solid, though digital services are more limited.

Why it works: A good fit if you’re manufacturing, exporting, or operating from EPZs. Woori understands project-based structures—which is useful if you’re navigating BIDA investment approvals.

6. State Bank of India (SBI)

Origin: India

Website: onlinesbi.sbi

In Bangladesh Since: 1975

• Offers smoother INR transactions and works well for Indian nationals setting up joint ventures or trade companies.
• Their paperwork process can be long, but they’re culturally aligned and familiar with Indian-Bangladeshi business flows.

Why it works: If your expansion is regional—and you’re building across India and Bangladesh—SBI helps simplify cross-border complexity.

7. Bank Alfalah Limited

Origin: Pakistan (Owned by Abu Dhabi Group)

Website: www.bankalfalah.com

In Bangladesh Since: 2005

• You won’t see big ads or glossy billboards, but Bank Alfalah has quietly earned its place in Bangladesh’s banking scene—especially among businesses that prefer structure with subtlety.

• With roots in Pakistan and backing from the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Group, this bank blends South Asian familiarity with Gulf-standard credibility.
• It offers everything from SME-friendly loans to trade services and Islamic banking options—with a tone that’s less corporate, more “we get where you’re coming from.”

Why it works: If your business model leans toward halal trade, modest fashion, ethical financing, or you simply want a bank that offers Shariah-compliant solutions without making you feel like you’re asking for a favor—Alfalah gets it. It’s also practical if you are bridging operations across Pakistan, the Middle East, and Bangladesh. No need to explain yo

8. Habib Bank Ltd.

Origin: Pakistan

Website: www.hbl.com

In Bangladesh Since: 1976

• Regionally established and well-connected across South Asia.
• Known for trade finance, remittance services, and strong regional banking relationships.
• Especially suitable for businesses engaged in import-export or cross-border operations within South Asia.

Why it works: HBL offers smooth handling of letters of credit and international settlements for traders dealing with Pakistan, India, and the Middle East. A solid choice for regional corporates seeking consistent foreign trade support.

9 .National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)

Origin: Pakistan

Website: www.nbp.com.pk

In Bangladesh Since: 1994

• Maintains a focused corporate presence with niche trade support.
• Known for stable foreign currency handling, compliance-focused operations, and strong institutional relationships.
• Especially suitable for businesses that maintain financial or trade ties with Pakistan or require specialized corporate banking services.

Why it works: NBP’s operations in Bangladesh are small but reliable, ideal for firms seeking straightforward trade facilitation and transparent cross-border banking with a South Asian focus.

Why Choose a Foreign Bank in Bangladesh?

Because doing business across borders already comes with enough grey areas, you don’t need your bank to add another.

International banks speak your language; not just English, but the language of contracts, international transfers, dual-signatories, foreign invoices, and investor paperwork. They don’t ask awkward questions when your payment is coming from Singapore and your company’s TIN was just issued last week. They’ve seen it before.

More importantly, they don’t treat you like a walking exception.

If you’ve ever sat across a local bank officer trying to explain why your co-founder isn’t in the country or why your company name is in English, you already get it. International banks just make that part easier.

They won’t solve every problem. But they’ll understand the ones you’re actually facing.

Key Criteria for Selecting the Top Foreign Banks in Bangladesh

Let’s be real: no one chooses a bank because the logo looks nice.

When foreigners pick a bank in Bangladesh, it’s not just about who’s “international.” It’s about who actually understands how international business works here. Here’s what really matters:

• Experience with foreign-owned companies

If they flinch at your BIDA approval or ask, “What’s a nominee director?” Run.

• Multi-currency support

You’ll want to send and receive in more than one currency without ten phone calls.

• Compliance without chaos

Banks that know how to handle foreign tax IDs, remote directors, and capital repatriation without turning it into a three-month ordeal.

• Relationship-driven teams

You’re not just opening an account. You’re looking for people who will call you back when you’re stuck.

• Digital support that works

No one’s asking for a Silicon Valley portal. But if the mobile app crashes every time you log in, that’s a problem.

Pick a bank that’s seen foreign founders before, and didn’t panic.

Quick Note: Why Foreign Banks Feel More… Familiar

• They accept foreign documentation more easily.
• They’re less likely to ask “Why is your co-founder abroad?”
• Their onboarding teams speak global business.
• And yes—they’re usually easier to deal with when you’re juggling taxation essentials in Bangladesh.

But don’t walk in expecting a red carpet. These banks still require:

• A registered company
• Clear investment documentation
• Trade license
• TIN
• A local signatory or representative

Don’t Just Open an Account, Open a Relationship

There’s a reason many foreigners choose international banks in Bangladesh. It’s not always about prestige. It’s about predictability.

When your address is in Gulshan, your co-founder is in Dubai, and your compliance partner is helping you file your Compliance in BD, you need a bank that doesn’t make you feel like an exception.

So don’t just open a business bank account. Open a relationship with a bank that already understands what you’re building.

FAQs on Foreign Banks in Bangladesh

Which is the first foreign bank in Bangladesh?

Answer: That would be Standard Chartered Bank. They’ve been here since 1948, long before Bangladesh even became Bangladesh. Sounds interesting, right?

Back then, they were helping manage trade finance under British colonial administration. Today, they’re still the most established foreign bank in the country. If you’ve heard someone say “my first foreign account was with SCB,” now you know why.

It’s not just about being first. It’s about staying consistent, compliant, and still relevant after all these decades.

Which foreign bank is best for new businesses?

Answer: CBC and SCB are popular among newly registered foreign companies. HSBC is great if you’re already operational and scaling internationally.

Which is the best international bank in Bangladesh?

Answer:  It depends on what you mean by “best.”

• If you want something structured, legacy-backed, and globally compliant, SCB is still a solid bet.

• If you need SME-friendly onboarding and better app support, many newer foreign founders lean toward HSBC or CBC.

• Running a trade-heavy operation with Indian roots? SBI might feel more aligned.

• Need Shariah-compliant solutions with subtlety? Alfalah is quietly winning hearts.

So really, the “best” isn’t about the name. It’s about who gets your paperwork without flinching, and who makes you feel like your company actually belongs here.

Can foreigners open accounts at foreign banks in Bangladesh?

Answer: Yes, but you must do it under your registered company. Personal accounts may require resident permits. Business accounts need trade licenses and proper documentation.

Do I need BIDA approval to open a bank account?

Answer: If your company is foreign-owned, yes, BIDA approval is usually required before opening any corporate account.

Are foreign banks better than local ones?

Answer: Not always. But they’re more aligned with global documentation standards and international business needs.

Can I apply online?

Answer: Some banks (like HSBC) allow you to begin the process online, but you’ll always need in-person KYC to finalize it.

Do any foreign banks offer multi-currency accounts?

Answer: Yes. HSBC and SCB support multi-currency accounts for eligible businesses, particularly those involved in exports/imports or with foreign investment capital.