Shimanto Bank PLC recently hosted its “Annual Risk Conference 2025” at its headquarters in Dhaka, bringing together senior leaders, branch representatives and regulatory officials for an in-depth review of emerging challenges in the country’s rapidly evolving banking landscape.
The conference was formally inaugurated by ANM Moinul Kabir, Director of the Department of Off-site Supervision at Bangladesh Bank, who attended as the chief guest. In his opening remarks, he emphasised the increasing significance of robust risk governance, especially at a time when financial institutions across the globe are facing heightened uncertainty, cyber vulnerabilities and compliance-related pressures.
Mohammad Azizul Hoque, Managing Director and CEO (current charge) of Shimanto Bank, was also present, highlighting the bank’s commitment to strengthening its internal systems and ensuring resilience against future disruptions. He noted that the banking sector is undergoing transformative changes due to digitalisation, regulatory reforms, and shifting customer expectations, making risk awareness more critical than ever.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in wide-ranging discussions centred on comprehensive risk assessment frameworks, risk-management architecture, strategies for mitigations, and capital supervision approaches. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying and managing investment-related risks, liquidity challenges, market-driven pressures, and money-laundering threats, which continue to be areas of global concern for financial institutions.
The sessions also addressed new trends such as the rise of digital fraud, the importance of strong cybersecurity protocols, and the necessity of real-time monitoring systems to detect anomalies across banking operations. Experts stressed that an integrated approach to risk—combining technology, skilled personnel and regulatory compliance—remains the most effective pathway to operational stability.
Mahmuda Haque, Joint Director of Bangladesh Bank, led the technical session as the resource person. She provided practical insights into regulatory expectations, risk-rating methodologies, and supervisory mechanisms, offering guidance on how banks can adapt to upcoming regulatory changes and Basel-aligned risk-management requirements.
The conference was attended by Md Sahidul Islam, Head of Business at Shimanto Bank, along with senior management members, unit heads, branch managers, customer service managers from different branches and sub-branches, and officials representing various departments. Their collective participation underscored the institution’s commitment to building a risk-aware culture across all levels of its operations.
By creating a platform for open dialogue and knowledge-sharing, Shimanto Bank aims to strengthen its internal control environment and prepare its workforce for the challenges expected in the 2025 financial year. The event concluded with a renewed emphasis on proactive planning, enhanced compliance, and strategic decision-making to ensure sustained growth and customer trust in the years ahead.