Mercantile Bank PLC recently convened its highly anticipated “Risk Conference 2025” at the bank’s headquarters in Dhaka, marking a significant step in advancing risk management awareness within the Bangladeshi banking sector. The event was inaugurated by Md Sirajul Islam, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, who attended as the chief guest, highlighting the importance of regulatory guidance in strengthening financial stability.
The conference was further honoured by the presence of Md Anwarul Haq, Chairman of Mercantile Bank PLC, and Mohammad Abdul Awal, Chairman of the bank’s Risk Management Committee, who participated as guests of honour. Both emphasised the critical role of robust risk assessment frameworks in maintaining institutional resilience and public trust.
In addition, distinguished speeches were delivered by Mati Ul Hasan, Managing Director of Mercantile Bank, and ANM Moinul Kabir, Director of the Department of Off-Site Supervision (DOS) at Bangladesh Bank, as special guests. Their presentations focused on emerging risks in the banking landscape, regulatory expectations, and the integration of technology-driven risk solutions.
A wide array of eminent personalities from Mercantile Bank attended, including MA Khan Belal, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Prof Md Rezaul Kabir, Chairman of the Audit Committee; and independent directors ASM Feroz Alam, M Amanullah, and Mohammad Thoufiqul Islam. Senior executives, such as Md Zakir Hossain, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chief Risk Officer, and Shamim Ahmed, Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Risk Officer, were also present, underlining the strategic focus on comprehensive risk governance.
The conference featured dedicated sessions led by Surabhi Ghosh and Nazmin Nahar, Additional Director and Joint Director at Bangladesh Bank’s DOS, respectively. Their interactive discussions provided participants with practical insights into risk evaluation methodologies, stress testing, and early-warning mechanisms that are crucial for mitigating operational and financial risks.
Other senior executives of Mercantile Bank, including Tapash Chandra Paul, Chief Financial Officer, and Shah Md Sohel Khurshid, Senior Executive Vice President, actively participated, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to cultivating a culture of proactive risk management.
The primary objective of the conference was to deepen knowledge of modern risk management practices, encourage strategic foresight, and foster a safer, more resilient banking environment.
Key Attendees at Risk Conference 2025
| Name | Position/Role | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Md Sirajul Islam | Executive Director | Bangladesh Bank |
| Md Anwarul Haq | Chairman | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Mohammad Abdul Awal | Chairman, Risk Management Committee | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Mati Ul Hasan | Managing Director | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| ANM Moinul Kabir | Director, Department of Off-Site Supervision | Bangladesh Bank |
| MA Khan Belal | Chairman, Executive Committee | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Prof Md Rezaul Kabir | Chairman, Audit Committee | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| ASM Feroz Alam | Independent Director | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| M Amanullah | Independent Director | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Mohammad Thoufiqul Islam | Independent Director | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Md Zakir Hossain | Deputy Managing Director & Acting Chief Risk Officer | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Shamim Ahmed | Executive Vice President & Deputy Chief Risk Officer | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Tapash Chandra Paul | Chief Financial Officer | Mercantile Bank PLC |
| Shah Md Sohel Khurshid | Senior Executive Vice President | Mercantile Bank PLC |
The conference underscored Mercantile Bank’s ongoing dedication to implementing robust risk management frameworks, thereby contributing to the overall stability and efficiency of the national financial sector.
