BRAC Bank and Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS) have partnered to ensure easy and smooth banking services for the freelancers of the country. BRAC Bank and BFDS, the forum that facilitates works and ventures of the freelancer community, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), a collaboration that reflects strong commitment of the two organizations to the promising freelancing industry, according to a press release. Read:Brac Bank scraps transaction pacts with 10 virtual shops The partnership followed BRAC Bank’s launch of the country’s first ever Freelancer Account a week earlier aiming at widening the opportunities for the professionals of the promising gig economy. Dr. Tanjiba Rahman, Chairman; Jashim Uddin Joy, Senior Vice Chairman; Mahfuzur Rahman, General Secretary of BFDS; and Md. Mahiul Islam, Head of Retail Banking, BRAC Bank, signed the MoU at the bank’s Head Office in Dhaka on Tuesday. Selim R. F. Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, Sarah Anam, Head of Deposits & NFB, BRAC Bank, and senior officials of the two organizations were also present, along with officials from Visa, the global leader in digital payments. At the signing ceremony, Selim R. F. Hussain, Managing Director and CEO, BRAC Bank, handed over the first batch of Freelancer Matrix Visa Debit Cards to freelancers who are members of BFDS. Read: Brac to empower women at the grassroots “We believe in the talent and potential the freelancers possess and the promise the freelancing industry holds. That’s why we have partnered with BFDS so that the freelancers can avail banking services easily without any hassle and turn their passion into successful venture,” Selim R. F. Hussain said. He said that this was an important partnership for them as they want to play an active role in making Bangladesh a global hub for freelancing and contribute significantly to boost foreign exchange earnings. “We will continue to explore new ways to cater to the evolving needs of the freelancers,” he continued.  Earlier on November 30, BRAC Bank launched ERQ account solution styled ‘BRAC Bank Freelancer Matrix Account’. It provides big convenience for receiving foreign currency income and smooth day-to-day transaction as well. The proposition came as much delight to more than 650,000 freelancing professionals who would enjoy hassle-free banking experience. They now get an international Visa debit card that is widely accepted, for BRAC Bank Freelancer Matrix account which allow them to seamlessly receive their remittance earnings in US Dollar and easily convert it into local currency (BDT) with a linked transactional account. They will be able to conduct cross border eCommerce, POS & ATM transactions for business purposes such as cloud based solutions, domain hosting etc. This account comes bundled with exclusive benefits of the Visa International Debit Card.

NRBC Bank Limited launched its microfinance-based partnership banking services with the SKS Foundation to provide banking services to the marginalized people of 19 locations in different districts of the country. SM Parvez Tamal, chairman of the bank, inaugurated 19 sub-branches. The partnership-based 19 sub-branches are Faridpur, Dokkhin Boailmari, Sanalpara, Chak Ramanandapur and Atgharia in Pabna, Rajarampu in Chapainawabganj, Sreekhola,Talgachi, Parkola, Shernagar, Brahmangram, Chandaikona, Nimgachi, Hat Pangashi in Sirajganj, Godarpara, Ghoradhap, Sonatola of Bagura, Rajabirat in Gaibandha and Hapania in Naogaon. Besides, Shariatpur Sadar, Kalshi in Mirpur-12 of Dhaka, Duragapur in Netrokona and Nikli in Kishoreganj sub-branch also started their banking services.