Agent Banking Prospect in Bangladesh

Abstract

In a country where nearly half the population is engaged in agriculture and predominantly resides in rural areas with limited access to financial services, the challenges of financial inclusion are significant. Many individuals, particularly women, remain uneducated due to a lack of educational opportunities, further exacerbating their financial exclusion. The Global Index Database 2017 indicates that only about 50% of people aged 15 and older have bank accounts, with the figures for women being even lower. This study explores the potential of agent banking as a viable solution to provide essential financial services to unbanked populations in remote areas. Agent banking can reduce costs and resource constraints while facilitating employment opportunities. By enhancing access to banking services, agent banking has the potential to address inequities in financial access. This research aims to raise awareness and promote further studies on agent banking to encourage its implementation for the benefit of underserved communities.