Dhaka: Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr. Ahsan H Mansur today announced that Risk Based Supervision (RBS) will be implemented across all banks starting January 1, 2026, to ensure a robust and future-ready financial system. Speaking at a press conference held at the central bank headquarters, Dr. Mansur emphasized the significance of this initiative in fortifying the banking sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BB Governor explained that the initial phases of the RBS framework have already been successfully piloted with several banks. A full rollout under the pilot programs to all 61 scheduled banks is set to commence by July 2025, with complete implementation scheduled for January 2026. This strategic move marks a significant restructuring of BB's regulatory framework to enhance efficiency, strengthen oversight, and align with international best practices.
Dr. Mansur elaborated that the comprehensive RBS framework is currently under development, including policy documentation, a risk matrix, and a model supervisory report. This framework aims to enable a more targeted and effective approach to managing inherent risks such as credit, market, operational, legal, regulatory, and strategic risks. To support this rollout, the central bank is undergoing a comprehensive organizational restructuring.
The restructuring process includes the formation of bank-specific teams focused on several bank supervision departments, alongside specialized departments such as the Supervisory Policy and Coordination Department, Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department, Technology Risk and Digital Banking Supervision Department, and ML/TF Risk Supervision Department. Dr. Mansur highlighted that departmental reorganization is underway, along with necessary logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Targeted training programs for senior management, expert pools, and bank supervisors at both the head office and branch levels of Bangladesh Bank are being conducted. Bangladesh Bank is also collaborating with international development partners, including the IMF, World Bank, and IFC, to facilitate advanced training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing. The capacity-building program will cover officials from all scheduled banks.
In addition, a new Rationalized Input Template (RIT) and a centralized supervisory dashboard are being developed to support data-driven supervision. These efforts aim to integrate existing systems and build a unified supervisory data management platform to enhance analytical capability and decision-making.
Dr. Mansur also mentioned the introduction of a standardized supervisory cycle, covering risk assessment, planning, supervisory engagement, intervention, and follow-up communication. This structured process is expected to improve the consistency and effectiveness of regulatory actions.
To ensure a smooth transition to RBS, a meeting was held with BB senior management, concerned Executive Directors, and Directors to discuss the restructuring process and the corresponding implementation timeline. These initiatives were also communicated to the CEOs of all scheduled banks.
Dr. Mansur concluded by stating that this transformation marks a significant step toward fostering a stronger culture of compliance, risk awareness, and technological innovation within the banking sector. He expressed confidence that these reforms will enhance the stability and integrity of the financial system and support sustainable economic growth, extending sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration throughout this important journey.