Standard Chartered and BRAC Bank Boost Exporters with New Finance Scheme

Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in partnership with BRAC Bank, has launched a new trade finance solution aimed at supporting exporters and enhancing liquidity within the country’s financial sector.

The bank unveiled its Export Receivable Finance for Financial Institutions (RFFI), a landmark initiative in Bangladesh’s banking landscape. Developed in collaboration with BRAC Bank PLC, the programme is designed to improve liquidity for exporters by facilitating the early repatriation of export proceeds under deferred letters of credit (LCs).

Through this partnership, Standard Chartered will utilise its global network and established relationships with international buyer banks to offer receivable financing at competitive rates. The solution aims to provide exporters with faster access to funds, thereby boosting cash flow and strengthening overall financial stability.

The agreement was formally signed in Dhaka by Luthful Arefin Khan, country head of transaction banking at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Md Shaheen Iqbal, deputy managing director and head of treasury, financial institutions, and corporate and institutional banking at BRAC Bank.

Khan said, “With the introduction of RFFI, we are proud to extend our support to the export sector. BRAC Bank has been a trusted partner for many years, and we are grateful for their collaboration in this pivotal initiative to enhance Bangladesh’s export capabilities.”

Iqbal added, “This strategic partnership with Standard Chartered Bangladesh aligns with our shared vision to create an enabling environment for exporters and drive innovation within the banking sector. By combining Standard Chartered’s global network, market expertise, and client reach, we are able to offer enhanced liquidity support and strengthen the financial position of Bangladesh’s exporters.”

Under the RFFI programme, BRAC Bank will provide exporters with immediate access to funds, allowing them to receive payments before the term ends. This initiative is expected to improve cash flow, facilitate better working capital management, and shorten the overall cash cycle for exporters.

Standard Chartered has already established itself as a market leader in cross-border supplier financing, collaborating with 12 global buyers sourcing products from Bangladesh. The new RFFI programme builds on this foundation, extending structured trade finance benefits to local partner banks and further strengthening the country’s export ecosystem.