Banking

Report on SME Banking of AB Bank Limited

Report on SME Banking of AB Bank Limited

Major objective of this report is to analysis Small and Medium Enterprises of AB Bank Limited. Report allover focus on SME Banking and its process on Credit Department. Other objectives are discuss on different departments including Credit, Remittance, Foreign exchange, Clearing, and General Banking. Finally explain loan documentation for SME Banking, preparation of Credit Risk Grading and preparation of Charge documents based on SME Banking.

Introduction

AB Bank is known as one of leading bank of the country since its commencement 27 years ago. It is the first private sector bank under Joint Venture with Dubai Bank Ltd, UAE incorporated in Bangladesh on Dec 31, 1981. The bank commenced its operations in April 12, 1982.

During the last 27 years, AB Bank Limited has opened 74 Branches in different Business Centers of the country, one foreign Branch in Mumbai, India and also established a wholly owned Subsidiary Finance Company in Hong Kong in the name of AB International Finance Limited. To facilitate cross border trade and payment related services, the Bank has correspondent relationship with over 220 international banks of repute across 58 countries of the World. It is listed on Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd and Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd. AB Bank has a branch network of 74 branches in Bangladesh. The overseas operations of the bank are conducted through its Mumbai branch in India and its subsidiary company, the AB International Finance Ltd in Hongkong.

The products and services offered by the company include retail banking, corporate banking, SME banking, project finance, NRB banking, money transfer, Islami banking, investment banking and cards. In the corporate banking segment, the products offered include working capital finance, trade finance, cash management, syndicated finance, equity finance and corporate advisory services. The bank also has drawing arrangements with 14 exchange/money transfer remittance houses all over the globe to facilitate fast, reliable and hassle – free inward remittance.

 

Historical Background of AB Bank Limited:

AB Bank is known as one of leading bank of the country since its commencement 27 years ago. It is the first private sector bank under Joint Venture with Dubai Bank Ltd, UAE incorporated in Bangladesh on Dec 31, 1981. The bank commenced its operations in April 12, 1982.

During the last 27 years, AB Bank Limited has opened 74 Branches in different Business Centers of the country, one foreign Branch in Mumbai, India and also established a wholly owned Subsidiary Finance Company in Hong Kong in the name of AB International Finance Limited. To facilitate cross border trade and payment related services, the Bank has correspondent relationship with over 220 international banks of repute across 58 countries of the World. It is listed on Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd and Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd. AB Bank has a branch network of 74 branches in Bangladesh. The overseas operations of the bank are conducted through its Mumbai branch in India and its subsidiary company, the AB International Finance Ltd in Hongkong.

The products and services offered by the company include retail banking, corporate banking, SME banking, project finance, NRB banking, money transfer, Islami banking, investment banking and cards. In the corporate banking segment, the products offered include working capital finance, trade finance, cash management, syndicated finance, equity finance and corporate advisory services. The bank also has drawing arrangements with 14 exchange/money transfer remittance houses all over the globe to facilitate fast, reliable and hassle – free inward remittance.

 

Capital structure of AB Bank Limited:

The authorized capital of AB Bank Ltd. is taka 400.00 crore divided into 4.00 crore ordinary shares of taka 100 each, from the existing Tk. 200.00 crore on 05 march, 2009. The total paid up capital rose to taka 743.00 million at the end of 2010. At present the composition of the existing shareholders of the bank is as under:

1) Bangladeshi sponsors/ Directors: 50%

2) Bangladeshi General Public: 49.43%

3) Govt. of Bangladesh: 0.57%

 

AB Bank Limited in a Global View:

AB Bank has total 71 branches with in the country as on 29th July 2010. Besides all these, ABBL has its regional office at Agrabad Commercial Area, Chittagong. ABBL has its operation outside the country too. Thus it is providing a prominent role in the growth of foreign trade for the entrepreneurs of the country. ABBL has its overseas branch at Mumbai, India. Subsidiary Company ‘AB International Finance Ltd.’ at Hong Kong. Representative office in United Kingdom and in Myanmar.

ABBL Mumbai branch’s main focus continued to be meeting the needs of Indian exporters to Bangladesh promoting Indo-Bangla trade. Particular attention was given to fee-based business.

 

Change of Name & Logo of ABBL:

Arab Bangladesh Bank Ltd. was incorporated on 31st December 1981, under the company’s act-1913. The bank started functioning from 12th April 1982.It is the first private bank in Bangladesh. Motijheel Branch is the corporate branch of this bank. The branch has enjoyed its 27th anniversary during this year.

Arab Bangladesh Bank Ltd. Changed its name to AB Bank Limited (ABBL) with effect from 14 November 2007 vides Bangladesh Bank BRPD Circular Letter No-10 dated 22 November 2007. Prior to that Shareholder of the Bank approved the change of name in the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on 4 September 2007. Effective 1 January 2008, ABBL changed its Logo as well.

 

Objective, Mission & Vision of ABBL:

Objective:

“To exceed customer expectations through innovative financial products & services and establish a strong presence to recognize shareholders’ expectations and optimize their rewards through dedicated workforce.”

Mission Statement:

“To be the best performing bank in the country”

Vision Statement: “To be the trendsetter for innovative banking with excellence & perfection”

 

Bank Performance Analysis AB Bank Limited:  (Million taka)

Particulars 2008 % Change 2007 2006 2005 2004
Operating Profit4298.3929.263325.29710.69755.03360.07
Net Operating Profit (PBT)3600.6227.772817.99532.19407.45190.07
Profit After Tax (PAT)2300.6220.861903.49532.19162.4590.07
Authorized Capital3000.0050.002000.002000.00800.00800.00
Paid-up capital2229.79200.00743.26571.74519.76495.01
Reserves 2702.9530.422072.541456.47826.33623.99
Shareholders Equity 6722.5149.014511.592582.761526.881243.58
Deposits 68560.4728.2553375.3542077.0027361.4428299.23
Loans & Advances 56708.7738.6040915.3531289.2521384.6317008.50
Investments 11408.5428.418884.606271.374060.956738.15
Fixed Assets 2444.652.672381.001148.46370.06276.67
Total Assets 84053.6132.2663549.8647989.3433065.4032508.63
Import Business 70041.3544.5948441.3542860.2423150.8519266.00
Export Business 28937.2439.9520676.6117876.1512595.2010100.00
Guarantee 6578.1795.163370.583496.382507.912353.00
No. of Branches 721.4171686770
No. of Employees 18044.581725159017261726

Table: Performance Analysis AB Bank Limited

 

Evaluation of recent performance of AB Bank Limited:

The overall performance of ABBL is increasing gradually. The total authorized capital in 2010 was increase almost 50 % to compare with 2009 and paid-up capital has increased to Tk1486.53 million in the year 2010. Statutory and other reserves have increasing trend. The total asset of the bank increased to Tk. 20503.75 million in 2010 against Tk. 63549.86 million in the year of 2009. The total deposits stood at Tk. 68560.47 million in 2010 against Tk53375.35million in 2009 However, the net profit after taxes during the year increased significantly.

 

 About the Branch:

AB Bank mirpur Branch is one of the important branches of AB Bank Limited. is located in mirpur 1, near mirpur 1 bus stand.It started function in the year 1994 on 18th of May. Presently there are 18 employees in this branch as of 1st august 2010 which includes 1 SAVP, 1 AVP, 06 principal officers, 1 management trainee, 5 senior officers, 3 officers, 1 internees and others are messengers, tellers, typist, security guards and drivers.

 

SME Banking of AB Bank limited

Definition of SME:

The Small and Medium Enterprises worldwide are recognized as engines of economic growth. In recent days the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Financing has become an important area for Commercial Banks in Bangladesh. To align its corporate policy with the regulation of Central Bank, banks have become more concerned about SME and opened windows to conduct business in this particular area. According to the latest circular of Bangladesh Bank (Date – 26/05/2008), the definition of Small and Medium Enterprise sector is given below:

Small Enterprises:

Small enterprises refer to those enterprises which are not any Public Limited Companies and which fulfill the following criteria-

  • Service Concern:

-Having an investment of Tk. 50,000 to Tk. 50, 00,000 excluding land & building and / or employing up to 25 workers .

  • Business Concern:

-Having an investment of Tk. 50,000 to Tk. 50, 00,000 excluding land & building and / or employing up to 25 workers .

  • Manufacturing Concern:

– Having an investment of Tk. 50,000 to Tk. 1, 50, 00,000 excluding land & building and / or employing up to 50 workers.

 

 Medium Enterprises:

– Medium enterprises refer to those enterprises which are not any Public Limited Companies and which fulfill the following criteria:

  • Service Concern :

– Having an investment of Tk. 50, 00,000 to Tk. 10, 00, 00,000 excluding land & building and / or employing up to 50 workers.

  • Business Concern:

– Having an investment of Tk. 50, 00,000 to Tk. 10, 00, 00,000 excluding land & building and / or employing up to 50 workers.

  • Manufacturing Concern:

– Having an investment of Tk. 1, 50, 00,000 to Tk. 20, 00, 00,000 excluding land & building and / or employing up to 150 workers.

 

Definition by Ministry of Industries (MOI):

SMEs in Bangladesh are also defined for purposes of industrial policies by Ministry of Industries (MOI). Historically, this definition has been in terms of fixed investment brackets, and a dual mode definition is in place, separate for manufacturing establishments, and service establishments. According to the Industrial policy 2005, Small and medium enterprises shall be categorized using the following definitions:

(A.) Manufacturing enterprise:

  • Small enterprise

– An enterprise should be treated as small if, in current market prices, the replacement cost of plant, machinery and other parts / components, fixtures, support utility, and associated technical services by way of capitalized costs (of turn key consultancy services, for example), etc, excluding land and building, were to be up to tk. 15 million;

  • Medium enterprise –

-An enterprise would be treated as medium if, in current market prices, the replacement cost of plant, machinery and other parts / components, fixtures, support utility, and associated technical services by way of capitalized costs (such as turn key consultancy services), etc, excluding land and building, were to be up to tk. 100 million;

 (B.)Non-manufacturing enterprise:

  • Small enterprise

– An enterprise should be treated as small if it has less than 25 workers, in full time equivalents;

  • Medium enterprise –

-An enterprise would be treated as medium if it has between 25 and 100 employees.

 

Contribution of SMEs in the Economy:

There is a great interest in small and medium enterprises (SME) as a major plank of poverty reduction in Bangladesh In view of present economic development effort in Bangladesh the SME sector plays an important role. These are reflected in the following performance /activities of this sector:

  • During the Fourth Five year plan, a total of 0.35 million jobs were created against the target of 0.4 million.
  • SME sector employs 25% of the total labour force. As a result, this sector is the present available sector for creation jobs.
  • SME sector help alleviate poverty, increase income level of rural people and promote agro-industrial linkage in Bangladesh.
  • SME sector requires lower energy supply, lower infrastructure facilities and this sector imposes less environmental risk.
  • They contribute towards better utilization of local resources and skills that might otherwise remain unutilized.
  • Small industries being labour oriented are capable of generating more employment.
  • They are necessary to maintain and retain traditional skills and handicrafts.
  • They are the only medium for diversification of rural economy and for peaceful and concurrent socio-economic development of all classes of people.

From the above discussion, we can say that SMEs are playing an important role in our economy in various ways.

 

SME Financing by Banks in Bangladesh:

The National Commercial Banks (NCBs) are disbursing significant amount of credit under various programs like Small Enterprise Development Project, Self-help Credit Program, and Projects for Small Entrepreneurs, Special Investment Program and Agro-based Supervisory Industrial Credit etc. for the promotion and development of SMEs. The investment of private sector banks in financing SMEs remains insignificant in Bangladesh. Of all the private sector banks, BRAC Bank, AB Bank Limited.(ABBL) Eastern Bank Ltd. (EBL), Prime Bank Ltd, Dhaka Bank Ltd, Mercantile Bank Ltd, Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd, Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd, IFIC Bank Ltd. have the leading role in SME financing. Bank of Small Industries and Commerce Bangladesh Ltd. (BASIC) are entrusted with the responsibility of providing medium and long-term loans for promotion and development of small-scale industries. The memorandum and Articles of Association of the bank stipulates that 50% of loan able funds shall be used for financing small scale and cottage industries.

SME Financing by AB Bank Limited:

Considering the volume, role and contribution of the SMEs, in the last two decades AB Bank has been patronizing this sector by extending credit facilities of different types and tenor. As of now 54% of the bank’s total loan portfolio is segmented to the SMEs which deserve all out attention in its plans, projections and forecasting. As such the AB Bank has emphasized on the following issues:

  • To provide the best services to the SME sector .
  • To increase the SME portfolio of ABBL significantly .
  • To improve the quality of ABBL’s portfolio .

 

Definition of SME at AB Bank Limited:

The SME definition which was approved by management committee in 13th meeting held on 12th May, 2008 and notified to the Board of Directors 414th meeting, was circulated all Branches though BBD circular No.02/2008. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank has revised the SME definition though it’s ACSPD Circular No.08, dated 26th May, 2008.In context to this revision, the Board of Directors of AB Bank Ltd. has changed the Banks SME definition in its 435th Meeting held on Sunday, March 22, 2009, which is as follow:

For small Enterprise: Turnover Total Fixed Assets * No. Of Employee Loan Size
Service / other concern Up to 500 Lac0.5 to 50 LacLess than 25Up to 50 Lac
Trading Concern Up to 500 Lac0.5 to 50 LacLess than 25Up to 50 Lac
Manufacturing Concern Up to 500 Lac0.5 to 150 LacLess than 50Up to 50 Lac

Table: Definition of small Enterprise by ABBL

For Medium Enterprise:

Turnover Total Fixed Assets * No. Of Employee Loan Size
Service / other concern Up to 1500 Lac50 to 1000 LacLess than 50Up to 50 Lac
Trading Concern Up to 500 Lac50 to 1000 LacLess than 50Up to 50 Lac
Manufacturing Concern Up to 500 Lac150 to 2000 LacLess than 150Up to 50 Lac

Table: 4: Definition of Medium Enterprise by ABBL

Note: *Total Fixed Assets is excluding land and Building.

 

Participation of SME Sector by AB Bank Limited:

Small and medium enterprises (SME) has emerged as the cornerstone of economic development of Bangladesh in terms of job creation, income generation, development of forward and backward industrial linkage and meting local links.SME provide over 87%of total industrial employment and contribute 90% export earning. Thus, SME occupy a unique position in Bangladesh. However, SME Sectors in which AB Bank has participated so far are Agro machinery, Poultry, Animal Feed, Dairy Product, Fruit Preservation ,Hotel & Restaurants, Garments Accessories, Leather products, Plastic product Furniture: Wooden & Metal, Ink, Paint, Printing & Packaging,Wire & Cable, Aluminum Cement and Lime Plaster, Clinics and Hospitals Engineering & Scientific Instruments.

 

Procedure for giving SME loans

Initial Steps:

The prospective borrower has to apply to ABBL for loan by filling up of a specific Application for. The application form (Request for credit Limit) contains following particulars,

  • Name of the Borrower
  • A/C no.
  • Business address (with telephone no.) [Residential addresses and permanent address] –
  • Introducer’s name, A/C no. & address-
  • Date of establishment/ Incorporation-
  • Trade license number, issue date, expiry date (Photocopy of trade license enclosed)
  • GIR/TR no. & amount of income tax paid last year
  • Constitution/ Status (Mention whether sole proprietorship/ partnership/ Public Ltd. company/ Private Ltd. company)-
  • Particulars of Individual/ Proprietor/ Partners/ Directors (Name & Designation, Father’s/ husband’s name, present & permanent address with telephone no., % of shares held)-
  • Experience and background of Individual/ proprietors/ partners/ directors.
  • Full particulars of assets in the particular name of Individual/ proprietors/ partners/ directors with valuation.
  • A name of subsidiaries/ affiliates percentage of share holding and nature of business.
  • Nature and details of business/ products (for which credit facility is applied for), markets (present market price per unit, factory price), estimated sales for next one year.
  • Credit facilities required (type, amount, period, purpose, and made of adjustment).
  • Details of securities offered with estimated value (primary security, collateral security, market value of the security.).
  • Balance sheet, Income statement or statement of accounts of the following year attached (preferably last 3 years).
  • Other relevant information.
  • Proposed debt/ equity ratio.
  • Signature of the applicant.

Second Steps:

After receiving the loan application form, ABBL sends a letter to Bangladesh Bank for obtaining a report form there. This is called CIB (credit information bureau) report. The report is essential if the loan is exceeds Tk. 50 Lac. But ABBL usually collects this report if the loan amount exceeds Tk 10 lac. The purpose of this report is being informed that whether the borrower has taken loan form any other bank.

Third Steps:

After receiving CIB report if the Bank thinks that the prospective borrower will be a good borrower, than the bank will scrutinize the documents. In this stage, the Bank will check whether the documents are properly filled up & signed.

Forth Steps:

Then comes the processing stage, the bank will prepare a proposal. A proposal contains following relevant information-

a) Name of the borrower

b) Nature of limit

c) Purpose of limit

d) Extent of limit

e) Security

f) Margin

g) Rate of interest

h) Repayment

i) Validity

Branch incumbent has the discretionary to sanction loan (SOD) against financial obligations by informing Head Office. But in that case4, the branch Manager has to give attention to the following matters-

  • The interest rate of the loan must not be less than 14.5% &
  • The borrower must maintain 10% margin.

Except this case, the branch has to send the proposal to the Head Office. Head Office will prepare a minute and submit before the Executive Committee (EC). The minute has to be passed by EC.

After passing the minute, it will be sent to Bangladesh Bank for approval in case of followings:-

  • If the proposal limit exceeds 15% of Bank’s equity .
  • If the proposed limit against cash collateral securities exceeds 25% of Bank’s equity.

After getting the approval of Bangladesh, it will again come to the Head Office.

Fifth Steps:

After the sanction advice, Bank will collect necessary documents. For withdrawing the loan amount, the customer creates a CD account and the loan is transferred to the CD A/c. Afterwards, The customer can withdraw the money.

 

Data Analysis:

In this part of research the data has become information. Answers of 17 important questions have graphically presented here. The colorful presentation and percentages of the answers of all the options of a question will give the reader a clear concept of this matter. Finally I have discussed and analyzed the scenario. I tried to find whether the real statistics got from the survey matched with my hypothesis or not to come into a conclusion.

Question # 1

Why have you chosen AB Bank as your Bank?

Different customers views products and services in different way. The reason for taking services or buying products from organization is different among the customers. Some are influenced by the name of the company, some by products features and service quality, some for the overall service environment and so on. According to the respondents 40.00% said that the brand name & reputation influence them to come to the bank, 24.44% respondents prefer for the bank’s products and services, 17.78% argued for the friendliness of the personnel and 17.78% said that the bank environment influence them.

 

 

Question # 2

Do the bank products & services accomplish all of your basic banking needs?

Availability of products or services in a single place is less time consuming and less hassle for the customers. Customers will always prefer the organization that can meet their needs at the best level. Banks also provide wide range of services and the line of products and services lead to customers’ satisfaction. Among the respondents 57.78% said that the AB bank is fulfilling their financial needs that is available through banks. On the other hand, 37.78% demonstrated that bank can occasionally meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, 4.44% think that bank can never confront their fundamental needs.

 

Question # 3

How long have you been banking with AB Bank Ltd?

I thought the number of years a customer banks in ABBL might reveal or relate with a lot of the other variables in the questionnaire. It is seen that majority of the customers have been banking with ABBL for 4-6 years and the next in the table is more than 6 years. In addition to this, 20% of the customers are banking with this bank for 1-3 years. Moreover, only 6.67% of the respondents are maintaining an account with this bank for less than 1 year.

 

Question # 4

Do you have accounts with other banks?

This is another important component for the base of customer knowledge. It can be assumed that if customers have accounts with other banks, they are likely to be well informed about the current services available in the market at their due prices with benefits. About 83% of the customers are maintaining accounts with other banks.

 

Question # 5

If yes, which other bank(s) do you deal with or have accounts with?

Most of the surveyed customers maintain accounts with SCB. The next significant ones are BRAC Bank and DBBL. This shows a rising trend of the Banlgladeshi investors and borrowers to invest and save in multinational banks. This can result due to the vulnerable political commotion in the country, social prestige, etc. Although, City N/A is a multinational bank, people do not prefer it because it’s a new one and on top of this only a few branches are available in all over the country.

Question # 6

Comparing to the other bank the services & facilities provided by the organization are (if you are having relationship with other bank) –

The products or services provided by an organization are said to be better when those products and services are comparatively better than the other organizations that are providing same line of products and services. Customers always compare the products and services of one organization with another to find out the best one. Among the respondents 57.78% said that the services & facilities provided by AB bank is excellent than other, 35.56% said that the services & facilities are satisfactory and only 6.67% said that the services are not satisfactory which can later create a dilemma for the organization.

Question # 7

What is (are) the type(s) of your account(s) with AB Bank?

From this query I find that 30(22%) of people maintain local currency account, 45(32%) of people maintain local currency savings account, 10(7%) of people maintain foreign currency account, 12(9%) of people maintain time deposit account and  23(16%) maintain company account .

 

Question # 8

Do you know about the SME loan?

When I ask about the SME loan whether they know about the it or not then 65(56%) people said yes they know about SME loan and 32(27%) people said no on the other hand 17% people said they hear about the SME loan of ABBL.

 

Question # 9

Do you have any small enterprise or medium enterprise?

When I ask customers of AB bank about their business 35(28%) says they have small enterprise, 40(32%) people says they are involving with medium enterprise and others says that they are involving with other job .

 

Question # 10

Are you take any SME loan from AB bank ltd?

 

From my survey I found 45(39%) of people take SME loan from AB bank and 70(61%) of people do not take SME loan from AB bank .

 

 

Question # 11

If yes then the amount of money ?

Most of the customer take small amount of money from ABBL . 22(49%) of people take the loan amount of 300000-500000, 10(22%) of people take the loan amount of 600000-1000000 and 13(29%) of people take the loan amount of 1100000-5000000. So it is clear that most of the people wants small amount of money as a loan.

 

Question # 12

The package that you take from AB bank ltd as SME loan are-

Most of the customer take the package chhoto puji as SME loan because of the interest rate, amount of money, repayment of loan, procedure etc.16(46%) of people take this loan from ABBL. It is clear that most of the customer like small amount of money, low interest rate and easy procedure.

 

Question # 13

Are you satisfied with the interest rate of SME loan that provided by AB bank?

 

Most of the customer of AB bank ltd are satisfied with the interest of SME loan. 26(58%) of people says that they are happy with the interest rate where 14(31%) of customer says no.

 

 

Question # 14

Do you think AB bank follow the proper Procedure for giving SME loan?

When I ask customer about the procedure of SME loan of ABBL then 18(40%) of people says the procedure is ok. 6(13%) people says no. 9(20%) of customer says need to improve and 12(27%) of customer says need to follow easy procedure.

 

Question # 15

Branch location (Convenience)-

Number of customers and superior service also depends on the number of branches. Convenience of branches or the branches availability also influences the customers to get involved with the bank. In my survey I have found that the 31.11% of my respondents said that the convenience of branch location is high, 46.67% said that it is average and rest 22.22% rated it as very low.

 

Question # 16

Accuracy of services provided-

Accuracy is most vital while serving the customer’s directly. More the rate of error more the hassle for the customers’ which might later leads to dissatisfaction. The people who are directly related to the customers have to be attentive so that no error takes place.  Among the respondents 47% said that the accuracy of service is high and 53% respondents said its average.

 

Question # 17

How would you rate overall SME loan service of AB Bank Ltd on a scale of 1 to 5?

 

This question directly asks how the customers would rate overall AB bank’s services. Maximum customers agreed that they think the service of ABBL is good. Although there are a significant number of customers saying that they are not sure and think the service is neither good nor bad.

 

Cases for Analysis:

Case 1.

The incident occurred during my first month of internship. A customer came to take a loan worth of BDT 7,00,000. As he told that he is not maintaining an account with AB bank, one of our CSR suggested him to open an account. He opened an account and all of his documents were send to the Credit Department. The Credit Department evaluated his documents and surprisingly, granted him to take the loan. Later, our CSM found out that he is an existing accountholder and previously he took loan worth of BDT 4,00,000 but did not settle up the amount. Since, he was a hoax; our CSR closed his account and refused to give him the loan.

Case 2:

Another customer comes to the Mirpur Branch in order to collect his Cheque Book. My supervisor asked me to bring his cheque book I looked for it but unfortunately I could not find it. Then one of our Customer Services Officer took his account number and looked into the computer information system. The system displayed that the cheque book has been issued and the charge is deducted from his account. Later, I called the respective department  and ask them whether they have sent it or not. They informed me that they have sent it two days ago. That was a very nerve-racking situation because cheque book is a very sensitive thing and if it is misplaced then it can become a serious audit issue for the branch. Meanwhile, we came to know that head office sent the cheque book to Gulshan Branch because the customer was maintaining an account with that particular branch. But they did not notice that the customer gave clear instructions that he will receive it from Mirpur Branch. Therefore, we have to request him to collect the cheque book form Gulshan Branch .

 

Major Findings of my Observation in AB Bank Limited:

AB Bank Limited provides the SME loans and advances to the borrower through their different branches in all over the country. Though every branch is not best in all respective area of the program but in a particular area a bank can be best. The major point that I have identified in credit policy in procedure of giving SME loan & advances of AB Bank Limited is given below:

  • As of now 54% of the AB bank’s total loan portfolio is segmented to the SMEs.
  • There are many competitions in the banking sector of our country considering our economic condition. The SME Products provided by the banks are almost same in case of interest rate.
  • Practical procedure is different from the policy that is prescribed by head office.
  • Some times situation is a big factor at the time of giving SME loan. Such as-if there is a occurrence in the branch then head office will restricted the % of giving loan. At that time Branch will not sanction more loans.
  • The full process of loan sanction is done by the branch official, but the final decision is taken by the head office.
  • The procedure of giving SME loan is very complex. That sometimes discourages client from taking loan.

 

 

My Recommendation for AB Bank Limited:

I propose some recommendations for AB Bank Ltd. These are given below:

  • Rearrange the process of SME loan. This can help to cover large number of people in remote areas.
  • AB Bank should use more advertising camping to introduce SME product of them to their prospective customer. All type of media should be encouraged in.
  • AB Bank should increase the amount of loan and advance in micro credit sector as the loan recovery rate from micro credit sector is much higher.
  • Implement continuous monitoring system in the whole SME loan recovery process.
  • Improve the criteria for receiving SME loan.
  • To ensure that the borrowers can utilize the loan on the right purpose.
  • There are many competitors in banking sector. ATM, online banking, credit card service etc are common in banking sector. They should introduce new features in existing services.
  • AB Bank should examine its borrower’s Cash flow Statement, Audited Balance Sheet, and Income Statement and other financial statement to make sure that its borrower has the ability to repay the loan.

 

 

Conclusion:

The banking sector of Bangladesh is passing through a tremendous reform under the economic deregulation and opening up the economy. Currently this sector is becoming extremely competitive with the arrival of multinational banks as well as emerging and technological infrastructure, effective credit management, higher performance level utmost customer satisfaction and the transactions of foreign exchange. As we all know in the business world things move on the will of impression. In spite of all limitations AB bank still doing better and holding a good percentage of market shares in banking sector, only because of its best impression, performance and trust of its clients.

During the three months internship program at ABBL at Pagla Branch, ,almost all the desks have been observed more or less. This internship program, in first, has been arranged for gaining knowledge of practical banking and to compare this practical knowledge with theoretical knowledge. During the internship, it is found that the branch provides all the conventional banking services as well as some specialized financing activities to the economy.

SME credit is very important for any financial institution as it generates profit and gear up economic activities of the country. In other words, SME credit is business and it is input in the production process of the country. Since credit is inherent risk. So proper utilization of use of the loans is very much essential to meet up the requirements of the borrower wants. The loan applied for by the borrower must not be employed for unproductive purpose.

So, a purpose-oriented loan must be followed up regularly by the Bank So that the borrower properly uses the fund. AB Bank Ltd airways trying to improve their credit policy for minimizing loss and maximizing profit and various measures are undertaken to develop the credit management system. Recently AB Bank Ltd is going to adopt pure automation system in credit division for proper handling of disbursement and better monitoring reviewing of regular and irregular loan. In addition they are exploring new ideas, implementing new technology to serve the better service to clients.