The Bank of Maldives (BML) has been selected to host the 42nd Asian Bankers Association (ABA) General Meeting and Conference in 2026, bringing one of the region’s most influential financial gatherings to the country.
The announcement was made during the 41st ABA conference, held from September 15–16, 2025, in Bhutan. During the event, BML’s CEO and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef, was appointed Vice Chairman of the association, further elevating the Maldives’ role in the regional banking community.
“We are honored to be chosen as the host for the 42nd ABA General Meeting and Conference. This is a significant opportunity for the Maldives to showcase its financial sector and reaffirm its commitment to regional collaboration,” Shareef said following the announcement. “We look forward to welcoming our peers from across Asia and providing a platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of the industry.”
This will be the second time the Maldives has hosted the prestigious conference, following a successful event in 2018. BML officials noted that being awarded hosting rights again reflects the bank’s growing influence within the Asian financial sector.
The 2026 conference is expected to draw CEOs, senior executives, and experts from across ABA’s member countries. The program will feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions covering pressing issues and opportunities in the banking and financial services industry.