The Bank of Maldives (BML) today reinforced its commitment to the southern atoll region of Addu through a multi-pronged expansion initiative aimed at enhancing customer access and supporting regional economic growth.
At its Hithadhoo branch, BML officially opened a newly upgraded Customer Service Centre, offering an elevated in-branch experience for individuals and businesses in the area. Simultaneously, the bank introduced a dedicated USD-currency ATM in Maradhoo, marking the latest enhancement to its currency-exchange and self-service banking network. Adding to the momentum, BML laid a foundation stone in Hulhudhoo for a brand-new branch facility, signalling longer-term investment in Addu City’s financial infrastructure.
In his remarks, BML Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef said: “As we continue to grow our network, our focus remains on building stronger connections with communities across the nation. The expansion in Addu marks a significant step forward in delivering a banking service that truly serves our customers.”
BML’s existing network in Addu comprises full-service branches in Hithadhoo, Hulhumeedhoo and Maradhoo Feydhoo, all supported by a self-service banking ATM network of 11 MVR ATMs and one USD ATM at the Hithadhoo branch. The bank also maintains its Contact Centre operations on the island. According to earlier disclosures, BML first established a branch on Gan in 1983 — the institution’s first location outside of Malé — underscoring the long-standing importance of the southern region to its national footprint.
Nation-wide, BML positions itself as the Maldives’ leading financial institution with a branch count of 42 across all 20 atolls, supported by 202 Self Service Banking Centres, 261 ATMs and an advanced suite of digital banking solutions. This expansion continues BML’s strategy of enhancing financial inclusion and access to formal banking channels in underserved archipelago communities.
The launch of the USD ATM in Addu City in February underscored BML’s responsiveness to growing demand for foreign-currency transactions among island residents and businesses, particularly given the region’s development in tourism and infrastructure. The Hulhudhoo branch ground-breaking occurs amid broader government and private sector efforts in Addu City to accelerate growth, develop tourism infrastructure and augment connectivity.
For BML, the expansion reinforces its dual objectives of commercial growth and community service across the Maldives’ dispersed geography. As companies and residents in remote islands increasingly seek banking convenience and currency flexibility, BML’s extended network aims to position the bank at the centre of those evolving needs in Addu and beyond.
