The Bank of Maldives (BML) has formalised a strategic partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU), marking a significant step in advancing leadership development and professional training within the country’s largest financial institution.
The collaboration, established through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, deepens ongoing ties between BML Academy, the bank’s in-house training institute, and SMU Academy, the university’s professional education arm. The agreement aims to expand structured learning pathways, strengthen institutional capacity, and align workforce development with international standards.
Under the partnership, SMU will play a central role in designing and delivering customised training programmes tailored to BML’s operational and leadership needs. The initiative also includes a structured knowledge transfer component, enabling the bank to build internal expertise and scale high-quality professional development opportunities across its workforce.
BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef said the collaboration reflects the bank’s long-term focus on strengthening human capital and leadership capability.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to developing a strong leadership pipeline and raising professional capabilities across the Bank. As the Maldives’ largest financial institution, we play an important role in shaping the economy. Through BML Academy, we are building structured, internationally aligned learning pathways that empower the future leaders of our economy,” he said.
The partnership builds on a series of successful programmes delivered over the past year. A total of 40 BML employees completed leadership training initiatives in collaboration with SMU. Of these, 20 senior staff obtained an Executive Certificate in Leadership and People Management directly from SMU, while another 20 received equivalent certification through BML Academy after completing SMU-led coursework. New cohorts are currently underway, signalling continued momentum in the programme rollout.
The move comes as BML intensifies its broader transformation strategy, with a strong emphasis on workforce development and service excellence. By investing in structured, globally aligned training frameworks, the bank aims to enhance internal capabilities while supporting the evolving needs of the Maldivian financial sector.
Through BML Academy, the bank continues to institutionalise professional development, positioning itself not only as a financial leader but also as a key contributor to talent development in the national economy.
