For the people of the atolls, traveling to the atoll capital or a designated island to access banking services has been a significant hardship. The dream of the people has been to have easy access to these services while staying in their own islands. The government has been working to alleviate these difficulties for the citizens and to end the burdens they have had to bear. As such, under the initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Bank of Maldives launched a special project called “ATM Services Across the Maldives” last November.
Under this project, BML ATM services have been established and operationalized in all inhabited islands of 11 atolls so far. The most recent ATM services were established in Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls. Including GA and GDh, the atolls where BML ATMs have been installed are Alif Alif, Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Dhaalu, Noonu, Meemu, Kaafu, and Baa atolls. The ATMs installed in all inhabited islands of the atolls are self-service ATMs that allow 24-hour cash withdrawals and deposits. The Bank of Maldives has stated that in addition to cash transactions, some other banking services will also be available through these ATMs.
Many atolls in the Maldives are extensively engaged in local tourism, agriculture, and various other businesses. Depositing and withdrawing money is very important for these entities. Therefore, the ATMs established by the government greatly facilitate businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals. Public satisfaction with the service is also noted. While the Bank of Maldives is carrying out the project of installing ATMs throughout the Maldives under the supervision of the Ministry of Economic Development, the bank’s goal is to complete this project entirely by the end of this year. The bank has stated that this project will empower the island communities financially and bring economic progress to these islands.
With a banking network covering the entire Maldives, including 42 branches in 20 atolls, 163 self-service banking centers, 222 ATMs, and the most modern online banking services, the Bank of Maldives aims to assist individuals, businesses, and communities across different parts of the country.
