BML launches 90 ATMs across Maldives, including 70 USD ATMs, in record global rollout

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has brought 90 new ATMs into service across 70 islands, including 70 USD ATMs, the largest number of ATMs the bank has ever activated simultaneously. BML says this is the first time such a large-scale ATM rollout has been carried out at once anywhere in the world.

The service was officially inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday.

According to BML, there was only one USD ATM on a single island in 2023, with a total of five USD ATMs nationwide. As of today, the number has increased to 86 USD ATMs across 79 islands.

BML’s overall ATM network has also expanded rapidly. In 2023, the bank operated 138 ATMs in 73 islands. By the end of last year, the figure had grown to 268 ATMs in 187 islands. As of Wednesday, the number of ATMs in those islands has reached 340.

The expansion project was announced by President Muizzu last year, and BML completed the rollout within nine months.

President Dr @MMuizzu inaugurates the @bankofmaldives branch and ATM network expansion at a ceremony held at Barceló Nasandhura tonight.

As part of this initiative, 20 new MVR ATMs and 70 new USD ATMs have been introduced nationwide. This expansion is a key step in the… pic.twitter.com/cSHVTOVwcF

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) April 1, 2026

During the same ceremony, the President also inaugurated six new BML branches located in H.Dh. Hanimaadhoo, Kulhudhuffushi City, A.A. Thoddoo, Th. Villufushi, Lh. Hithadhoo and S. Hulhudhoo. The Kulhudhuffushi branch has been designated as a business centre dedicated to supporting commercial customers. All six branches will open to the public on Thursday.

BML said the new branches will operate with a customer‑outreach model, where staff will not remain stationed inside the branch at all times. Instead, employees will visit homes and businesses, travel to nearby islands, provide information on banking services, promote financial literacy and raise awareness on scam prevention.

Speaking at the ceremony, BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef said the bank aims to maintain close relationships with customers despite the increasing digitalisation of banking services.

“Our employees’ role is to visit homes and businesses, travel to nearby islands, provide information on our products and services, and promote financial literacy and scam awareness,” Shareef said, adding that the bank is committed to staying close to customers even as digital services expand.