BML earns global recognition in Forbes’ World’s Top-Performing Banks 2026

Bank of Maldives (BML), the country’s largest financial institution, has been recognised among the World’s Top Performing Banks for 2026 in a ranking published by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista.

BML is among 500 banks from 89 countries included in the inaugural edition of the ranking. The recognition represents a notable achievement for the Maldivian banking sector, placing a domestic financial institution alongside established banks from across the globe.

The World’s Top-Performing Banks 2026 ranking, compiled by Forbes and Statista, evaluated banks across four key financial and operational criteria: profitability, growth and efficiency, capital and funding strength, and asset quality and management. The assessment was based on data from financial information providers, including S&P Capital IQ, publicly available reports, and independent research. The ranking categorises banks into six tiers, with Tier 1 featuring major international institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, DBS, OCBC, and HDFC Bank.

BML has been classified in Tier 6, which comprises smaller banks with total assets ranging from USD 3 billion to USD 10 billion. Within this category, the bank was assessed alongside financial institutions of a comparable size from around the world.

The recognition underscores BML’s financial performance amid an evolving global banking landscape, highlighting the importance of effective risk management, prudent lending practices, sustainable growth, and a strong balance sheet.

As the Maldives’ national bank, BML plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals, businesses, and communities nationwide. Through its extensive network, diverse financing solutions, and continued investment in digital banking, the institution seeks to facilitate economic activity, expand financial inclusion, and support Maldivians in achieving their aspirations.

Commenting on the achievement, BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef said: "This ranking is based on financial statistics and a comparison with banks of our size worldwide. It is a listing that reaffirms BML as a strong, well-capitalized institution built on sound governance, as consistently reflected in the bank's results. This proves that our customers can seek banking services with complete confidence and validates the progress we deliver to our shareholders. As the national bank, we remain committed to fulfilling our responsibility to the Maldivian economy, strengthening our foundation, investing in our employees and technology, and working towards the growth of businesses and the community."

BML stated that the recognition would further motivate the bank to improve the quality of its financial services for the benefit of its customers, shareholders, and the wider Maldivian community.