The Bank of Maldives (BML) has disbursed USD 226 million in loans during the first six months of 2026, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef has said.

Speaking at the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurs Expo 2026, CEO Shareef said the bank has significantly increased its financing to businesses, particularly those in the tourism sector, with its total dollar-denominated loan portfolio now reaching USD 860 million.

He noted that BML disbursed USD 249 million in loans between 2021 and 2023, followed by USD 142 million in 2024, USD 284 million in 2025, and USD 226 million in the first half of this year alone.

CEO Shareef also highlighted a sharp increase in the bank's monthly foreign currency sales, saying BML is currently selling around USD 80 million each month. By comparison, average monthly dollar sales stood at USD 21 million in 2021 and USD 37 million in 2023.

He said the increase reflects the bank's growing support for customers through debit card transactions, telegraphic transfers for businesses, education and medical expenses, as well as foreign currency provided for overseas travel.

He further noted that the USD 250 monthly limit on debit card transactions for overseas goods and services was increased to USD 1,000 in November 2025. The limit for payments related to air tickets, hotel bookings and medical treatment was also raised to USD 3,000.