The Bank of Maldives (BML) has launched ATM services in seven islands of Haa Alifu Atoll, fulfilling a promise made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to bring essential banking services closer to the people.

This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to install ATMs on all inhabited islands across the Maldives by the end of the year, ensuring financial accessibility for all citizens.

With this latest expansion, ATM services are now available in Utheemu, Thuraakunu, Uligan, Mulhaidhoo, Maarandhoo, Thakandhoo, and Muraidhoo. The installations follow President Dr Muizzu’s visit to these islands in late January, during which he pledged to provide ATM facilities as part of his broader vision for financial inclusion. Now that this commitment has been fulfilled, residents who previously had to travel to other islands for basic banking transactions can access services more conveniently within their own communities.

The inauguration of these ATMs was officiated by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.

Minister Saeed praised the initiative, describing it as a transformative step toward improving financial accessibility across the country. Commending President Dr Muizzu’s leadership in making this vision a reality, he emphasised the significant relief these ATMs would bring to local communities. He noted that the installations would not only benefit the islands where they have been placed but would also serve the wider atoll, making banking services more convenient for residents in surrounding areas. Expressing gratitude for the dedication of BML’s management and staff, he acknowledged the overwhelmingly positive response from the public.

BML CEO Mohamed Shareef reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding financial services nationwide. Speaking at the launch in Maarandhoo, he highlighted that, alongside expanding its ATM network, BML is also advancing digital banking solutions to reduce reliance on physical branches. Ensuring easy access to banking services for all Maldivians, he stated, remains a core objective of the bank.

He further noted that significant progress has already been made in digitising banking services, with many goals successfully achieved. As part of this initiative, BML plans to install more than 250 ATMs across the country this year, ensuring that every inhabited island has access to an ATM by the end of 2025.

Minister Thoriq emphasised the broader benefits of improved banking infrastructure, particularly for those who previously had to travel long distances for even the simplest transactions. He also highlighted the role of enhanced financial services in supporting local businesses and strengthening the tourism sector in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls.

Currently, BML operates 150 ATMs across 90 islands, with installations in 17 additional islands expected to be completed by March. Haa Alifu Atoll is set to become the second atoll in the Maldives where every inhabited island will have ATM access.