DFCC Bank Strengthens Regional Development-Finance Links through Exchange with Bhutan Development Bank and ADB

DFCC Bank hosted representatives of Bhutan Development Bank Limited and the Asian Development Bank’s Bhutan Resident Mission for a five-day exchange on inclusive finance, enterprise development and sustainable funding, according to the bank.

The programme examined approaches to supporting small businesses and women customers, alongside opportunities for continued cooperation between the participating institutions. Sessions addressed how financial services could be adapted to different markets and combined with support beyond lending.

Participants reviewed DFCC Pragathi, which serves micro, small and medium enterprises, and DFCC Aloka, its proposition for women across personal, professional and entrepreneurial activities.

Discussions covered the development and delivery of these services, including marketing, operations, credit assessment and collections. They also considered how access to finance could be complemented by business knowledge, capability development, professional networks and market opportunities.

The delegation engaged with businesses in several sectors to examine how these approaches were applied in different operating environments. DFCC’s Investment Banking and Sustainability teams also held sessions on concessional funding, impact investment and the use of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in developing financial solutions.

DFCC Director and Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera described the exchange as an opportunity to share the bank’s development-finance experience, learn from counterparts and explore stronger institutional links supporting small businesses and women entrepreneurs.

The programme followed DFCC’s hosting of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific’s 49th Annual Meetings in Colombo in September. The association confirms DFCC’s role as host and its status as a founding and charter member.

DFCC and Bhutan Development Bank are members of the association, while ADB holds special membership, according to DFCC.

The exchange brought together bank teams and visiting institutions around shared development priorities, with discussions spanning enterprise support, women’s economic participation and the financing of sustainable business activity.