Bangladesh Bank (BB) responded to soaring loan interest rates by reducing the margin banks can add to lending rates, aiming to ease borrowing costs for businesses. The maximum margin was lowered from 3.5% to 3% above the benchmark rate (SMART). This move capped April’s maximum loan interest rate at 13.55%. SMART, at 10.55% in March, reflects tightening liquidity. Without this cut, rates could have exceeded 14%. BB’s July 2023 SMART introduction aimed for a market-based rate, ending the 9% lending cap. Initially allowing 3.75% margin, it reduced to 3.5% in February. This second cut addresses calls to control borrowing costs. BB stated the reduction maintains economic dynamism. However, banks face challenges attracting deposits due to rising treasury rates, pressuring them to offer higher deposit rates. Deposit and loan rates rose from 4.38% and 7.31% in June 2023 to 4.92% and 9.75% in January 2024.
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