CEO and Managing Director of the Bank of Maldives (BML), Mohamed Shareef, has credited the bank’s partnership with American Express (Amex) as a significant contributor to its growth and success. Speaking at an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the exclusive partnership, Shareef highlighted Amex's instrumental role in shaping the country's financial sector and establishing a world-class payment system in the Maldives.

Reflecting on the early days of introducing credit cards in the country, Shareef noted that it was a pioneering initiative at the time, marked by numerous challenges and limited experience. He praised the efforts of key individuals who played a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted service despite the obstacles. Shareef said this bold move not only modernised banking services but also enhanced convenience and security for businesses and travellers alike.

Acknowledging the hard work of both BML and Amex teams, Shareef expressed gratitude for their collaborative efforts over the years. He emphasised the bank’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and adapting to the evolving world of payments and banking. He added that BML, in partnership with Amex, would continue driving digital transformation and delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of future generations.

The event also highlighted major milestones achieved through the partnership. These include introducing the first credit cards in the Maldives, enabling individuals and businesses to access global financial solutions, and expanding Amex's acceptance across the country. A standout initiative is the Experience Maldives destination marketing campaign, which has played a significant role in promoting the Maldives as a premier global destination, benefiting businesses from small shops to luxury resorts.

One of BML’s most notable achievements under the partnership has been the launch of the country’s first Shariah-compliant credit card earlier this year, further showcasing the bank's commitment to inclusive financial solutions.

With over 300,000 customers and more than 8,000 merchants, BML has established itself as the largest issuer and service provider of cards in the Maldives. It remains the only bank in the country to both issue and accept American Express cards, a testament to the enduring strength of its partnership with Amex.