The Maldives has been selected as the host country for the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA) in 2026, with Bank of Maldives (BML) named as the official host bank.

This prestigious event will convene banking and financial sector leaders from across Asia and beyond to explore emerging trends, discuss key industry challenges, and shape the future of the financial services landscape.

The conference will serve as a high-level platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and strategic dialogue among ABA member institutions.

The announcement was made during the 41st ABA Conference, held in Bhutan from September 15 – 16, where BML’s CEO and Managing Director, Mohamed Shareef, was also appointed Vice Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association, a testament to BML’s rising influence in the regional banking community.

Hosting the conference for a second time, the first being in 2018, highlights BML’s growing leadership within the Asian financial sector and reinforces its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and innovation in banking.

The 2026 ABA Conference is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including CEOs, senior executives, policymakers, and industry experts from member countries. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics in banking and finance.

As the host, BML aims to provide a dynamic and engaging platform for meaningful conversations on the evolving financial landscape, while also offering delegates a chance to experience the Maldives’ unique culture and hospitality.

With this opportunity, BML continues to elevate its position on the regional stage and contribute to the development of a more connected, collaborative, and forward-thinking Asian banking community.