BML expands ATM services to entire South Ari atoll

Bank of Maldives (BML), the national bank, is set to significantly expand its ATM services this week, reaching all islands in the Alifu Dhaalu atoll.

The rollout commenced on Monday in Dhidhdhoo island, with the service officially inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The ceremony saw the attendance of the President, various Ministers, BML Chairman Ahmed Ali Habeeb, and CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef.

BML has confirmed that ATM services will be installed in Dhidhdhoo, Fenfushi, Kunburudhoo, and Mandhoo, with the goal of extending coverage to the entire Alifu Dhaalu atoll by the end of the week.

ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ، އދ. ދިއްދޫގައި ބޭންކް އޮފް މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ އައު އޭޓީއެމް ހުޅުއްވައިދެއްވުން#RayyithunGaathah #AlifuDhaaluAtollVisit pic.twitter.com/DFu0ngc6VQ

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 6, 2025

This expansion is part of BML's ongoing efforts to enhance financial accessibility across the Maldives. Last week, the bank laid the foundation stone for its fourth branch in Raa atoll Alifushi. Additionally, President Muizzu launched ATMs on several islands during his visit to the central and southern atolls last month.

As of October 2025, BML is on track to operate 42 branches, 189 self-service centers, and 247 ATMs across 18 provinces, excluding Addu City and Fuvahmulah. While this represents a substantial increase in services, it is acknowledged that ATM access is not yet guaranteed on every inhabited island.

With approximately 187 inhabited islands in the Maldives, and considering that urban hubs like Male' and Hulhumale' host multiple ATMs, it's estimated that around 130 islands still lack a dedicated BML ATM. The bank's "Mulhi Raajje ah BML ATM" initiative is actively working to bridge this gap by the close of 2025, aiming to foster financial inclusion and alleviate travel burdens for remote communities.