bKash
'bKash me' is a verb in Bangladesh: 70M users, the reference case for mobile money outside Africa.
Bangladesh's mobile money giant; 70M+.
- Who holds it
- The company itself — it holds a full banking licence — MFS license (Bangladesh Bank).
- The ledger
- The bank’s own core ledger.
- If it fails
- A covered-deposit payout through the local scheme, up to its limit.
Derived from bKash’s regulation type and custody — a class of protection, not a guarantee. Limits and eligibility vary by scheme, balance and jurisdiction; confirm before you rely on it. What happens if a neobank shuts down →
The facts
| Category | traditional · underbanked |
| AI | AI underwriting in production |
| HQ | Dhaka, BD |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Custody | Custodial |
| Regulation type | Licensed bank |
| License detail | MFS license (Bangladesh Bank) |
| Card | No card |
| Stablecoins | No |
| KYC | Yes |
| Active regions | Asia |
| Countries | Bangladesh |
| Reported users | 70M users (2024) |
| Founders | Kamal Quadir |
| Funding | Ant + SoftBank-backed |
Verified links: official site ↗ · terms ↗ · privacy ↗ · @bKashLimited ↗
Common questions about bKash
What is bKash?
bKash is a fiat neobank built for underbanked, headquartered in Dhaka, BD and founded in 2011. Your money is held custodially, so bKash or its partner bank holds the balance and you hold a claim on it. It is regulated as a licensed bank (MFS license (Bangladesh Bank)).
Does bKash have a card, and where can you use it?
It issues no card of its own. It is available in Asia.
Does bKash require KYC?
Yes. bKash requires identity verification (KYC) to open an account, as a licensed bank.
Early investors
Head-to-head
Peers
Wise · KakaoBank · WeBank · Maya · GCash · PhonePe
bKash appears in
Neobanks that hold their own banking license (132) · Neobanks available in Asia (132) · Neobanks built for the underbanked (23) · Neobanks with no card of their own (67)
Figures compiled from public sources, for comparison only — not financial advice. "Up to" rates change constantly; always confirm with the issuer. Spotted an error? Suggest a fix.