Bank of Maldives (BML) has rejected claims that it shares customers’ travel information with Maldives Immigration under a new digital integration, saying no personal data is exchanged.
Rumors circulating online suggested that customers’ bank cards could not be used abroad because immigration authorities were providing travel details to the bank. A BML official said this was incorrect.
“This is not an information-sharing arrangement,” the official said.
“It is an automated authorization process designed to protect customer privacy.”
The bank said the system works similarly to standard card verification checks, such as confirming PIN validity. Under the new process, a background check simply verifies whether a customer is abroad at the time of a transaction.
“The system only confirms whether the condition is met. It does not share or store personal information,” the official said.
BML said it already holds transaction-related data, including where and how cards are used, but stressed that safeguarding customer confidentiality remains a core responsibility.
“Protecting customer information is not just policy, it is our most important obligation,” the official said.
According to the bank, the new system adds a “permission layer” within a controlled and encrypted framework. It does not transmit sensitive data such as PINs or travel details, and any verification carried out is not stored or disclosed.
The integration applies only to physical card transactions conducted abroad in the presence of the cardholder. Online transactions are excluded.
BML said the additional check is intended to reduce fraud, particularly in cases where cards are stolen or cloned and used overseas while the cardholder remains in the Maldives.
The bank added that the system aligns with international payment network standards and has been welcomed by financial crime experts for strengthening both security and privacy protections.
“No private information is shared through this integration,” the official said, adding that the measure is designed solely to verify transactions and enhance security.
