Bank of Maldives (BML) CEO Mohamed Shareef has dismissed claims that the bank has been suspended from SWIFT, describing them as false and misleading.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for 364 flats under the BML Affordable Home Leasing scheme in Hulhumale' Phase 1, Shareef said rumours on social media suggesting the bank is unable to carry out cross-border transactions are untrue.
He said one of the circulating claims is that SWIFT services to BML have been suspended, preventing international transfers such as telegraphic transfers (TT), and that the bank lacks funds in its Nostro accounts.
“In this regard, I would like to say that these are lies without any truth,” he said.
“SWIFT has not suspended us. The bank has sufficient foreign exchange liquidity. Our Nostro accounts also hold foreign currency within required limits. We continue to provide cross-border payment services, card services and TT services.”
Shareef added that without funds in Nostro accounts, a bank would be unable to provide international payment services, something he said clearly demonstrates that BML’s services are operating normally.
“All services of the bank are running smoothly without interruption,” he said.
He described the spread of such misinformation as an attempt to damage the bank’s reputation among the public, customers and partners, particularly at a sensitive time when global uncertainty remains high due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Shareef said official information about the bank would be communicated directly by BML or the central bank, urging customers to rely only on verified sources.
“We urge our customers to be cautious of such anonymous claims that are not based on authentic information from the bank,” he said.
Under the BML Affordable Home Leasing scheme, the bank plans to develop a total of 3,800 housing units across Hulhumalé Phase 1, Phase 3 and Vilimalé.
