The Evolution And Current State Of Mobile Banking Adoption In Bangladesh

This review paper looks at how mobile banking has grown and where it stands today in Bangladesh, pulling insights from a broad mix of studies, theoretical models, and policy reviews. Mobile banking has become a powerful tool for increasing financial inclusion, especially for people in rural and low-income areas who have traditionally been left out of the formal banking system. The growth of this sector has been fueled by rapid improvements in mobile technology, supportive government policies, and innovations from both fintech startups and traditional banks. The paper takes a critical look at the current research landscape, covering topics like how consumers behave, the state of digital infrastructure, concerns about security, demographic factors, and how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated mobile banking use. While popular models like the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) are commonly used to explain adoption, the paper also points out that these models often miss key cultural and behavioural factors specific to the Bangladeshi context. Several important research gaps are identified, including the lack of long-term studies, a heavy focus on urban users, limited intersectional analysis, and not enough evaluation of whether current regulations are truly effective. To help move the field forward, the paper suggests future research should focus more on how mobile banking impacts people’s financial behaviour, the importance of digital literacy, the role of gender, and how well policies are working. By bringing together what we currently know and highlighting what’s missing, this review offers a solid foundation for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals who are working to make mobile banking in Bangladesh more inclusive, secure, and sustainable..