Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200 A Term Paper On Role of financial markets and institution for the economic development of Bangladesh. Course Title: Financial Markets and Institutions Course Code: FIN 503 Submitted By SHADMAN SHAKIB RIYADH MBA 14th Batch Student ID: 1703008 Faculty of Business Studies Dept. of Finance and Banking HSTU, Dinajpur-5200 Submitted To SHAHNAZ PARVIN Associate Professor (Chairman) Dept. of Finance and Banking Faculty of Business Studies HSTU, Dinajpur-5200 Abstract Bangladesh, a South Asian nation, has witnessed substantial economic development in recent decades, largely attributed to the dynamic role of its financial markets and institutions. This term paper explores how these financial systems have facilitated the nation's economic progress while identifying future challenges and opportunities. The financial system comprises institutions, instruments, and markets, collectively supporting savings encouragement and allocation for productive purposes. Financial markets in Bangladesh play pivotal roles such as capital raising, risk transfer, price discovery, global integration, liquidity transfer, and international trade. They connect borrowers and lenders, with intermediaries like banks streamlining the process. The stock market, exemplified by the Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange, significantly aids capital formation, creating wealth and opportunities for businesses. The paper also elucidates the essential contribution of stock markets to raising capital, creating wealth, and enhancing financial inclusion. Furthermore, it highlights the role of money markets, with a focus on instruments like Treasury Bills, Commercial Papers, and Repurchase Agreements. The capital markets, governed by regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), encompass various participants, including stock exchanges, intermediaries, and institutions. These markets offer a platform for organizations to raise funds by issuing securities such as bonds and stocks. Financial institutions in Bangladesh, including commercial banks, NBFIs, and microfinance institutions, cater to diverse financial needs, promoting economic growth and stability. Finally, the paper discusses capital formation and financial inclusion as critical aspects of the financial system's functioning, emphasizing the role of financial institutions and markets in driving economic progress and reducing income inequality. Introduction Bangladesh, a South Asian nation, has made remarkable progress in its economic development over the past few decades. This progress can be largely attributed to the dynamic role played by financial markets and institutions in the country. This term paper aims to investigate how financial markets and institutions have facilitated Bangladesh's economic development and identify the challenges and opportunities they face in the future. Structure of Financial System: The main constituents of financial system are: 1. Financial Institutions 2. Financial Instruments, and 3. Financial Markets. Financial Institutions The modern name of Financial Institution is Financial Intermediary (FI), because it mediates or stand between ultimate borrowers and ultimate lenders and helps transfer funds from one to another. The Financial system helps production, capital-accumulation and growth by encouraging savings and allocating them among the alternative uses and users. Financial Instruments Financial Instruments are of two types: Primary (or Direct) Secondary (or Indirect) Financial Markets in Bangladesh: Financial markets play a pivotal role in facilitating the allocation of funds to finance investments undertaken by governments, corporations, and individuals. They serve as the conduit for 1|Page transferring funds from surplus units (those with excess funds) to deficit units (those in need of funds). The functions of financial markets encompass: Capital Raising (Capital Markets): Financial markets provide a platform for entities to raise capital by issuing securities such as stocks and bonds, enabling them to obtain the necessary funds for their projects and ventures. Risk Transfer (Derivatives Markets): Derivatives markets facilitate the transfer of risk, allowing market participants to hedge against price fluctuations, interest rate changes, and other uncertainties. Price Discovery: Financial markets establish fair and transparent prices for various assets, ensuring that market participants have access to relevant information for informed decisionmaking. Global Integration: Financial markets enable seamless global transactions by integrating various markets, fostering cross-border investments, and promoting international trade. Liquidity Transfer (Money Markets): Money markets serve as platforms for short-term borrowing and lending, enabling corporations to manage their liquidity needs efficiently. International Trade (Currency Markets): Currency markets facilitate international trade by providing a mechanism for the exchange of different currencies, supporting global commerce. In essence, financial markets act as intermediaries, connecting those seeking capital with potential lenders or investors. Typically, borrowers issue securities (e.g., bonds) as receipts to lenders, committing to repay the borrowed capital. These securities are freely tradable, and in return for providing funds, lenders expect compensation in the form of interest or dividends. This return on investment is an essential aspect of financial markets, as it incentivizes the flow of funds. Financial markets play a critical role in attracting funds from investors and directing them toward corporations, enabling the latter to finance their operations and pursue growth opportunities. Money markets offer short-term borrowing options, while capital markets provide access to long-term funding required for expansion and sustained development. 2|Page Without the presence of financial markets, the process of matching borrowers with lenders would become cumbersome. Intermediaries such as banks, investment banks, and boutique investment banks facilitate this process. Banks accumulate deposits from individuals and institutions with surplus funds, subsequently lending these funds to those in need. This lending often takes the form of loans and mortgages, helping borrowers access capital. For more intricate financial transactions that extend beyond simple deposits, financial markets offer a platform where lenders and their representatives can connect with borrowers and their agents. These markets also allow existing lending commitments to be transferred to other parties. A prominent example of a financial market is a stock exchange, where companies can raise capital by issuing shares to investors and existing shares can be bought or sold on the secondary market. In summary, financial markets are the lifeblood of the modern economy, serving as the catalyst for the efficient allocation of capital, risk management, and the facilitation of economic growth and development. 2.1. Stock Market: The stock market, also known as the equity or share market, is a vital financial platform where both individuals and institutions trade ownership shares of publicly traded companies. This global financial hub plays a critical role in allocating capital, fostering economic growth, and creating wealth. Key elements of the stock market include: Ownership Shares: Public companies issue shares representing ownership in the company, which are traded in the stock market. Stock Exchanges: Stock markets are organized into stock exchanges, like NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and TSE, where trading occurs. Market Participants: Diverse participants include individual and institutional investors, traders, and market makers. Stock Indices: Indices, e.g., S&P 500, gauge the performance of specific groups of stocks, serving as market benchmarks. IPOs: Companies go public through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), issuing new shares to raise capital. 3|Page Secondary Market: Post-IPO, shares are traded on the secondary market, where most trading occurs. Liquidity: The stock market offers liquidity, enabling quick buying and selling of shares. Price Determination: Stock prices reflect supply and demand dynamics, rising with increased demand and falling with increased supply. Corporate Financing: Companies raise capital for expansion, research, and acquisitions via the stock market. Economic Indicator: Stock indices reflect economic health and investor sentiment, mirroring broader trends. Market Volatility: Stock markets can be volatile due to economic data, geopolitics, and market sentiment. Regulation: Government oversight ensures fair trading practices and investor protection. Investors seek returns through capital appreciation and dividends. The stock market provides opportunities for diversification and long-term wealth creation, but it carries risks, necessitating careful research and risk assessment. Overview of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) are the two primary stock exchanges in Bangladesh, each serving as a vital platform for trading securities and facilitating capital formation within the country. Here's an overview of both exchanges: 1. Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE): Establishment: The Dhaka Stock Exchange was established on April 28, 1954, as the first stock exchange in Bangladesh. It is located in the capital city of Dhaka. Size and Importance: The DSE is the largest and most prominent stock exchange in Bangladesh. It is home to a significant number of listed companies, including many of the country's leading corporations. Trading Hours: The regular trading hours at DSE typically run from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM local time, Sunday to Thursday. Indices: DSE has its main stock price index known as the "DSE General Index" (DGEN). It also has sector-specific indices and other indices tracking market performance. 4|Page Listed Companies: DSE lists a wide range of publicly traded companies from various sectors, including banking, manufacturing, telecommunications, and more. Market Operations: DSE facilitates trading in various financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and treasury bonds. It provides an efficient platform for both retail and institutional investors. Regulation: The Dhaka Stock Exchange operates under the regulatory framework set by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to ensure fair and transparent trading practices. 2. Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE): Establishment: The Chittagong Stock Exchange was established on April 10, 1995. It is located in the port city of Chittagong, the second-largest city in Bangladesh. Size and Importance: While not as large as the DSE, the CSE is a significant stock exchange in Bangladesh and plays a crucial role in the country's financial markets. Trading Hours: The regular trading hours at CSE typically run from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM local time, Sunday to Thursday, in line with DSE. Indices: CSE has its primary index, known as the "CSE All Share Price Index" (CASPI), which tracks the performance of all listed companies on the exchange. Listed Companies: CSE lists a diverse group of companies, including those based in Chittagong and surrounding regions, representing various sectors of the economy. Market Operations: CSE provides a platform for trading in stocks, mutual funds, and other securities. It facilitates investment opportunities for both local and international investors. Regulation: Like DSE, CSE operates under the regulatory oversight of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to maintain market integrity and protect investor interests. Both the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Chittagong Stock Exchange are critical components of Bangladesh's financial infrastructure, promoting investment, capital formation, and economic growth within the country. Investors can access a wide range of investment opportunities through these exchanges, and they play a pivotal role in the development of the country's capital markets. 5|Page The role of stock markets in raising capital for businesses. Stock markets play a crucial role in raising capital for businesses, both for established corporations and for newer companies seeking funding. This process of raising capital through stock markets is primarily achieved through the issuance of shares of stock. Here are key aspects of how stock markets facilitate capital raising for businesses: Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): One of the primary ways in which stock markets help businesses raise capital is through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). An IPO is the first sale of a company's shares to the public. When a company decides to go public, it offers a portion of its ownership (equity) to external investors in exchange for capital. This capital injection can be used for various purposes, including expanding operations, research and development, debt repayment, or acquisitions. Secondary Offerings: Even after the initial IPO, companies can continue to raise capital by issuing additional shares in secondary offerings. These offerings can take various forms, such as follow-on stock offerings, rights issues, or convertible bond offerings. Secondary offerings provide a means for companies to secure additional funding to support growth initiatives or address financial needs. Liquidity and Share Repurchases: Stock markets provide liquidity to existing shareholders, including company founders, employees, and early investors. This liquidity allows them to sell their shares when needed, which can free up capital for reinvestment in other ventures or personal financial goals. Debt-to-Equity Conversion: In some cases, companies may convert debt into equity and then offer those equity shares to investors in the stock market. This debt-to-equity conversion can help companies reduce their debt burden and improve their financial position. Attracting Investment: Being publicly traded on a stock exchange can make a company more attractive to a broader range of investors, including institutional investors and mutual funds. This increased visibility can lead to greater interest from potential investors, thereby increasing the company's access to capital. 6|Page Market Valuation: Stock markets provide a mechanism for assigning a market value to a company. This valuation is based on supply and demand dynamics and reflects investor sentiment about the company's future prospects. A higher market valuation can make it easier for a company to raise capital by issuing new shares at a favorable price. Access to Diverse Funding Sources: Stock markets offer access to a diverse pool of investors, including retail investors and institutional investors, both domestic and international. This diversity of funding sources can help businesses secure capital under various market conditions. Long-Term Capital: Unlike some forms of financing that have fixed repayment terms, equity capital raised through stock markets does not have a predetermined repayment schedule. This provides companies with more flexibility in managing their capital and growth plans. In summary, stock markets provide businesses with a critical avenue for raising capital that can be used for expansion, innovation, debt reduction, and other strategic initiatives. Going public through an IPO or issuing additional shares on the secondary market allows companies to tap into the financial resources of a wide range of investors, driving economic growth and development. However, it's essential for companies to consider the implications of equity ownership and transparency requirements associated with being publicly traded. Contribution to wealth creation and financial inclusion. Stock markets make significant contributions to wealth creation and financial inclusion by providing individuals and institutions with opportunities to grow their wealth and by extending access to financial products and services. Here are key ways in which stock markets contribute to these objectives: Wealth Creation: Capital Appreciation: Investors who participate in the stock market have the potential to benefit from capital appreciation. As the value of stocks increases over time, investors can see the value of their investments grow, leading to wealth creation. 7|Page Dividend Income: Many publicly traded companies distribute a portion of their earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends. This income stream provides investors with regular cash flows, contributing to their wealth accumulation. Portfolio Diversification: Stock markets offer a wide range of investment options, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios across different industries, sectors, and asset classes. Diversification can reduce risk and enhance wealth creation potential. Long-Term Growth: Historically, stock markets have demonstrated long-term growth trends, which can benefit investors who take a long-term investment horizon. Over time, investments in well-performing stocks can substantially increase in value. Financial Inclusion: Access to Investment Opportunities: Stock markets open up investment opportunities to a broader population, allowing individuals to participate in the growth of businesses and the economy. This is particularly important for those who may not have access to traditional investment vehicles. Savings and Retirement: Stock markets enable individuals to save and invest for their retirement. Through retirement accounts and pension funds, people can participate in the stock market to secure their financial future. Small Investors: Stock markets are accessible to small investors who can buy shares with relatively modest amounts of capital. This inclusivity allows individuals with limited resources to build wealth gradually. Financial Education: The participation of a diverse range of investors in the stock market encourages financial education and literacy. As individuals engage with investments, they often seek to understand financial concepts and make informed decisions. Wealth Distribution: Stock markets can contribute to wealth distribution by allowing individuals to invest in companies' growth and profit-sharing, reducing income inequality over time. 8|Page Economic Growth: As more individuals invest in the stock market, the capital raised by businesses can be used to fund expansion, research and development, and job creation, contributing to overall economic growth. Institutional Involvement: Financial institutions and funds that participate in the stock market also play a role in financial inclusion by managing investments on behalf of individuals who may not have the expertise or resources to do so independently. 2.2. Money Market: The money market is used by a wide array of participants, from a company raising money by selling commercial paper into the market to an investor purchasing CDs as a safe place to park money in the short term. The money market is typically seen as a safe place to put money due the highly liquid nature of the securities and short maturities, but there are risks in the market that any investor needs to be aware of including the risk of default on securities such as commercial paper. The primary money market is comprised of banks, FIs and primary dealers as intermediaries and savings & lending instruments, treasury bills as instruments. There are currently 15 primary dealers (12 banks and 3 FIs) in Bangladesh. The only active secondary market is overnight call money market which is participated by the scheduled banks and FIs. The money market in Bangladesh is regulated by Bangladesh Bank (BB), the Central Bank of Bangladesh. Overview of the money market and its functions. Money Market Instruments: Common types of money market securities traded in Bangladesh include: Treasury Bills (T-Bills) Repurchase Agreements (Repo or Reverse Repo) Commercial Papers Certificate of Deposit Banker's Acceptance Treasury Bills (T-Bills): 9|Page Treasury Bills, recognized as one of the safest money market instruments, are short-term borrowing instruments issued by the Central Government through the Central Bank of the country. They are considered zero-risk instruments and are available in both the primary and secondary markets. T-Bills have short maturities, typically ranging from three months, six months, to one year. The Central Government Issues T-Bills at a price lower than their face value (par value) and promises to pay the full-face value upon maturity. When T-Bills reach maturity, the government reimburses the holder for the face value, and the difference between the purchase price and the maturity value represents the interest income earned by the instrument holder. T-Bills are issued through auction processes, where bids can be prepared either competitively or non-competitively. In competitive bidding, the bidder specifies the desired return on maturity, and if the return is deemed too high, the T-Bill may not be issued. In non-competitive bidding, the return is not specified, and the rate determined at the auction is applied upon maturity. Commercial Papers: Commercial paper comprises short-term debt instruments issued by reputable and creditworthy firms. While it is not commonly issued in Bangladesh, the available types of commercial papers include bills of exchange, promissory notes, and mutual funds. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCDs): NCDs are certificates issued by major commercial banks to serve as a short-term funding source. Nonfinancial corporations often purchase NCDs. The denomination for NCDs is not fixed in Bangladesh, and their maturities typically range from 15 days to one year. NCDs provide returns in the form of interest, along with the difference between the redemption price and the purchase price. Repurchase Agreements (Repo or Reverse Repo): Repurchase Agreements, commonly known as repo or reverse repo, involve one party selling securities to another party with a mutual agreement to repurchase them at a specific date and price. Financial institutions are frequent participants in repo agreements. 10 | P a g e Banker’s Acceptance: Banker's Acceptance is a financial instrument indicating that a bank accepts responsibility for a future payment, commonly used in international trade transactions. The maturity period for banker's acceptance ranges from 30 to 270 days, and it typically offers returns higher than T-Bill yields. Capital Markets & Their Instruments Capital markets are financial markets where individuals and institutions engage in the trade of financial securities. These markets serve as a platform for organizations, both public and private, to raise funds by issuing securities. Capital markets encompass both primary and secondary markets, including stock and bond markets. For instance, when a company conducts an Initial Public Offering (IPO), it accesses the capital markets by seeking investments from the public. Similarly, governments issue Treasury bonds in the bond market to finance various initiatives. A. Regulatory Bodies The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Bangladesh exercises its regulatory powers under several key acts, including the Securities and Exchange Ordinance 1969, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Act 1993, and the Depository Act 1999. The SEC's primary role is to regulate institutions involved in capital market activities. B. Participants in the Capital Market The SEC grants licenses to institutions to participate in the capital market. As of now, 52 institutions are licensed as Merchant Bankers & Portfolio Managers, 16 as Asset Management Companies, and 9 as Security Custodians. Additionally, the SEC issues registration certificates to 9 Credit Rating Companies. C. Stock Exchanges Bangladesh has two stock exchanges: a) The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) b) The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) 11 | P a g e Both of these exchanges operate in the secondary capital market. DSE was established as a Public Limited Company in April 1954, followed by the establishment of CSE in April 1995. As of June 15, 2012, DSE had 237 enlisted securities, including 237 listed companies and 41 mutual funds, while CSE had 204 enlisted securities. The functions of stock exchanges include: Regulating the business of the Stock Exchanges and other securities markets. Registering and regulating various intermediaries in the securities market, such as stockbrokers, sub-brokers, and merchant bankers. Monitoring and regulating collective investment schemes, including mutual funds. Promoting investor education and providing training for intermediaries. Prohibiting fraudulent and unfair trade practices. Regulating the acquisition of shares and takeovers. Conducting investigations, inspections, inquiries, and audits. D. Intermediaries Various types of capital market intermediaries in Bangladesh include: Stock Exchanges: Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange are the primary stock exchanges in the country. Central Depository: Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd (CDBL) is the sole depository system facilitating the transaction and settlement of financial securities. Stock Dealers/Stock Brokers: Licensed entities operating under SEC rules and members of stock exchanges. Merchant Banker & Portfolio Manager: Licensed institutions operating under SEC rules. Asset Management Companies (AMCs): Authorized to act as issue and portfolio managers for mutual funds. Credit Rating Companies (CRCs): Licensed entities that provide credit ratings. Trustees/Custodians: Accredited institutions required for asset-backed securitizations and mutual funds. 12 | P a g e Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB): A specialized intermediary empowered to perform various capital market functions under the SEC's jurisdiction. ICB has three subsidiaries: ICB Capital Management Ltd., ICB Asset Management Company Ltd., and ICB Securities Trading Company Ltd. Capital Market Instruments Bonds: Long-term debt securities issued by corporations and government agencies to support their operations. Mortgages: Long-term debt obligations created to finance real estate purchases. Stocks: Also known as equity securities, stocks represent ownership in issuing corporations. They offer potentially higher returns but come with a higher degree of risk. Financial Institutions in Bangladesh: Financial institutions in Bangladesh form a crucial part of the country's economic landscape, providing various financial services and support for individuals, businesses, and the government. These institutions play a vital role in facilitating economic growth, financial stability, and access to financial services for a diverse population. Here is an overview of the key types and functions of financial institutions in Bangladesh: Commercial Banks: Commercial banks in Bangladesh are major players in the financial sector. They offer a wide range of services, including accepting deposits, granting loans, facilitating payments, and providing various financial products to both individuals and businesses. Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs): NBFIs, including microfinance institutions, leasing companies, factoring firms, and housing finance companies, specialize in catering to specific financial needs and underserved segments of the population. They play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic development. Central Bank: The Bangladesh Bank serves as the central bank of the country. It is responsible for monetary policy implementation, regulating and supervising financial institutions, managing the country's foreign exchange reserves, and maintaining overall financial stability. 13 | P a g e Development Banks: Development banks in Bangladesh, such as the Bangladesh Development Bank Limited (BDBL), focus on financing and supporting various development projects, including infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development. Cooperative Banks: Cooperative banks serve as community-based financial institutions that offer banking services and support to cooperatives and local communities. They play a role in grassroots economic development. Specialized Banks: Specialized banks like the Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) are designed to cater specifically to the agricultural sector, providing financial assistance to farmers and promoting agricultural development. Insurance Companies: Insurance companies offer a range of insurance products, including life insurance, general insurance, and health insurance, providing risk mitigation and financial protection for individuals and businesses. Capital Market Institutions: Capital market institutions, such as the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), facilitate trading of securities, including stocks and bonds, contributing to capital formation and investment opportunities. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): MFIs target micro-entrepreneurs and low-income individuals, offering microloans, savings accounts, and financial literacy programs to promote financial inclusion and poverty reduction. Remittance Services Providers: Given the significant volume of remittances from overseas Bangladeshi workers, remittance service providers play a crucial role in facilitating international money transfers and supporting the country's economy. Asset Management Companies: Asset management companies manage investment portfolios on behalf of clients, including individuals, institutions, and pension funds, with a focus on optimizing returns and managing risk. Government Financial Institutions: Government-owned financial institutions, like the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), participate in capital markets, provide financing for various sectors, and support economic development initiatives. 4.1. Capital Formation: 14 | P a g e Capital formation, the process of accumulating and directing financial resources toward productive investments, relies on financial institutions and markets. Institutions like banks and mutual funds collect savings and channel them into investments. They also act as intermediaries, connecting capital providers with borrowers through loans and bonds issued in financial markets. Efficient capital allocation directs funds to projects with growth potential, while risk management instruments reduce investment concerns. Liquid markets ensure easy asset transactions, promoting investor confidence. Financial innovation attracts capital to emerging sectors, and government financing supports infrastructure and social programs. Ultimately, capital formation fuels economic growth and stability, orchestrated by effective financial systems. 4.2. Financial Inclusion: Expanding access to financial services in rural and underserved areas: Expanding financial services in rural and underserved areas is vital for financial inclusion and poverty reduction. Key strategies include establishing physical banking outlets, leveraging digital financial services, promoting microfinance institutions, fostering community banking, providing financial literacy, government initiatives, public-private partnerships, fintech solutions, credit guarantee schemes, specialized Agri-finance, mobile banking agents, alternative credit scoring, customer-centric approaches, and diligent monitoring and evaluation. Reducing income inequality and poverty: Financial institutions and markets can significantly contribute to reducing income inequality and poverty through mechanisms like expanding access to credit, promoting financial inclusion, supporting microcredit, facilitating social impact investing, and providing financial education, ultimately fostering economic empowerment and financial well-being for underserved populations. 15 | P a g e Conclusion: Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable progress in its economic development over the past few decades, and this success can largely be attributed to the dynamic role played by financial markets and institutions within the country. This term paper has investigated how these financial systems have facilitated Bangladesh's economic development and identified the challenges and opportunities they face for the future. The financial system in Bangladesh comprises financial institutions, financial instruments, and financial markets, all of which play crucial roles in encouraging savings, allocating funds efficiently, and fostering economic growth. Financial markets, including the stock market and money market, are pivotal in raising capital for businesses, enabling them to expand, innovate, and create wealth. Stock markets, in particular, serve as platforms for individuals and institutions 16 | P a g e to trade ownership shares of publicly traded companies, promoting capital formation and economic growth. Furthermore, stock markets contribute significantly to wealth creation and financial inclusion by offering opportunities for individuals and institutions to grow their assets and providing access to a wide range of financial products and services. They also help distribute wealth and promote economic growth. The money market in Bangladesh, regulated by the Bangladesh Bank, plays a vital role in facilitating short-term borrowing and lending, ensuring liquidity in the financial system. Various money market instruments, such as Treasury Bills and Repurchase Agreements, are used to manage short-term financial needs. Capital markets, encompassing both primary and secondary markets, provide opportunities for organizations to raise funds by issuing securities. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates capital market activities, and various intermediaries, including stock exchanges, central depositories, stock dealers, and asset management companies, facilitate these markets. Financial institutions in Bangladesh, such as commercial banks, non-banking financial institutions, and microfinance institutions, offer diverse financial services and support, contributing to economic growth and financial stability. 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