Founded
in 1975, BCEL is one of the largest state-owned commercial banks in Laos and is headquartered in Xiengnheun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, the capital city. Formerly known as the Lao Foreign Trade Bank, it completed the shareholding reform in 2011 and was listed on the Lao Stock Exchange (LSX), with the Ministry of Finance of Laos as its main shareholder.
BCEL's service network covers the whole country, with 18 branches, 65 service outlets and 11 foreign exchange points. In addition, BCEL has partnered with institutions such as the Lao National Payment Network (LAPNet) to provide diversified financial services.
Regulation &
ComplianceBCEL is regulated by the Bank of Lao PDR and has joined the Deposit Protection Office (DPO) to provide customers with deposit protection of up to 100 million kip. Banks publish regular financial reports to ensure compliance and transparency.
Financial HealthAccording
to the 2024 financial report, BCEL's capital adequacy ratio remained above regulatory requirements, the liquidity coverage ratio was good, and the non-performing loan ratio was kept within reasonable ranges, demonstrating a healthy financial position.
Deposits &
LoansDeposits:
BCEL offers a variety of deposit products, including demand deposits, term deposits, and high-yield savings accounts. Fixed deposits start at 1,000,000 kip, 200 USD, or 5,000 baht, and the interest rate depends on the tenor and currency.
Loans:
BCEL offers a variety of loan products, such as home loans, car loans, and personal lines of credit. Loan interest rates and terms vary depending on the customer's credit profile and loan type, and banks also offer flexible repayment options to meet the needs of different customers.
List of common feesBCEL's
fees such as account management fees, transfer fees, overdraft fees, and ATM interbank withdrawal fees are transparent. For example, a fixed deposit account has a minimum deposit amount of 1,000,000 kip, and the account management fee depends on the account type and service offering. In addition, the bank reminds customers to be aware of possible additional fees such as minimum balance limits.
Digital Service
ExperienceBCEL has made significant progress in digital transformation with the launch of online banking services such as BCEL i-Bank and BCEL One. These platforms provide functions such as account inquiry, transfer, bill payment, facial recognition and real-time transaction notifications, improving the customer experience. In addition, BCEL partnered with Red Hat to upgrade its core banking system to improve the efficiency and security of its digital services.
Customer Service Quality
BCEL offers multi-channel customer service, including phone support, online chat, and social media interactions. Customers can get help through the official website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service hotline. The bank is committed to improving the efficiency of complaint handling and customer satisfaction, and provides multilingual support for cross-border users.
Security
MeasuresBCEL has taken a number of measures to protect customer funds and data, including joining the Lao Deposit Protection Institution to provide deposit protection of up to 100 million kip. In terms of data security, the bank adopts advanced anti-fraud technology and real-time transaction monitoring system to ensure the security of customer information.
Featured Services & DifferentiationBCEL
focuses on the needs of different customer groups and provides exclusive services for students, seniors and high-net-worth clients. For example, it provides fee-free accounts for students and exclusive wealth management products for the elderly. In addition, banks have launched green financial products to support sustainable investment.
