Fintech, Funds, and Future: Imran Khan Eyes Bangladesh Investment

United States-based renowned investor and former Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Snapchat, Imran Khan, has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s fintech, healthcare, and social business sectors. He conveyed this intention during a meeting with Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, in New York on Saturday, September 27 (local time).

At the meeting, Professor Yunus proposed that leading U.S. investors allocate at least one percent of their investments to social business, or collectively establish a Social Business Fund with participation from like-minded companies. Imran Khan warmly welcomed the proposal.

Professor Yunus remarked that there is now a “golden opportunity” to invest in Bangladesh’s rapidly growing fintech, healthcare, and social business sectors. In response, Imran Khan said that he has long been inspired by Professor Yunus’s lifelong commitment to poverty alleviation. “I am a big admirer of your work. You are a national pride for all of us,” he stated.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam informed that 48-year-old Imran Khan moved to the United States at the age of 18 for higher studies. He gained prominence in investment banking through his work with technology companies. A former banker at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, Khan played a key role in Alibaba’s record-breaking IPO. Later, upon joining Snapchat, he was credited with helping the company’s market valuation soar from zero to $728 million in just a few months.

Currently, Imran Khan is the Founder and Chief Executive of Proem Asset, established in 2018. He is particularly keen on investing in sectors undergoing technology-driven transformation. His portfolio includes payments, digital infrastructure, and other tech-based industries.

During the discussion, Khan noted that since the Interim Government assumed office, he has been closely observing Bangladesh’s investment climate. In his view, the regulatory framework has become more investor-friendly. He expressed strong optimism about fintech, describing Bangladesh as a frontier market with largely untapped opportunities. “The country has a large young population and immense growth potential,” he observed.

Professor Yunus extended an invitation for Imran Khan to visit Bangladesh within the coming months, to which Khan assured that he would plan the trip soon. SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamia Morshed was also present at the meeting.