Businesswoman For The Year
SHERIN CADER
Her tenure aligns with one of the most defining moves in recent banking history: NTB’s acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking portfolio
She is an example of strategic leadership in Sri Lanka’s corporate world. As Chairperson of Nations Trust Bank (NTB) and a senior executive of John Keells Holdings (JKH), her journey reflects vision and resilience.
Sherin Cader’s achievements in both banking and corporate leadership have earned her widespread recognition – including being named LMD’s Businesswoman For The Year, which is a testament to her impact on the nation’s financial services landscape.
Her appointment as NTB’s Chairperson in May 2023 marked a notable milestone, following five years of service on the bank’s board. In this role, she has become a prominent figure shaping the direction of the banking sector, and is highly respected for her strategic vision and steadfast leadership.
Cader’s rise is rooted in a strong foundation in finance. Beginning her career in 1998 at JKH, she has assumed diverse roles across multiple sectors – from financial services and IT enabled businesses, to corporate planning – experiences that have defined her leadership style.
Notably, she served as Financial Controller of JKH from 2009 to 2012 before moving to Union Assurance as General Manager – Finance and Planning, thereby expanding her expertise in the insurance and financial services arenas.
These professional milestones – each a step up the corporate ladder vis-à-vis responsibility and leadership – have showcased her financial acumen, operational insight and adaptability. By the time she returned to JKH’s financial services arm as its Chief Financial Officer, Cader had amassed a wealth of experience that cut across numerous sectors and disciplines.
Cader’s transition to the banking sector’s top echelons came as a natural progression of her leadership journey.
She joined the NTB board in December 2018 and over the next few years, Cader became an integral part of the bank’s governance structure, underscoring her commitment to strong oversight, risk awareness, decision making and ethical governance.
In May 2023, Cader assumed the mantle of Chairperson of NTB’s board of directors, entrusted with guiding the bank’s strategic direction. Her leadership came at a pivotal time, as Sri Lanka’s banking sector navigated both technological transformation and economic pressures. She has been lauded for her steady hand and forward-looking approach to corporate affairs.
Most notably, her tenure aligns with one of the most defining moves in recent banking history: NTB’s acquisition of HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking portfolio. This landmark transaction not only expands NTB’s scale and customer reach but also underscores Cader’s ability to guide the bank through complex high value strategic decisions.
Sherin Cader’s rise from a young finance professional to the uppermost echelons of a local bank that is seemingly going places is nothing short of inspirational – and her recognition as Businesswoman For The Year is a fitting testament to the leadership qualities she embodies.
