Having been established as one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most technologically innovative private banks, HNB has emerged as a key player in the financial services industry. The bank’s unwavering dedication to sustainability, good governance and total banking excellence has earned it numerous accolades, and sectoral recognition including the coveted Best Corporate Citizen at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Awards. HNB was also recognised as the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 13th time at the International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards, further consolidating its standing as a true banking sector leader.

Q: How has your organisation evolved to gain respect?

A: Our evolution and the respect we have gained stem from our unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability and adaptability. We fearlessly navigate challenges by proactively embracing change and investing in cutting-edge technology.

A relentless pursuit of superior banking services ensures we meet the ever evolving needs of our customers. This unwavering dedication to excellence is why we continue to stand at the forefront of the Sri Lankan banking sector.

Core principles and continuous contributions to the Sri Lankan economy have been instrumental in our growth. With resilience and adaptability, we have continued to grow and innovate, overcoming volatile economic conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact and changing regulations.

Respect for HNB is deeply rooted in our focus on sustainable business performance. We strive for long-term growth while making a positive impact on the communities we serve. By proactively adapting to industry needs and embracing technology, we enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.

We stay true to our core values, embracing sustainability and change. Our unwavering commitment to exponential improvement enables us to remain agile amid unprecedented industry shifts – earning the respect of customers, stakeholders and industry peers.

Q: Identify the key attributes of your organisation that command respect…

A: The key attributes that garner respect are financial performance, sustainability and our people. Our commitment to exceptional performance enabled strong financial results despite formidable challenges. We registered a 67.7 percent increase in profit after tax – a testament to our unwavering dedication to success.

We are also resolute in our mission to champion Sri Lanka’s economic revival. Our initiatives span a wide spectrum, from impactful social projects such as our flagship ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ campaign to groundbreaking initiatives in sustainability and renewable energy that resulted in HNB achieving carbon neutral status in 2022.

It is the combination of these factors and its unwavering belief that it can be more than merely a bank that commands respect for HNB.

Q: How much space is environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) claiming in the ‘corporate respect’ equation?

A: Not much as yet. But ESG is gaining momentum, and we see this as an extremely positive development. To be truly financially sustainable, we must strive to reimagine our businesses in the context of a truly green economy.

Stronger integration of ESG enhances an enterprise’s ability to sustain growth in the long term. Prioritising environmental conservation and social responsibility is essential to that growth.

HNB is also ranked among the ‘Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens and Sustainability Champions’ in financial services, and consistently features among Banker magazine’s ‘Top 1,000 Banks’ in the world.

Q: What is the importance corporates give continuous innovation as a means of garnering respect?

A: Corporates must focus on continuous innovation to stay relevant and effectively deliver value to customers in a rapidly changing market. This is especially critical to compete in global markets.

Q: How do technological advancements help corporates to establish and maintain respect?

A: Technology is essential – but it is not the only factor in building respect. Ethics, good governance and customer-centricity play equally important roles.

While technology leads to greater value, it must be deployed in a manner that balances ethical considerations and puts people first. HNB has consistently invested in IT to deliver ‘future ready’ solutions to its customers.

It is people at HNB who truly define the organisation. The team is guided by responsibility, professionalism, stability, resilience and accountability – in and out of the workplace. And the bank is committed to the wellbeing of its team, conscious of investing in its people for the next phase of the journey.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three priorities for Sri Lankan corporates today
Sustainable innovations
Export development
Integration of emerging tech

Three most vital professional values for business leaders
Integrity
Decisiveness
Empathy

Telephone: 2462462 | Email: hnbconnect@hnb.lk | Website: www.hnb.net