HNB

Q: What is HNB’s outlook for 2022?
A: In terms of the performance of HNB and the broader banking sector, our outlook for 2022 is largely positive. Even in the face of notable disruptions resulting from the pandemic, Sri Lankan enterprises have rallied and shown immense resilience.

Such fortitude has created new opportunities for many industries from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and exports. Though further effort is needed to revive critical sectors, we see immense growth potential over the next year.

While the entire banking system faced severe constraints, we emphasise that the sector performed admirably, displaying tremendous buoyancy and stability, while providing as much relief as possible to customers and enterprises.

Given the progress made on vaccinations and response of Sri Lanka’s export performance, we are optimistic about an economic recovery in the second half of 2022. With the normalisation of remittances and tourism earnings, we’re confident of improving macroeconomic conditions by the end of this year.

Q: Could you share some of the bank’s key milestones in its long journey?
A: HNB has a rich legacy that stretches back 134 years. From its inception, catering to nascent industries in pre-independence Sri Lanka, HNB has been continuously growing and evolving.

In this journey, there have been many milestones: from the expansion of our presence in international markets through mergers with foreign branches such as Grindlays Bank, Emirates, Habib Bank and others, to our gradual strategic acquisitions to transform HNB from a specialist banking institution into a diversified financial services conglomerate.

We have now moved into MSMEs, and life and general insurance, in addition to a thriving fully fledged investment banking arm and a wide range of non-banking financial services through our acquisition of Prime Grameen in 2014.

Our strong push into digital banking is the latest in this continuing evolution.

HNB has served as an active and committed partner in the development of the nation, and a source of financial empowerment for generations of Sri Lankans through good times and bad.

At present, in addition to being Sri Lanka’s largest retail bank, we have also captured the largest market share in digital payments. This potent combination of strength and expertise means that HNB is ready to take on an even more robust role in revitalising Sri Lanka’s economy in the months and years ahead.

Q: What is your assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on brands and branding in general?
A: COVID-19 has been a double-edged sword for brands. Those that were slow to adapt to the disruptions created over the past two years have faced severe risks to their brands.

Conversely, brands that were able to readjust their business models, and adapt their branding and communications strategies, enjoyed disproportionate benefits.

In that regard, COVID-19 has been a crucible; and the brands that emerge from the pandemic, having made significant gains, will likely be the ones that will steadily steer their respective industries for decades to come.

Q: What role can brand investments play in accelerating business recovery in the prevailing corporate environment?
A: While it could be argued that brand investments may have had less impact and greater risk, given the unprecedented uncertainty at the start of the pandemic, such investments have become an absolute imperative.

In a climate where more Sri Lankans than ever before are transacting digitally, and are more deeply immersed in media and social media, strategic and targeted branding investments have the potential to deliver exponential returns. Therefore, they will be essential to accelerate business recovery.

Q: How important is reputation and integrity for your brand?
A: They are absolutely important. When customers choose HNB, they trust us with their finances, their savings and their future.

It is a responsibility that we’re always conscious of; so we strive to ensure that all our people would understand the weight of the bank’s role, and act with utmost integrity in all their dealings.

Q: And finally, how do you build brand loyalty through experiences?
A: If customers have a positive experience with us, they’re likely to keep coming back to us.

Our approach to service combines entrepreneurial spirit with empowered people and leading edge technology to constantly exceed stakeholder expectations.

Telephone 2462462 Email hnbconnect@hnb.lk Website www.hnb.lk