LEADING BRANDS PROFILES
Vallibel Finance
Q: How has Vallibel Finance performed during the pandemic?
A: The pandemic has had a major impact on the banking and finance sector as the economy was almost at a standstill for several months, during the first and second waves of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the institution’s strong financial standing helped us withstand these challenges.
Our portfolio has always been healthy – which is a reflection of its stability – and by leveraging on these strengths, we recovered quickly from the shock to the economy.
In fact, we emerged stronger than expected as our progress has been exceptional. The financial services industry registered a contraction last year but Vallibel Finance met most of its key performance indicators (KPIs) with growth recorded even in fixed deposits, lending portfolios and profits.
Instead of holding back, we proceeded with our original operational plans as we remain optimistic about an economic boom in the near future.
Despite operating for a mere 14 years, we’ve learnt to be resilient, and seize opportunities when and where we see them.
Q: As a financial services institution, how does the company inspire trust among clients?
A: Year 2020 saw unprecedented challenges with no idea of the outcome as the pandemic unfolded. As a trusted financial services institution, we had to be mindful of all stakeholders as we’re custodians of public money.
As a stable, strong and a higher performing institution, we have been able to serve customers at every turn, rehabilitate them by extending loans in keeping with the government’s stipulated moratoriums and going beyond these norms to grant concessions to customers engaged in sectors that were hit particularly hard.
Q: In what way has the pandemic affected brands such as Vallibel Finance?
A: Institutions that sustained their branding efforts through the pandemic benefitted. But more importantly, companies that lived up to their brand promise of providing uninterrupted service – such as Vallibel Finance – built greater loyalty for their brands.
Notably, Vallibel Finance was honoured as the ‘Financial Services Brand of the Year’ in Sri Lanka last year while upgrading its brand rating to ‘A+,’ certifying its standing as a strong and respected industry name. The company was also listed as a Great Place to Work in Sri Lanka for the second successive year.
Q: Can brand investments accelerate recovery in the prevailing business landscape?
A: Unfazed by the economic meltdown precipitated by the pandemic, Vallibel Finance is forging ahead with the task of putting up its state-of-the-art headquarters – a sky rise in Colpetty. Bearing the hallmarks of a unique architectural masterpiece, it is expected to stand out much like how the company has in its short but pace setting 14 year history.
Our branch expansions continued to Ambalantota, Tambuttegama, Kohuwela and Ja-Ela, relocation to Piliyandala, and refurbishments in Kiribathgoda, Anuradhapura, Rajagiriya and Malabe during the period.
These bold moves by the Vallibel Group flag bearer offers a much needed confidence boost to the economy’s wheels of progress while affirming the company’s financial stability.
Q: And how does the company look to future proof the brand?
A: Vallibel Finance anticipates challenges and makes decisions based on long-term goals rather than pursuing narrow short-term gains. We have a relentless determination to grow, leading to our growth even through the pandemic, which is testimony to the company’s strategic resilience.
We are in the process of adopting technology in partnership with an institution to digitalise and use AI to enhance processes. Moreover, we’re active on social media to build a connection with the new generation and plan to pursue a more aggressive strategy on this front.
The company remains forward-looking, adhering to the adage ‘grow or perish.’ We want to share benefits among shareholders, employees and every other stakeholder. The institution is disciplined, ethical and mature in its financial management, and makes a substantial contribution to state coffers.
Our financial performance and growth should be testimony to our future growth potential. We have recorded growth consecutively over the past 14 years, reflecting our brand positioning as a highly acclaimed and respected entity in the industry that is admired by all stakeholders.
We’re sensitive to customer needs and pride ourselves on being part of our diversified parent – the Vallibel Group. Our agility has helped us adapt rapidly and the group’s support remains our greatest strength, as does our customers’ loyalty.
website: www.vallibelfinance.com