National Development Bank (NDB) is a symbol of trust and innovation in banking. With a vision to redefine banking experiences, NDB delivers exceptional financial solutions. A customer-centric approach sees it offer a comprehensive range of digitally enabled products and services tailored to meet diverse needs. NDB fosters financial inclusion, supports businesses, and empowers women and youth. It maintains a strong business performance and has won accolades such LMD’s ‘Most Awarded Corporate 2022’, Global Finance USA’s and Euromoney’s ‘Best Bank in Sri Lanka 2022’ and Asiamoney’s ‘Best Corporate Bank 2023.’

Q: How important is corporate respect for businesses in times of crisis?

A: Defining corporate respect and what it means to an organisation is important in aligning business priorities, as well as shaping corporate culture. At NDB, a culture of respect is always valued and inculcated into our way of life.

This affects the way business is carried out; and in turn, how customers are treated. Staying true to our values is especially important in times of crisis as it’s how one operates under pressure that demonstrates to customers, employees and stakeholders one’s corporate values and essence.

Q: How is environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) faring in terms of ‘corporate respect’?

A: It’s definitely gaining traction but there is still a long way to go. ESG should be a criterion in the corporate respect equation. If any ESG component is overlooked by a corporate, it cannot be a respected entity – irrespective of its financial or other performances.

Q: What importance should corporates place on innovation to garner respect?

A: Continuous innovation – large-scale technological transformation in a corporate structure or small-scale implementation to streamline daily operations – demonstrates a corporate’s willingness to invest in convenience and efficiency, leading to customer retention.

Innovation leads to process improvements, and cost and resource efficiencies; optimises human resources (HR) deployment; and allows HR to be removed from repetitive and mundane tasks.

NDB prioritises clients’ needs. Introduction of the ‘video-know-your-customer’ (vKYC) feature facilitates easy account opening irrespective of location. NDB NEOS allows all banking transactions to be carried out through a mobile app, ensuring convenient customer experiences.

Q: How do you address social issues and contribute to such causes beyond the core business?

A: The prosperity and wellbeing of a community correlates with the success of an organisation. Volunteering an organisation’s time, resources and expertise, to aid and empower a community, results in garnering respect and inspiring others to lend a helping hand. As a responsible brand, NDB endeavours continuously to give back to, and encourage and facilitate, the development of communities.

A few such initiatives include the ‘Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana’ programme, an initiative dedicated to celebrating women entrepreneurs and their achievements; workshops and training seminars on women’s empowerment organised by the ‘Banking on Women’ platform, and facilitating youth empowerment and the advancement of sports through event and tournament sponsorships.

NDB is also a leading financier of renewable energy projects including hydro, solar and wind power.

Q: How does respect in workplaces nurture admiration for organisations?

A: Respect in an organisation includes fostering diversity, encouraging innovation, promoting inclusion, and ensuring equity and equality in the workplace. NDB continuously endeavours to create a conducive work environment where employees are able to reach their full potential.

Employees who feel respected and valued in the work environment are likely to have a positive perception of the organisation. This motivates them to participate proactively in servicing customers and deliver outstanding results, which will bring about an increase in employee potential and customer satisfaction.

Recommendations of content customers and employees helps develop a positive perception, and adds brand value among stakeholders, reinforcing the organisation as an employer of choice.

This is evidenced in NDB’s recognition as one of the top 50 ‘Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka 2022’ by Great Place To Work and ranking among the top 10 ‘Most Outstanding Women Friendly Workplaces’ at the Satynmag CIMA Women Friendly Workplace Awards 2023.

A respected bank committed to corporate respect and innovation with a customer-centric approach, NDB prioritises convenience, efficiency and social responsibility. Pioneering digital solutions, a sustainability agenda and inclusive workplace culture, it is a leading employer of choice and trusted partner.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three priorities for Sri Lankan corporates today
Business resilience
Generating positive results for shareholders
Employee wellbeing

Three most vital professional values for business leaders
Integrity
Accountability
Empathy

Telephone: 2448888 | Email: contact@ndbbank.com | Website: www.ndbbank.com