A future ready bank that supports small businesses,empowers women and drives digitalisation

Since its inception 24 years ago, SDB bank has been driven by its core intention of helping people from all walks of life stand on their feet. This aim is echoed even more strongly today with the bank having evolved its operations and technology, and how it serves its islandwide clientele.

SDB bank has surpassed several hallmark events in recent years. It lays claim to setting the record as Sri Lanka’s first Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) listed entity to host a rights issue digitally and recently concluded its secondary public offering (SPO) – both endeavours were completed with oversubscriptions.

Supporting Sri Lanka’s SME sector – which plays a vital role in the country’s economy and contributes 53 percent to its GDP – is SDB bank’s core purpose, as well as the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and realisation of digital inclusion among Sri Lanka’s masses.

This objective is encouraged by its big impact investors such as the IFC, the Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) and Belgium Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) who share this common goal.

SDB bank empowers women entrepreneurs by supporting them in actively contributing to the economy. The bank does not limit this support to specialised financial products but also runs mentoring programmes, workshops and other initiatives to support such women to enhance their potential.

Fuelling its drive further, the bank was recently granted a US$ 40 million credit line from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), of which 40 percent will be allocated to women entrepreneurship development.

SDB bank recently unveiled an islandwide campaign aptly themed ‘#whereyouarevalued,’ highlighting its commitment to uplift the SME sector and country’s masses.

Understanding the needs of small to medium-scale customers, the bank offers a range of comprehensive platforms and products to cater to their specific needs by considering their true potential.

SDB bank positions itself as a future ready bank, providing holistic 360 degree support to customers. Catering to their ever-changing needs, it offers a combination of financial support and value additions – such as awareness building programmes on various business aspects from value chain enhancements to financial management.

To elevate these knowledge sharing initiatives, the bank also partners with organisations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) for mentorship programmes.

The bank also plays a pioneering role with regard to the community’s digital inclusivity.

Working in tandem with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to drive LANKAQR – an efficient and secure payment solution introduced by the monetary authority to digitally empower Sri Lanka – and by launching its own revolutionary multifunctional mobile wallet UPay app, SDB bank has empowered customers with multiple digital payment options and value added services.

These platforms have been integral in taking digital technologies to the masses, empowering them to leverage technological advancements.

Sustainability is another key focus area for SDB bank. From simple acts such as reducing energy use in its branches and limiting customers’ commutes by enabling them to enjoy its services digitally, to providing financial solutions for alternative energy projects, the bank is a driver of sustainability, both financially and environmentally.

There are many distinguishing features that differentiate SDB bank. Not motivated by profits by principle, the bank is driven by its causes – viz. supporting Sri Lanka’s SMEs, empowering women entrepreneurs and taking digital technologies to the masses.

As a bank where every customer is equally valued for his or her potential rather than worth, SDB bank is geared for the next accelerated growth phase in its journey.

– Compiled by Ruwandi Perera
INTERVIEWEE DETAILS
Hasitha Samarasinghe
Head of Marketing
COMPANY DETAILS
Telephone: 2513418
Email: hasitha.sa@sdb.lk
Websites:www.sdb.lk