NTB, first Lankan bank to move into paperless boardroom

Corporate activity is no longer only about engaging in business. There are various additional components that have a strong impact on the profit maximisation ethos of corporate entities.

Green activity, environment consciousness, natural resource consumption and productivity enhancement feature high amongst these other vital components. In an increasingly green and carbon friendly global environment, Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has taken the first step by initiating the move into a paperless boardroom.

Being a group of active professionals across a variety of disciplines,  NTB’s Board of Directors are for the most part on the move and require a large volume of information to be at hand at all times. With the Apple iPad Board Application, the Board Members will be able to access not only the current board papers but also recall past board papers at the click of a button, enabling decision making both simpler and faster.

The Apple iPad Board Application will also cut costs in terms of paper wastage, printing, couriering etc. Now all board papers and related information will be available real time.

Apart from cutting costs and ready availability of data, the effect on the environment i.e. going paperless is a real tangible benefit due to the conservation of trees. The endless copying of board papers is now a thing of the past.

The example set by the top echelons at NTB will no doubt be a standard to aspire among the industry. Indeed there are signs that the technology will be adopted by other bank boards.

This initiative is made possible by the leading International mobile solutions partner – Iron One Technologies, who provide mobile solutions for several international companies including some Fortune 100 Companies. Iron One Technologies’ global status as enterprise solution provider in the USA with branches in the Asia Pacific Region lead to the firm establishment and success of the paperless boardroom initiative by NTB.

Speaking on the momentous move, Chief Executive Officer of NTB Saliya Rajakaruna stated: “This was well received and supported by our former Chairman Ajit Gunewardena and we as Board Members are proud to be setting an example in this much needed green initiative.

Our vision is to utilise other suitable technologies such as iPad and tablet-based mobile solutions to enable correct and timely decision making across our entire banking and financial service sector.

The Board Application is an exceedingly innovative and useful application that helps the board member to receive, review and collaborate with ease even whilst flying.”

Nations Trust Bank is renowned for its innovative capabilities and the adoption of high end technologies in order to make banking more efficient and effective. “We are proud to be part of this initiative and to be the first in the industry to launch this solution. The iPad solution has contributed immensely with regard to streamlining the processes within the organisation and has lead NTB to move into a paperless boardroom,” said Theja Silva, Company Secretary/Deputy General Manager Legal and Compliance.

“The success of mobile solutions in banks can very clearly be seen in foreign countries. NTB is proud to be the first bank in Sri Lanka to incorporate these measures and we will most certainly be moving onto other similar ventures that will afford the best quality service for our customers,” said Rohitha Ganegoda, Chief Operating Officer of NTB.

Nations Trust Bank PLC is one of the fastest growing banks in Sri Lanka today. The bank now has 48 branches, seven Personal Banking Centres and is the sole issuers and acquirer for American Express cards in Sri Lanka.