NDB Corporate Banking first in league toreceive ISO 9001: 2008 certification in Sri Lanka

NDB recorded yet another ‘first’ in the banking industry by becoming the first bank to secure ISO certification for its Corporate Banking division.

The certification, which is not commonly granted to the services industry, affirms that the services offered by NDB Corporate Banking gratify international standards of quality for such banking services and procedures. Previously, NDB’s Human Resources, Trade Services and Internal Audit divisions have earned the ISO certification and Corporate Banking unit is the 4th division in the bank to receive the certification.

NDB’s Corporate Banking arm manages the acquisition and servicing of funding for middle to large scale businesses in the country. It provides short and medium term lending facilities to a diverse clientele which include some of country’s largest blue chips and business conglomerates. The Corporate banking unit also provides investment opportunities for their clients powered by the group synergies of NDB; thus, servicing its distinct clientele with full fledged financial solutions.

Adherence to excellent quality control procedures while keeping an eagle’s eye view on all customer and staff related processes has enabled the Corporate Banking unit of NDB to secure the acclaimed ISO certification. The unit operates within the guidelines of a comprehensive quality policy which enables and enforces swift processes with regard to all statutory, regulatory and general policy requirements, customer need evaluation and fulfilment as well as development of staff competencies to enhance the quality of business delivery. Such rigorous attention to quality has allowed the Corporate Banking clients of NDB to be assured of speedy, superior service standards and timely responses to their requests and grievances. The dynamic, professional team of relationship managers are provided with continuous training and development in order to ensure that customer needs and requests are met efficiently and effectively.

Commenting on the certification, NDB Chief Operating Officer Indrajit Wickramasinghe said: “NDB’s Corporate Banking unit has not only shown vast growth in terms of volumes and turnover but has also maintained a healthy portfolio of clients over the years. Apart from the bank’s internal control and systems that support monitoring and management of the portfolio, the success of the unit is also propelled by the high standards of quality that the Corporate Banking division adheres to at all times. The portfolio management is in the capable hands of a team of highly knowledgeable relationship managers who are continuously trained to understand the changing needs of the customers. Being recipient of ISO certification reaffirms NDB’s capacity to deliver high quality solutions to its distinctive Corporate Banking clientele.”

NDB Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking Buwanekabahu Perera said: “Risk mitigation and quality standards are coherently practiced within the Corporate banking division, especially because the unit deals with large business conglomerates with diversified interests and concern for highest quality. Knowing and understanding our clients have enabled us to formulate a quality policy within the department which helps smooth navigation of business. The ISO certification has endorsed this quality policy and formalised the processes to be of international standard. The certification will guide us to continuously improve the operations to increase our standards of delivery. It will also be instrumental in setting up a service oriented work culture where the team will strive to offer the best possible service to all stakeholders; external and internal alike. Such commitment and dedication of our team members will enable the division to maintain and increase the standards of delivery and efficiency of our services in the future.”