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Friday Nov 15, 2024
Thursday, 5 July 2012 01:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
As a trailblazer in the banking and financial industry, Sampath Bank, a truly local bank, earned yet another accolade in its 25th year by being honoured as the ‘Best Banking Group in Sri Lanka’ at the World Finance Awards held recently.
World Finance is a critically acclaimed bi-monthly magazine and website providing in-depth coverage of the financial industry and global economy. Launched in 2007, the World Finance Awards recognise industry leaders in different sectors based on nominations and votes from its readership.
“We’re extremely proud to have been recognised as the ‘Best Banking Group’ in the country by the prestigious World Finance Awards selection committee. Since the nomination and selection of the winning organisations is based on tough criteria, this accolade makes our efforts to be the best in banking, especially in our 25th anniversary, even more special,” said Dhammika Perera, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank.
World Finance recognises banks based on achievement, innovation, performance and growth within the market, as well as the bank’s financial achievement and risk ratios, variety and clarity of products and services, practices in corporate governance, use of innovative technology, CRM systems and solutions, geographical growth, the increase of sales and growth within the existing client structure, platforms and ease of account functionality and the bank’s competitive strategy to move ahead. The panel of judges comprises individuals with over 230 collective years of excellence in business journalism.
Aravinda Perera, Managing Director of the Bank, said, “Sampath Bank has been in the forefront in innovation in every department. We have provided our customers with access and applications that have made their banking experience out of the ordinary through numerous pioneering efforts.”
Celebrating 25 years, Sampath Bank has proven to be a frontrunner in terms of innovation and inventiveness. Amongst the many significant firsts over the years includes pioneering the largest ATM Network Sharing concept, providing customer’s access to over 1,600 ATMs across the island.
Others include introducing South Asia’s very first debit card – SET, the Uni-Banking concept, Sri Lanka’s first Master card, Visa Infinite, Signature and Platinum credit cards, launching cheque imaging and truncating services, introducing real-time e-remittance services and the Sampath ‘Easy Cheque Deposit’ (ECD) system enabling customers to deposit their cheques 24/7 at any ATM without the hassle of filling in forms etc., via using their ATM card.
“We’ve always tried to set industry standards and have been extremely successful both in terms of finances, marking one of the most successful fiscal years and with the launching of many innovations, including several new products and 35 new branches,” said Ranjith Samaranayake, Group Chief Financial Officer.
This accolade adds to the many awards and recognitions won by the bank in its 25 year legacy, including the Best Commercial Bank of the Year for three consecutive years by asiamoney, the Best Small-Cap Bank in South Asia and Outstanding New Business Venture Project by Asian Banking Digest, and Bank of the Year at the Banker Awards in, 2000, 2009 and 2010.
