Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Tuesday, 12 July 2016 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Seylan Bank’s 3 billion debenture issue was opened on 5 July and was successfully closed with an overwhelming response on the opening day itself, indicating strong investor confidence. The initial tranche of Rs. 3 billion, ‘BBB+’ rated, listed, unsecured subordinate redeemable debentures were issued. Applications over the value of Rs. 5 billion were received thereafter, the second tranche of Rs. 2 billion worth debentures were issued, which was successfully oversubscribed.
Funds raised via this debenture issue will be utilised by Seylan Bank to increase the lending portfolio, strengthen the funding mix, minimise the interest rate risk and the gap exposure in the bank’s asset/liability portfolio, reduce maturity gaps in the balance sheet, improve the capital adequacy levels and strengthen its Tier II capital.
The debenture issue follows the wake of a very successful year for Seylan Bank. The bank recording a strong quarterly performance with Profits After Income Tax reaching Rs. 720 million for the three months ended 31 March, a 4% increase over the Rs. 691 million reported in the corresponding period of 2015. The bank reported a net credit growth of 4.27%, with net advances growing from Rs. 193,103 million to Rs. 201,350 million during Q1 2016. During the same period, the bank grew its deposit base from Rs. 224,525 million to Rs. 225,445 million.
Commenting on the successful execution of the debenture issue, Seylan Bank Director/CEO Kapila Ariyaratne said, “We are pleased with the overwhelming response to this debenture and view this as a reflection of the investor confidence in Seylan Bank. The success of this debenture will help the bank to forge ahead with its ambitious growth plans which are eventually aimed at benefitting all our stakeholders. The funds will also strengthen our Tier II capital base and assist us to achieve significant milestones we have earmarked for the bank to achieve in the near future.”
People’s Bank Investment Banking Unit and Capital Alliance Partners Ltd. were the Joint Managers to the issue, while Bank of Ceylon acted as the Trustee. SSP Corporate Services Ltd. was the Registrars to the issue and Seylan Bank itself acted as the bankers and lawyers to the issue.
Seylan Bank’s operations recorded aggressive growth in FY2015/16, with its branch network expanding to 166 branches and over 193ATMs island-wide. The bank’s SME, minor savings, retail, corporate and credit card clientele grew significantly during this year. The global remittances network was also expanded last year coupled with the bank’s expansion to mature markets through Tempo, Cash Express, CIMB and Al Jazeera respectively for the benefit of the customers in Sri Lanka and overseas.
Seylan Bank is also on a strong digitalisation drive, even launching customer support channels via WhatsApp and Facebook messenger for customer convenience recently. All these initiatives have helped boost the financial performance of the bank.
