World Finance Awards:

Sampath Bank rated best banking group in SL

Sampath Bank earned yet another accolade in its 25th year by being honored as the Best Banking Group in Sri Lanka at the World Finance Awards recently.

World Finance is an acclaimed bi-monthly magazine and the website provides in-depth coverage of the financial industry and global economy.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank Dhammika Perera and Managing Director Aravinda Perera with the award

Launched in 2007, the World Finance Awards recognize industry leaders in different sectors based on nominations and votes from its readership.

“We are proud to have been recognized as the Best Banking Group in the country by the World Finance Awards selection committee. Since the nomination and selection of the winning organizations is based on tough criteria, this accolade makes our efforts to be the best in banking, especially in our 25th anniversary”, chairman of the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank Dhammika Perera said.

World Finance recognizes banks based on achievement, innovation, performance and growth within the market, as well as the Banks’ 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 client structure, platforms and ease of account functionality and the Banks’ competitive strategy to move ahead.

The panel of judges comprises individuals with over 230 collective years of excellence in business journalism.

Managing Director of the Bank Aravinda Perera said Sampath Bank is in the forefront in innovation in every department. Customers are provided with access and applications that have made their banking experience out of ordinary through.

Sampath Bank has proven to be a frontrunner in terms of innovation and inventiveness.

Amongst the many significant firsts over the years include pioneering the largest ATM Network Sharing concept, providing customers’ access to over 1600 ATMs across the island.

Others include introducing South Asia’s 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 by using their ATM card.

“We have tried to set industry standards and have been 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,” Group Chief Financial OfficerRanjith Samaranayake said.