Najith Meewanage

Chief Executive Officer,

 Commercial Bank of Ceylon

Banking systems around the world have evolved over the years from simply safekeeping and trusted independent entities that serve different clusters of society to one-stop destinations that facilitate all financial needs and beyond, with no exception in the Bangladeshi context. Banking in Bangladesh is no longer just about transactions but provides comprehensive financial advisory services, dedicated to embracing individual customer needs. Relationship banking, powered by dedicated contact points, offers clients personalized service, while priority banking addresses unique personal requirements. Smart banks like Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC (CBC) are leading this transformation, crafting financial solutions tailored to each customer and harnessing digital platforms for faster, more accessible services. This shift comes as clients seek more customized guidance and efficiency, positioning banks as essential partners in both financial inclusivity and the nation's economic growth.

At CBC, we are committed to fostering financial growth and providing a comprehensive suite of wealth management solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. With an extensive range of customized products for both depositors and investors, our dedicated relationship managers deliver services that align with each client's requirements, ensuring optimal outcomes. The bank is aligned to deliver state-of-the-art Treasury products to hedge exposures in dynamic market environments, including derivative products to assist clients in hedging interest rate and exchange rate risks. Additionally, the Custodial Services department in the bank plays a crucial role in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Bangladesh, offering foreign investors a comprehensive 360-degree investment framework.

CBC's AAA credit rating for 14 consecutive years reflects our strong financial health and commitment to delivering sound financial solutions for all our clients. This highest rating strengthens our position in the industry, helping us onboard most of Bangladesh's top-tier corporate clients who trust us as their banking partner. Furthermore, our Trade Services department facilitates seamless export, import, and guarantee solutions to meet global and local business needs, while our Digital Banking team continuously enhances our reach to align with clients' evolving needs, providing them with a modern, efficient, and secure banking experience.

CBC leverages advanced technology to streamline and enhance service delivery, setting a new standard in digital banking. Our secure digital platform facilitates all business requirements such as cash flow management, payment solutions, integration with all available market channels, and actively works towards integrating all other business verticals to provide one-stop-shop solutions. Through CBC's e-FD service, customers can open fixed deposits from wherever they are at competitive rates, with an automatically generated digital receipt. Fund transfers to any bank in Bangladesh now take only seconds, supported by the highest level of cybersecurity. These innovations enable CBC to deliver prompt, safe, and customer-centered banking experiences that keep pace with modern financial needs.