DFCC Bank has consistently focused on strengthening its Business Partner Capital, as it is crucial for augmenting financial stability, diversifying risk, and enhancing market presence by leveraging the strengths of collaborative networks. This exemplifies shared resources, expertise, and networks, underscoring the Bank's interconnectedness and sustainable practices. Such partnerships established over the years, have brought in cross-functional expertise, technological advancements, and expanded customer bases, enabling the Bank to innovate and deliver diverse services. Such strong alliances have provided access to varied resources, facilitating resilience against market fluctuations and regulatory changes, while amplifying credibility and customer loyalty. This has contributed consistently towards leveraging combined strengths to achieve mutual goals and enhance the overall success and competitiveness of DFCC Bank, as well as partner organisations.

Multilateral and Bilateral Institutions

DFCC Bank’s adherence to judicious, far-sighted, and credible financial practices and ethical conduct has propelled its ranking among Sri Lanka’s top ten banks. Such recognition has been influential in the decision of the Government of Sri Lanka and various multilateral and bilateral financial bodies, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to channel funds to end-users through DFCC. This has resulted in DFCC being involved in numerous projects where credit and grant funding have effectively supported market development and capacity building initiatives. Additionally, the Bank has consistently sustained partnerships with global institutions, effectively managing multiple funding programmes that directly benefit Sri Lanka’s overall economic growth as well as crucial support for vulnerable segments.

DFCC Bank’s partner organisations include:

• Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund – Luxembourg
• Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft
• Commerzbank Finance & Covered Bond S.A.
• Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), a subsidiary of KfW – Germany
• European Investment Bank (EIB)
• Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) – Germany
• NederlandseFinancierings – MaatschappijvoorOntwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO) – The Netherlands
• Proparco, a subsidiary of Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – France
• RAKBANK, also known as the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates
• The World Bank
• U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

Driven by the country’s challenging economic conditions, subdued business sentiment, and global growth limitations, DFCC Bank’s Investment Banking Unit has persistently pursued viable strategies to broaden the Bank’s funding sources. This endeavour involves proactive engagement in partner collaborations and exploration of diverse markets to augment its Business Partner portfolio.

Such alliances offer opportunities for shared knowledge, innovative solutions, and improved operational efficiencies, enabling DFCC Bank to stay competitive in an ever-evolving financial landscape. This expansion not only diversifies the Bank’s revenue streams but also fosters geographic and demographic inclusivity, potentially reaching untapped areas or customer bases that were previously inaccessible. Additionally, forming alliances and collaborating with a wider array of business partners bolsters the Bank’s resilience against economic downturns or market uncertainties.

Correspondent Banks

DFCC Bank maintains around 200 global Correspondent Banking connections crucial for international trade. Additionally, these institutions serve as the Bank’s nostro agents in their respective countries. They are vital for global financial connectivity, enabling cross-border transactions and fostering international trade. Correspondent banks serve as intermediaries, streamlining payments, trade finance, and currency exchanges. These relationships enhance transaction efficiency, reduce risks through regulatory compliance, and curb fraudulent activities. Additionally, correspondent banks promote financial inclusivity by extending banking services across borders, empowering access to diverse markets and currencies.

Bank	Currency	Country
Bank of Ceylon (UK) Limited	GBP	UK
Bank of Ceylon	ACU $	India
Bank of Ceylon	ACU $	Maldives
Bank of China	CNY	Sri Lanka
Commerzbank AG	CAD	Germany
Commerzbank AG	EUR	Germany
HDFC Bank	ACU $	India
HDFC Bank	INR	India
HSBC Bank USA N.A.	USD	USA
JPMorgan Chase Bank	USD	USA
JPMorgan Chase Bank	AUD	Australia
Kookmin Bank	USD	South Korea
Mashreq Bank PSC	ACU $	India
Mashreq Bank PSC	AED	UAE
Mashreq Bank PSC	USD	USA
Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited	ACU $	Pakistan
Standard Chartered Bank	ACU $	Bangladesh
Standard Chartered Bank	ACU $	India
Standard Chartered Bank	AUD	Singapore
Standard Chartered Bank	EUR	Germany
Standard Chartered Bank	GBP	UK
Standard Chartered Bank	SGD	Singapore
Standard Chartered Bank	USD	USA
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation	JPY	Japan
Uni Credit Bank AG	EUR	Germany
Zurcher Kantonal Bank	CHF	Switzerland

Supply Chain Management and Procurement Policy

A robust Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Procurement Policy are crucial as they ensure operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality control throughout the procurement process. This policy streamlines sourcing, supplier selection, and inventory management, optimising resource allocation and minimising risks. It fosters transparency, ethical practices, and compliance with regulatory standards, promoting sustainability and mitigating potential disruptions. Additionally, a well-defined SCM and Procurement Policy cultivates strong supplier relationships, driving innovation, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.

DFCC’s procurement process has consistently followed a stringent and transparent policy framework over the years. Both registered and newly onboarded vendors operate on a level playing field, ensuring equitable opportunities to meet the Bank’s diverse requirements. Under the leadership of a Senior Vice President, the Procurement Committee ensures cost-effective sourcing, primarily favouring domestic suppliers.

Supplier evaluation involves assessing multiple criteria to ensure quality, reliability, and alignment with business needs. This process typically examines factors such as business stability, product quality, adherence to delivery schedules, pricing competitiveness, and post-sale support, with biennial reviews dictating their continuity. Evaluations include performance reviews, audits, and feedback mechanisms to gauge supplier effectiveness. Additionally, scrutinising ethical practices, compliance with regulations, and financial stability is crucial. This comprehensive evaluation framework ensures suppliers’ ability to consistently meet standards, mitigate risks, and align with the Bank’s objectives.

The Bank’s preference for local suppliers signifies its commitment to the community it serves. Registered suppliers also receive advisory support on financial and business matters from the Bank. High-value IT procurement undergoes review by the IT Steering Committee (ITSC), while specialised capital investments may face additional scrutiny by independent bodies if necessary.

Partners for Service Delivery

As a customer-focused financial institution, the Bank has established and fostered various service delivery channels, which primarily aims to provide customers with the exceptional service they expect. These channels encompass agency banking for customer accessibility, cash management, secure transportation of customer-owned security items, and ensuring that ATMs remain adequately stocked for timely access to funds.

Engaging with proficient IT partners ensures secure, efficient technological and digital platforms safeguarding customer data and access channels. Additionally, several back-office functions, including payroll, audits, document storage, legal counsel, and equipment maintenance are outsourced to partners, ensuring seamless operation across the Bank’s various departments.

These alliances drive innovation, ensure compliance, and elevate service quality, enabling DFCC Bank to provide diverse, efficient, and secure financial services to our customers while concentrating on our core strengths and competencies.

Strategic Diversification and Alliances

The strategic orientation of the DFCC Group is enriched by multiple subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associate companies, amplifying its overall capacity and augmenting the scope of its strategic direction and goals for comprehensive growth and development.

DFCC Consulting (Pvt) Ltd.

DFCC Consulting (Pvt) Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary, has been active in consultancy, advisory services, and related sectors since 2004. It has executed domestic and global consultancy projects across varied fields like programme management, engineering, environment, and renewable energy, serving diverse clientele, including the World Bank and the ADB. Leveraging expertise from DFCC Bank’s staff and external consultants, the company collaborates with overseas experts and firms when needed, accessing a rich pool of knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Lanka Industrial Estates Ltd.

Established in 1992, Lanka Industrial Estates Ltd (LINDEL) operates as a public-private partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka. Its primary objective was to transform the abandoned facilities of the former State Fertiliser Manufacturing Corporation in Sapugaskanda into an industrial estate. LINDEL is dedicated to managing and providing top-notch infrastructure and related services to its tenants, representing diverse sectors such as chemicals, construction materials, engineering, fertilisers, FMCG, metal fabrication, and packaging. LINDEL is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Industries to expand and establish a second industrial estate. while looking at the possibilities of optimising the land utilisation in the present location.Considering the large extent of roof space available, LINDEL is currently evaluating alternative options available to accelerate the investment into renewable energy sources. Despite plans for a CSE listing, current economic conditions in the country have resulted in this being put on hold for the time being.

Synapsys Ltd.

Synapsys Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, stands as an innovative technology firm, drawing upon over 17 years of dedicated client service within banking, capital markets, insurance, and retail payments across Asia-Pacific and the UK. The Company’s primary focus lies in promoting financial inclusion, disruptive financial services under the motto “Bank Different!’’, and developing alternative, cost-effective payment networks. Synapsys builds cloud-ready Fintech platforms through trusted partnerships, utilising extensive expertise in SME, Micro, and Agri-finance sectors. Its success is propelled by a diverse team of professionals, including software engineers, banking consultants, payment solution experts, IT operations specialists, and operations management personnel. As a diversification strategy, Synapsys is now adding non-banking solutions to its product suite and is also considering moving into overseas markets which looks more lucrative in terms of profitability.

Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd.

Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd. emerged as a joint venture between DFCC Bank and Hatton National Bank with the aim of centralising all investment banking endeavours of both institutions. The broader Acuity Group, consisting of Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd., Acuity Securities Ltd., Acuity Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd., and Lanka Ventures PLC, delivers an extensive range of corporate finance, fixed income securities, stock brokering, margin trading, and venture capital financing products and services under a unified platform.

National Asset Management Ltd.

National Asset Management Ltd. (NAMAL), an affiliated firm of DFCC Bank, holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s first-ever unit trust management company. Since its establishment in 1991, NAMAL introduced the country’s first unit trust, the National Equity Fund. NAMAL presently oversees four unit trusts and extends fund management services alongside private wealth management solutions. The Company is supported by proficient and seasoned professionals within the financial sector.

Membership in Industry Associations

The Bank has taken the strategic initiative to broaden its footprint among diverse business sectors, maintaining links in a number of business and professional organisations, including:

• American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka
• Association of Compliance Officers of Banks Sri Lanka
• Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific
• Association of Professional Bankers, Sri Lanka
• Colombo Stock Exchange
• Galle District Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka
• Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Payment Card Industry Association of Sri Lanka
• Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Forex Association
• The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
• The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries
• The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon
• The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka
• The Mercantile Service Provident Society
• The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
• The Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Limited

As a reputed and established bank in Sri Lanka, DFCC Bank places great emphasis on its Business Partners. Recognising the significance of robust partnerships, we firmly believe that fostering strong alliances is pivotal for sustainable business expansion. By nurturing these partnerships, we aim to achieve impactful and sustainable growth, thereby better serving the community and the Nation.