With 25.2% of the population termed as “below the poverty line” by the World Bank in 2024, DFCC Bank focused on growing the SME and MSME segments of the economy that were waking up to a sluggish but gradual uptick in economic activity. The tourism sector moved faster than the rest as tourist arrivals increased, and the credit appetite saw a marginal upward trend. We defined products and services that supported growth while sharing knowledge with different stakeholder groups in conducting profitable and sustainable businesses.

We also supported the non-funded income streams through our range of banking services, while strategically driving our lending products in the retail assets sphere. Maintaining the cost of funds at competitive but manageable levels was executed with utmost diligence, while catering to a stable deposit base. Growing the CASA portfolio continued with effective fund mobilisation strategies.

Customer traffic into the Bank is fading fast, as digitalisation and finger-tip banking are fast becoming the norm. Millennials and Gen Zs are moving away from visits to the Bank and prefer internet or mobile banking. We continued to work on a hybrid strategy, where digital and physical banking facilities were offered to our customers of different age groups with differing banking needs.

Several back office operations were also digitalised and enhanced to achieve accuracy and speed to market. At the same time, HR processes were also upgraded to provide employees with speedy resolution of issues, to maintain a healthy, safe workplace, that is also pleasant and welcoming.

Detailed information on the Digital Journey is provided on Digital Journey page , for your further information.

We continued our unwavering efforts in ethical and green banking, culminating in the successful issuance of Sri Lanka’s first Green Bond. Our strategic goal definition places ESG-based financial decision-making at the forefront, addressing climate change, inequality, and good governance. Working on the premise of being a conscientious and responsible financial institution, we aim to promote inclusivity in achieving financial goals for a profitable organisation and societal benefit.

In 2024, we implemented several key projects that contributed to further strengthening our brand, leading to high visibility among our stakeholders. In addition, our investment and input on the broader community helped us to reach the unbanked or under-banked sections of society to ensure further inclusivity.

Our sustainability Agenda 2030 works on a robust framework, encompassing all our business activities, which will have an even greater focus in 2025.

For a detailed report on our sustainability agenda, please refer to Our Commitment To Sustainability page.