Nations Trust Bank records resilient performance while continuing to support economic revival

The government of Sri Lanka and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka initiated various policy measures during 2020 aiming at triggering economic activities, ensuring livelihoods, and preserving the stability of the country’s financial system. These policy measures included loan moratoriums, reduction of policy rates, lowering of the Statutory Reserve Requirement for licensed commercial banks, restriction on import of non-essential items and various incentives to attract foreign funding sources into the domestic market.

Nations Trust Bank actively participated in providing working capital loans under “Saubhagya” scheme introduced by the government and took proactive measures to extend necessary assistance to customers across all segments, who required special attention. The bank recognised the importance of contributing to assisting adversely affected businesses with a view to supporting the revival of the national economy and rebuilding livelihoods. Towards this cause, the bank allocated Rs. 7 billion for 2020, of internally generated funds under the “Nations Diriya” scheme dedicated to extending financial support to key industries, thereby enabling such businesses to recommence their business operations. Special payment relief schemes and special repayment plans for existing borrowers were also offered in addition to the Central Bank mandated moratorium schemes by lowering interest rates and charges on identified segments.

With banking being declared an essential service during the COVID-19 first wave, a concerted effort was made to keep branches across the network open in order to facilitate regular branch operations throughout the lockdown period. The bank operated 24×7 contact center uninterrupted throughout this period supporting all its client’s banking requirements.

During the Pandemic, the bank strengthened its digital essentials in order to keep its customers constantly connected and facilitated all banking services digitally. The bank also supported cash to the doorstep services during the lockdowns. Digitization and e-Commerce being the way forward, the bank continued to invest in further strengthening the digital platforms designed with customer centrality. While being socially responsible, the bank converted customer and brand communications from paper-based to e-based methods.

Despite the unprecedented circumstances followed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Nations Trust Bank Group demonstrated a resilient performance with a bottom-line growth of 9%. However, the net interest income fell short by 15% while the interest margins eroded by 80bps due to the combined impact of the lower interest regime, interest rates ceilings imposed, and the concessionary interest rates granted on debt moratorium. (NTB)