Sri Lanka's most innovative private sector bank HNB PLC, once again consolidated on its reputation for banking excellence at the International Finance Awards 2021, bagging the Best Retail Bank and Best SME Bank awards in the banking category.

Organised by the prestigious International Finance Magazine as a global platform for the recognition and celebration of the world’s most successful financial institutions, the awards highlight the accomplishments of corporates leading in innovation, infrastructure development and customer-centricity.

As the sector has evolved due to a raft of regulations, technology developments and market reforms, each applicant has been researched by dedicated experts with special consideration directed towards the strength of their applications, performance and past accomplishments.

"We are delighted to have once again emerged victorious as the Best Retail Bank and the Best SME Bank organized by the prestigious International Financial Magazine. This recognition is a testament to our employees' hard work and dedication in the SME and Retail sectors, which have evolved continuously despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, to deliver unmatched products and excellent service contributing positively towards the growth of our clients. Moving forward, we pledge to continue enhancing our focus on transformative banking by leveraging the power of technology to provide innovative solutions and processes for all our clients," HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail and SME Banking, Sanjay Wijemanne said.

Catering to the needs of over 2.5 million Sri Lankans island-wide, Retail Banking is a flagship segment for HNB. The Bank has been a pioneer in leveraging digital banking products, services and channels to provide customers with convenient, comprehensive and secured options to transact remotely.

HNB's leadership in technology was a feature that ensured the Bank's victory through the launch of breakthrough platforms such as HNB SOLO – a one-stop shop for digital payments linked through bank accounts, credit or debit cards which grew exponentially after the onset of the pandemic. Having linked the app to LANKA QR, the Bank continued to improve its features and functionality by refining its user interface, enabling customers to experience intuitive cashless and contactless payments.

Partnerships are another essential component of HNB's success in retail banking, coupled with product innovation and value addition to existing products. In addition to offering exciting benefits for savings, the Bank also ensures customers also have access to exclusive credit cards with bundled benefits for home loans and leasing facilities.

After the onset of the pandemic, HNB rapidly embedded its full suite of digital offerings into the contactless delivery mechanism advocated by the state, kept branches open during curfew periods as per the guidelines issued by the Central Bank and operated our dedicated Omni Channel engagement Centre on a 24*7 basis.

Subsequently, the bank extended substantial relief to clients in Debt Moratoriums and Working Capital loans at concessionary rates. Notably, HNB was also previously adjudged the Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 11th time at the Asian Bankers Awards organised by the prestigious Asian Banker Magazine.

With 254 customer centres and more than 780 devices across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka's largest, most technologically innovative banks, having won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. HNB has a national rating of AA- (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd. The Bank was also ranked among the World Top 1,000 Banks list compiled by the prestigious UK-based Banker Magazine for five consecutive years. HNB was also declared Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Sri Lanka at the Global Finance Awards 2020.