News & market updates

DFCC Bank was recognised as a People and Planet First Supporter, becoming the first Sri Lankan bank to receive the designation. The award reflects the bank’s integration of sustainability into lending, risk evaluation and support for ethical, climate-aligned enterprises.

Colombo Stock Exchange fell 5.35% for the week, wiping out nearly Rs. 424 billion in market value. The ASPI hit a two-and-half-month low at 21,497.08 yesterday, with heavy losses in banking and capital-goods counters including JKH, HHL, COMB, SAMP, DFCC, NDB and HNB.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 5.4% over the week after Cyclone Ditwah, closing Friday at 21,497.08 as selling pressure hit the market. Banks and John Keells were top negative contributors, while some construction stocks (e.g., Swisstek) saw buying ahead of expected reconstruction projects.

DFCC Bank won a Best Sustainability Project Award for its 'DFCC Green Bond', which raised LKR 2.5 billion to finance/refinance rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects, adding 20 MW and avoiding over 21,000 tCO2e annually; the bond also secured multiple international listings.

DFCC Bank listed Sri Lanka’s first Listed Blue Bond on the Colombo Stock Exchange, a LKR 3 billion senior unsecured issue with 3-, 4- and 5-year tenures and a Fitch Ratings Lanka A(lka) rating. The bond is structured under DFCC’s Sustainable Bond Framework and offers annual-coupon and zero-coupon options.

Colombo market ended a three-day decline as ASPI rose 0.77% (174.03 pts) to 22,819.91 and S&P SL20 gained 0.30% to 6,298.75. Market turnover exceeded Rs.4bn with banking counters (led by Hatton National Bank and DFCC) dominating activity while foreign investors were net sellers of ~Rs.213.2m.

The Sri Lanka Business Council UAE opened the inaugural SLBC EXPO Pavilion 2025 in Dubai on 21 November to showcase Sri Lankan brands across sectors, with DFCC Bank among participating exhibitors.

IBSL's National Banking and Finance Conference on 1–2 Dec 2025 will host a CEO Forum on "Digital Transformation and Financial Sustainability", featuring CEOs from Seylan Bank (SEYB.N0000), Pan Asia (PABC.N0000) and Union Bank (UBC.N0000), with DFCC Bank (DFCC.N0000) moderating.

DFCC Bank's proposed LKR10 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated green, social and sustainable bonds were given an expected national long-term rating of 'BBB+(EXP)(lka)' by Fitch. The bonds (5/7/10-year) are intended to strengthen Tier-2 capital, fund GSS+ projects and include a non-viability conversion clause.

Hatton National Bank won the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2025 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce awards on 19 November. Multiple shortlisted firms were recognised across categories, including Commercial Bank, Hemas, Talawakelle, Elpitiya and Kelani Valley Plantations, Dilmah, Dipped Products, Haycarb, Hayleys, DFCC, Teejay Lanka, Singer and Softlogic Life Insurance.

Hatton National Bank won the 'Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2025' at the 22nd BCCS Awards. Listed companies from the shortlist recognised at the event include Commercial Bank, Hemas, DFCC (Green Bond project), Talawakelle TE (Category B winner), Elpitiya, Kelani Valley, Dilmah, Dipped Products, Haycarb, Teejay, Hayleys, Nawaloka Hospitals, Singer and Softlogic Life Insurance.

Colombo bourse closed marginally down as the ASPI fell 0.09% (21.80 pts) to 23,029.86 on turnover of over Rs. 3.8bn and net foreign outflow of Rs. 4.7m. Major negative contributors included Commercial Bank, Dialog, Colombo Dockyard, DFCC and NDB, while J.F. Packaging rose on debut.

The ASPI fell 0.74% (172.02 pts) to 23,051.66 and the S&P SL20 dropped 0.52% to 6,376.54 as profit-taking pulled the market lower. Turnover exceeded Rs.4.4bn with foreign net outflow of Rs.100.6m; SFCL, HNB, RICH, DFCC and DIAL were the key negative contributors and capital goods, banking and food/beverage/tobacco led activity.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI fell 0.09% to 23,029.86 and the S&P SL20 dropped 0.23% to 6,361.58 as banks and selected shares weighed on the market. Top drags included Commercial Bank (209.50), Colombo Dockyard (418.75), DFCC (162.25) and NDB (149.50); Senkadagala Finance announced a Rs1.035bn rights issue at Rs240 and its share rose to 1,274.50.

CSE All Share Price Index fell 0.74% (172.02 points) to 23,051.66 as profit taking extended losses for a fourth session. Banks and diversified financials led declines, with Senkadagala Finance, HNB and DFCC Bank among the top negative contributors.

APB Sri Lanka held a CPDC program titled 'AI in HR' bringing industry leaders to discuss integrating AI in recruitment, performance management and learning to boost workforce agility across the banking industry.

DFCC Bank's Rs. 3 billion Blue Bond issue was oversubscribed on opening day, with applications exceeding the 30 million bonds on offer and prompting early closure. The listed, senior unsecured bonds were offered in three-, four- and five-year tenors; basis of allotment will be notified.

DFCC Bank PLC held its 100th Financial Literacy Programme at its Kurunegala branch for migrant employees and launched the 'Rata Rekiyawata Aruthak' guidebook to promote budgeting and responsible remittance practices. The event, attended by Central Bank Deputy Governor J. P. R. Karunaratne, highlights DFCC's outreach including its RataViru rupee and dollar accounts.

DFCC Bank will acquire Standard Chartered Sri Lanka’s wealth and retail banking business for Rs. 3.7 billion. The transaction, to be financed from DFCC’s internal funds and completed by early 2026 pending Central Bank approval, covers priority banking, cards, retail lending, deposits and SME portfolios.

DFCC Bank agreed to buy the retail and wealth management business of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka for Rs3.7 billion. The deal is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, and will be funded from DFCC's internal funds.

DFCC Bank (DFCC.N0000) has signed a binding agreement to acquire Standard Chartered Sri Lanka's entire wealth and retail banking business, with completion expected by early 2026 subject to Central Bank approval. The deal will be funded from DFCC's internally generated capital and aims to strengthen its retail and wealth management capabilities.

Ambeon Capital PLC reported Q2 PAT of LKR 3,820m and year-to-date PAT of LKR 4,551m, up sharply from LKR 123m a year earlier. The group cited fair value gains and strategic investments, acquired 51% of Mylands and increased holdings in Ceylon Hotels (to 13.57%), DFCC (9.91%) and retains 9.93% in Seylan.

DFCC Bank reported Group profit after tax of LKR 8.53 Bn for the period ended 30 Sep 2025 and group total assets rose ~20% to LKR 853 Bn. Loans grew 26% and net interest income rose 11%; the bank launched an LKR 3 Bn Blue Bond and recorded fair value gains partly from Commercial Bank share price increases.

DFCC Bank reported PAT of Rs.13.3bn including a disposal gain (core Group PAT Rs.8.53bn) for the nine months to 30 Sep 2025. Net interest income rose 11%; loans grew 26%, deposits 22% and total assets up ~20% to Rs.853bn while CASA improved to 25.34%.

Ambeon Capital PLC reported 2Q PAT of Rs.3.82bn (YTD Rs.4.55bn) while Ambeon Holdings PLC posted 2Q PAT of Rs.3.22bn (YTD Rs.3.9bn). The group cited fair value gains and efficiencies, acquired 51% of Mylands, and increased stakes in Ceylon Hotels (13.57%) and DFCC (9.91%) while holding 9.93% in Seylan.

CSE extended its post-Budget rally as the ASPI rose 0.34% to 23,582.16 with turnover topping Rs.8.2bn; RICH, DIAL, DFCC, AEL and HNB were key positive contributors. Foreign investors were net buyers (Rs.26mn) and capital goods led activity (28% of turnover) while banking and F&B accounted for 35%.

Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 0.34% to 23,582.16, led by bluechips and banking shares; top contributors included DIAL.N0000, DFCC.N0000, AEL.N0000, HNB.N0000, SIRA.N0000 and JKH.N0000, with John Keells reporting a Sept quarter net profit up 21% to LKR 1.65bn.

DFCC Bank opened subscription on 13 November for its first-ever Rs.3 billion listed Blue Bonds (30 million senior unsecured bonds across six types with 3–5 year tenors and coupons ranging 9.75%–10.50%); NDB Investment Bank Ltd is manager.