Commercial Bank of Ceylon, a Colombo-based regional bank, plans to introduce Shariah-compliant banking in Bangladesh, leveraging its reputation for stability and governance to support the broader development of the country's financial sector.
The latest move follows the recent launch of priority banking in Dhaka, said Najith Meewanage, chief executive officer (CEO) of the bank's Bangladesh operations, in an interview with The Financial Express (FE)'s Siddique Islam. He shared insights into the bank's current performance and future goals.
FE: Given the deep-rooted ties between our nations, do you have specific plans to further scale or diversify your business operations in Bangladesh?
CEO: Bangladesh is far more than just a neighbouring market; it is a strategically vital pillar of our regional operations. Our confidence in the country is driven by its resilient economic fundamentals, a vibrant demographic dividend, and its growing role in global trade.
We see significant opportunities to deepen this partnership. Our expansion strategy is twofold: strengthening existing client relationships and selectively entering high-potential segments. A key milestone on our horizon is the introduction of Shariah-compliant banking.
By building on our reputation for stability and governance, we aim to integrate these specialised verticals, set new industry benchmarks, and contribute to the holistic development of Bangladesh's financial ecosystem.
FE: Priority banking is seeing a surge in demand. How is CBC positioned to serve the country's high-net-worth segment?
CEO: We recognise that the needs of Bangladesh's high-net-worth individuals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. To meet this demand, we have officially launched "CBC Prestige"-our signature priority banking proposition.
CBC Prestige is not just a service; it is a multi-dimensional platform designed to offer world-class wealth advisory, personalised relationship management, and exclusive lifestyle benefits.
By leveraging our regional expertise, we aim to redefine premium banking standards, foster deeper engagement, and mobilise stable, low-cost deposits that support long-term economic growth.
FE: The industry is currently navigating challenges with non-performing loans (NPLs). What is your perspective on maintaining a healthy banking system?
CEO: Maintaining asset quality is the cornerstone of sustainable banking. I am proud to share that CBC maintains an NPL ratio below 1.0 per cent, reflecting our rigorous credit underwriting and proactive early-warning systems.
From a broader policy perspective, the way forward requires a disciplined, forward-looking approach to credit governance. We advocate enhanced borrower accountability, greater transparency, and a refined legal framework to expedite recovery processes.
A resilient banking sector depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to uphold high standards of due diligence.
FE: Digitalisation is reshaping finance. What is CBC's roadmap for technology-led growth in 2026?
CEO: Our digital strategy is encapsulated in our 2026 theme: "COMBANK 360: The Next Horizon". We are moving beyond basic automation towards a seamless, technology-driven transformation serving both corporate and retail clients with precision.
For businesses, we are deploying robust platforms featuring host-to-host integration and advanced liquidity management to streamline complex operations.
For individuals, our focus is on frictionless experiences-from fully online account opening and digital onboarding to QR-based payments and seamless cross-platform fund transfers.
Our goal is to ensure every touchpoint with CBC is intuitive, secure, and state-of-the-art.
FE: Could you provide insight into CBC's current capital position?
CEO: Stability is our promise to depositors. CBC maintains an exceptionally strong capital base, with a Capital-to-Risk Weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR) well above 50 per cent-significantly higher than the regulatory requirement of 12.50 per cent and far above the industry average.
This robust buffer, supported by our consistent AAA credit rating, ensures resilience against economic shocks. Our disciplined growth and internal capital generation enable us to protect clients' interests while remaining ready to support the nation's future growth.
FE: How do you view current trends in the money and foreign exchange markets?
CEO: While global interest rates and geopolitical shifts introduce volatility, we remain cautiously optimistic about the stabilisation of local markets.
We expect gradual improvements driven by steady export performance and healthy remittance inflows.
At CBC, we will continue to manage liquidity and foreign exchange (FX) exposures with the prudence and compliance that have defined our operations in Bangladesh. Our mission remains clear: to provide stability and consistent value to our stakeholders as we navigate these evolving market conditions.
siddique.islam@gmail.com