Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) has delivered a strong start to financial year 2026, surpassing a significant milestone as total assets crossed Rs 2.5 trillion, underscoring sustained balance sheet expansion and continued customer confidence in a challenging global economic environment.

The Bank reported steady growth across core business lines, with total deposits surpassing Rs 2.0 trillion and gross loans and advances rising beyond Rs 1.6 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. The performance reflects disciplined growth in lending activity supported by a stable and expanding deposit base.

Despite heightened economic volatility, HNB recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs 9.95 billion for Q1 2026, while Group PAT stood at Rs 10.35 billion, demonstrating resilience and effective balance sheet management amid global and domestic uncertainties.

Net interest income (NII) rose to Rs 26.9 billion, supported by a 10.0% year-on-year increase in interest income. The improvement was underpinned by disciplined asset expansion and a stable funding structure, with the Net Interest Margin (NIM) improving to 4.45%, compared to 4.26% in the corresponding period last year.

Non-funded income streams also delivered strong momentum. Net fee and commission income surged by 40.9% year-on-year to Rs 6.8 billion, driven by robust performance in leasing, card transactions, and growing adoption of digital banking solutions. Exchange income increased by 6.0% to Rs 1.6 billion, supported by higher customer activity and improved trade flows.

Overall operating income for the quarter rose 17.2% year-on-year to Rs 36.1 billion, compared to Rs 30.8 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting broad-based growth across key revenue lines.

Operating expenses increased by 19.6% year-on-year, driven by higher transactional activity, increased lending operations, and regulatory levies linked to priority-sector lending. However, cost efficiency remained broadly stable, with the cost-to-income ratio recorded at 37.15%.

In line with a prudent risk management approach, the Bank recorded impairment provisions of Rs 2.6 billion in Q1 2026, compared to a reversal in the corresponding period last year. This reflects a cautious stance amid evolving macroeconomic conditions and global uncertainties.

Asset quality indicators remained broadly stable, with the Net Stage 3 ratio marginally increasing to 1.18%, while Stage 3 provision coverage stood at a healthy 73.29%, reinforcing the Bank’s strong buffer against potential credit stress.

Commenting on the performance, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HNB PLC, Mr. Damith Pallewatte, said the quarter reflected the Bank’s commitment to customer partnership and resilience in a volatile operating environment.

He noted that HNB continued to support Retail, SME, Corporate, and Microfinance customers through cost pressures and evolving funding needs, while advancing digital transformation, responsible lending, and financial inclusion initiatives.

“During this period of uncertainty, our focus has remained on maintaining close engagement with customers while ensuring strong risk discipline and balance sheet resilience,” he said. “We remain committed to sustainable growth and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”

The Bank’s capital and liquidity buffers remained well above regulatory thresholds, with Tier I capital at 15.03%, Total Capital Adequacy at 18.07%, and an all-currency Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 194.44%, reflecting significant financial strength and regulatory headroom.

During the quarter, gross loans and advances increased by Rs 113.8 billion, while deposits rose by Rs 61.7 billion, highlighting continued customer confidence and steady business expansion.

HNB’s strong financial position was further reinforced by its credit rating of AA-(lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka. The Bank also continued to receive significant international recognition, including being named Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka for the 16th time by The Asian Banker, alongside awards from Global Business Magazine, The Banker (UK), Euromoney, and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, reflecting its standing as one of the country’s leading financial institutions.

The Board also expressed its appreciation to Mr. K. V. Nihal Jayawardena, P.C., for his contribution during his tenure, and extended best wishes to Mr. Suresh Shah on his appointment as Chairman.

With sustained asset growth, strong profitability, and reinforced capital strength, HNB continues to consolidate its position as a leading force in Sri Lanka’s banking sector, navigating uncertainty with resilience and strategic discipline.

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HNB PLC has been crowned “Bank of the Year Sri Lanka 2025” by The Banker Magazine (UK), earning one of the global banking industry’s most respected accolades.

The award, presented by the London-based Financial Times publication, recognises HNB’s financial strength, resilience, and long-term strategic performance during a year of economic uncertainty.

The Banker’s annual awards assess institutions worldwide on capital strength, innovation, governance, and sustainable growth. HNB’s win follows a period in which the bank made notable gains in balance sheet health, digital adoption, and operational efficiency.

HNB MD/CEO Damith Pallewatte welcomed the honour, saying it reflected the Bank’s commitment to national recovery and customer confidence.

“This award recognises the progress we are making as a bank supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term growth. Our priority remains strengthening balance sheet stability, improving service reliability, and expanding digital and advisory solutions for our customers,” he said. “These achievements are driven by disciplined execution and the trust placed in us by our customers and partners.”

The recognition comes at the end of a milestone year for HNB, marked by stronger capital and liquidity positions, improvements in asset quality, and growth in SME and transaction banking. The Bank also completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in HNB Investment Bank significantly strengthening its investment banking footprint.

Across operations, HNB has invested in process redesign, data-driven decision-making, and customer-experience improvements across both its branch network and digital channels. These measures have created a more agile platform for future expansion.

As Sri Lanka’s banking sector moves toward greater transparency, modernisation, and digital transformation, HNB’s performance positions it among the region’s top-ranked institutions. The Banker’s accolade underscores its role as a key contributor to the country’s economic recovery and long-term financial stability.

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