Compliance Symposium 2025 unites LFC sector around stronger, smarter compliance future

THE Compliance Forum of the Finance Houses Association of Sri Lanka (FHA) successfully hosted the Compliance Symposium 2025 on 17 June at the Ballroom of the Galadari Hotel, Colombo.

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Under the theme “Compliance for a Better Tomorrow,” the symposium brought together over 250 professionals representing all 32 Licensed Finance Companies (LFCs) — a powerful demonstration of unity, shared vision, and the sector’s commitment to ongoing professional development.

The event was graced by Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, who delivered an impactful keynote address.

Dr. Weerasinghe emphasised that regulatory compliance is not merely a supervisory expectation, but a cornerstone of institutional resilience and financial sector stability. He highlighted the importance of empowering compliance functions as independent, authoritative pillars within organisations — capable of challenging decisions, influencing governance, and steering institutions towards ethical and sustainable operations.

He further noted that the true strength of a compliance culture lies not in external enforcement alone, but in internal ownership — where financial institutions embrace compliance as a leadership responsibility rather than a regulatory burden. “Everything does not need to come from the regulator,” he remarked, urging institutions to proactively adopt ethical standards and best practices, even in the absence of formal mandates.

Dr. Weerasinghe commended the Compliance Forum for its leadership and foresight, stating that initiatives like the Compliance Symposium help lay the foundation for a stronger, smarter, and more forward-looking financial industry — where integrity, accountability, and professionalism are not only values, but operational imperatives.

The symposium was further honoured by the presence of Deputy Governor Dr. J. P. R. Karunaratne and Assistant Governor C. P. S. Bandara, reflecting the Central Bank’s continued support for capacity building and sectoral excellence.