Investment banking builds new ground at Bank of Ceylon

A closer look at how Bank of Ceylon is advancing market-based finance, advisory, and wealth services

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With shifting macroeconomic conditions, subdued interest rates, and evolving investor expectations, Sri Lanka's financial sector is seeing increased demand for market-based solutions. Traditional banking alone no longer meets the financing needs of businesses and individuals looking for more than loans and deposits. This is where investment banking steps in, offering structured funding options, capital market access, and advisory services that go beyond balance sheet lending.

Bank of Ceylon (BOC), one of Sri Lanka's largest and most experienced financial institutions, has steadily expanded its presence in this space. Its Investment Banking Division has evolved into a key player across a broad range of activities, from debt structuring and equity placement to IPO underwriting, securitisation, and wealth management. To understand how BOC is navigating this transformation and what its investment banking arm offers today, we sat down with International, Treasury and Investment Division Deputy General Manager G.A. Jayashantha for a detailed conversation. Here's what he shared.

What is the main role of the Investment Banking Division at Bank of Ceylon?

The Investment Banking Division at Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has grown into a core part of the bank's nontraditional operations. While BOC has long been recognised for its retail and corporate banking services, its investment banking unit plays a different, more specialised role, offering advisory, structuring, and market-based solutions to a wide range of clients.

The main part of this division is a portfolio of services that includes corporate finance advisory, capital market structuring, bond issuances, equity and debt structuring, and underwriting for IPOs.