Assistant Manager
Nations Trust Bank PLC
Total years of experience :0 years, 0 Months
I started off my career at Nations trust Bank PLC; a dynamic Private Bank focused in superlative service and customer centricity in December 2005 and was almost immediately assigned to the bank’s newly form Department “Business Banking”. Its prime objective was to attract low cost funds, mainly CASA and there by derive substantial income by way of NII. Nations Trust Bank PLC introduced the Account Relationship Officer concept in attempting to create a single point of contact for all the transactional accounts.
My stint at the Pettah branch for over 7 years under the grades of Banking Trainee, Banking Assistant and Senior Banking Assistant has been the turning point of my career. Pettah is well known to be the “Trade Hub” of Sri Lanka where the majority of Importation and Trading takes place. Thus I have been significantly exposed to a variety of transactions that involves Letters of Credit, Telegraphic Transfers, and Documentary Collection etc.
Further I was ably managing one of the largest liability books in the retail network which consisted different customer segments. In addition to managing the foretold I was structuring small scale facilities to suit the business requirements of the existing/proposed clients in line with the Bank’s risk appetite.
Some of the operational work I covered included Opening of Current Accounts, Savings Accounts, Fixed Deposits, Kids Accounts and Placement of Certificate of deposits. Also was responsible in checking and dispatching PDC cheques to Central Clearing Department. Was also involved in obtaining exchange rates from treasury for import bill settlements. To be very particular I was the sole point of contact to all the SME clients.
As an Assistant Manager handling Business Banking Relationships, my role was elevated from a more functional ground to a more decision making figure. I had to manage my team of three who were under the capacity of Senior Banking Assistants. Whilst assuming the responsibility of leading the team, I was actively participating in fashioning strategies in the locality that would best suit the bank’s overall objectives.
A few initiatives included town storming sessions for acquiring new accounts, concessionary pricing schemes for large scale importer at seasonal times, active participation in forming Business Banking Platinum, Gold and Silver segments, Analysis of small sized ticket facilities and pricing, ensuring that the branch staff are aggressively cross selling SME products and services.
As the Bank grew it’s books in the said vicinity and a necessity arose to have another branch and the bank taking to consideration my track record, performance and ability to lead from the front decided the promote me to the grade of Branch Manager in 2012.
From identifying a suitable location to obtaining approvals from necessary local authorities I was actively involved in its origin. The branch is a fully fledged unit equipped with Credit, Pawning, Leasing and Hire Purchasing. Whilst having three cash counters and a customer service counter, the branch is fully able to deliver superlative customer service that is uniform across the branch network. The branch also has its dedicated Account Relationship Officer to cater to the most important relationships and a Business Development Officer who is fully geared to drive sales.
In 2013 under my leader ship and guidance coupled up with the team’s efforts the branch managed to achieve the following feats the Bank’s Annual Retail Banking Awards.
•The Best SME Branch
•The Most Profitable Branch\
•The Best Revenue Branch
From a very humble beginning now the branch is recognized as one of the most profitable branches across the branch network.
In what started in 2005 December my career has taken off from TBA to BA from BA to SBA
my responsibilities are listed below.
•Enhancing the current portfolio as per the targets set in the Assistant Manger agreement through a systematic approach to present SME Customer base.
•Build & maintain a close rapport with the customers & be vigilant of the portfolio movement.
•Increase trade and bank commissions and foreign exchange from the portfolio allocated. Assist the Senior Manager in enhancing revenues through innovative fee based facilities/ services.
•Increase the Cash back facilities/Property back to SME accounts in order to increase the NII & Fee.
•Ensure a good rating for audit reports and rectification of all audit comments avoiding repeat audit comments.
•Take proper actions in avoiding provisions
•Structuring of facilities to suit the business requirements of the existing/proposed clients in line with the Bank’s risk appetite and pricing to be done to properly reflect such risk.
and to be completed by September 2019.
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