Business
Nations Trust Bank steers through Q3 2022 with strong performance

Nations Trust Bank PLC reported a strong 3rd quarter with YTD Operating Income of LKR 27Bn, up 62% year-on-year (YoY). Despite the volatile environment, the Bank recorded Profit Before Tax of LKR 9.3Bn, a growth of 25% YoY and PAT of LKR 5.2Bn, up 6% YoY.
Commenting on Q3 2022 results, Hemantha D Gunetilleke, Director & Chief Executive Officer, said, “We have delivered another strong quarter continuing the trend demonstrated in the first half of the year. The results underpin the fundamental strengths of Bank’s Liquidity, Capital Adequacy and Risk Management framework. These fundamental strengths have ensured that we are able to consistently provide banking service excellence to our customers despite the challenging external environment.”
With higher earnings during the quarter, Earnings Per Share continued to improve throughout the year and stood at LKR 17.55 as of 30th September 2022. The Return on Equity (ROE) as at Q3 2022 was 17.26% compared to 18.31% last year.
The negative economic environment resulted in impairment provisions on loans, advances guarantees, and commitments increasing 266%, weighing down returns. Uncertainties in the operating environment and negative flows from moratorium loans led to higher provisions, while Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating downgrade announced earlier this year also contributed to increased provisions despite a relatively lower ISB and SLDB holding.
As a result of the revised VAT rates on Financial Services, higher profits and tax reversals in the previous year, Nations Trust Bank’s overall tax expenses grew by 65% during the reporting period. As outlined by the Government budget for 2022, the surcharge tax of 25% over taxable income for 2021, which amounted to LKR 1.9 billion, was also considered during Q2 2022 against the retained earnings, as per the guidelines issued by CA Sri Lanka.
The Bank’s overall financial position in Q3 remained strong with comfortable capital buffers with a Tier I Capital ratio of 12.59% and Total Capital Adequacy ratio of 14.85%. The Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio (SLAR) for the Domestic Banking Unit was 32.86% at the reporting date.
Looking ahead, Gunetilleke added, “Despite the prevailing economic environment, the Bank will pursue its growth agenda in selected market segments, delivering growth opportunities for our customers and long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Nations Trust Bank PLC serves a diverse range of customers across Consumer, Commercial and Corporate segments through an island wide network of 96 branches. The bank is focused on digital empowerment through cutting-edge digital banking technologies, and pioneered FriMi, Sri Lanka’s leading digital banking experience. Nations Trust Bank PLC is an issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka with market leadership in the premium segments.
Business
Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.
Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.
Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.
On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.
“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.
In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.
The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.
Business
UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.
Business
ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.
The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.
Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.
The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.
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