Trade Finance Association of Bankers – 28th Annual General Meeting

The Trade Finance Association of Bankers (TFAB) successfully held its 28th Annual General Meeting on February 19th, 2025, at Bank of Ceylon Auditorium in Colombo. As the only association representing Trade Finance practitioners in Sri Lanka, TFAB continues to foster industry knowledge, collaboration, and professional growth.

Since its establishment on November 11, 1997, TFAB has been committed to enhancing expertise in Trade Finance through seminars, lectures, training programs, study tours, discussions, and newsletters. A flagship event in its calendar is the Interbank Trade Finance Quiz and Social, which serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing and professional networking. The association also leverages digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to keep members engaged and informed. During the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the organization unveiled its newly developed Vision, Mission, Values, and Objectives statement.

TFAB plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s International Trade Finance sector, collaborating closely with key regulatory institutions, including the Import and Export Control Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Department of Foreign Exchange at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). These partnerships contribute to improving trade policies, addressing industry challenges, and developing effective solutions.

The association boasts a strong membership base, comprising all Licensed Commercial Banks and Specialized Banks in Sri Lanka. TFAB is guided by an esteemed Advisory Committee consisting of veterans in the Trade Finance sector, ensuring the continued growth and excellence of the industry.

Incumbent president Shyam De Silva – Assistant Vice President – Centralized Trade Operations – Hatton National Bank was re-elected at the AGM as the President of the Association for the year 2025 / 2026. He is a professional banker with over 25 years of experience at Hatton National Bank and he has worked in areas such as System Implementation, Offshore Banking and Trade Finance, with predominant exposure in both export and import segments.

He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka. He has been in the association holding positions as the Secretary General, Treasurer, Vice President and Senior Vice President.