Commercial Credit and Finance PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s leading finance companies announced a growth of 48 % as its net profits for the financial year ended 31 March 2014 reached Rs.1billion. This marks an increase from Rs. 0.7 billion in 2012/13.

“The year under review will go down in the annals of the history of our Company as the year during which we first recorded Rs.1 billion in profits. This is a significant achievement by itself, but particularly so, considering the challenging year faced by the sector”, says CEO of Commercial Credit Roshan Egodage. He goes on to add that the Company’s total assets also expanded during the year under review, by 73.1 % to reach Rs. 31.6 billion, and its interest income by 74.5% to reach Rs. 6.9 billion.

“This growth coming on the back of good performances over the last several years, and the fact that it was mainly led by growth in the lending portfolio, is indeed very creditworthy” he added.

Chairman of Commercial Credit Cecil Perera said that the Company had expanded its service network substantially to reach all districts of the country. “With this extended service network, Commercial Credit was well positioned to further develop its business activities. In the financial year 2013/14 the Company extended it service network from 60 to 75 locations. In selecting the locations for expansion, the Company not only considered current and future business potential, but also the needs of the population in such areas. Our deposit base grew by 73.7% indicating the immense trust and confidence the public has in the Commercial Credit brand and what it stands for”, he added.

He went on to say, “The success of any organisation is founded on the trust and confidence of its customers, and we believe that this is particularly so in the case of our Company as we are in the financial services industry”.

During the first quarter of 2014 there were certain parameters related to the local economy which indicated a performance below expectations. However, the authorities are confident that Sri Lanka’s aspiring growth plans are on track in its thrust towards reaching per capita GDP of USD 4,000 by 2016 and financial institutions such as Commercial Credit that are characterised by innovation, speedy growth and expansion would be presented with many opportunities to contribute significantly to this development.  He adds, “With our fast growing service network and large and loyal customer base, our Company would be uniquely positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that would certainly arise”.

Confirming the Company’s excellent track record and potential, the leading frontier markets private equity investor, Creation Investments Capital Management LLC, Chicago, USA earlier this year agreed to invest Rs. 1.68 billion into Commercial Credit through its wholly owned subsidiary, Creation Investments Sri Lanka LLC. This was the largest investment by an international private equity fund into a publicly listed Sri Lankan licensed finance company and is a strong validation of the success of Commercial Credit.

“We believe that the association the Company established through this transaction would be beneficial to spur a high level of interest in the financial services sector of Sri Lanka among international investors looking for investments in developing markets in the region. We are confident that the Company’s relationship with Creation Investments would result in a true win-win for both parties in the coming years”, says the Chairman.