Orient Finance PLC, an established player in Sri Lanka's financial services sector, has been honoured with five prestigious awards at the recently concluded Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) Awards 2024. These accolades further solidify the company's status as a trailblazer in the Islamic finance sector, both locally and internationally.

Among the notable awards, Orient Finance's Alternative Finance Business Unit won the Gold Award for Islamic Finance Entity of the Year 2023/2024, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in the industry. The Gold Award for Islamic NBFI Window/Unit of the Year 2023/2024 also recognizes the company’s excellence in providing tailored financial solutions to diverse communities.

In addition to these corporate awards, Orient Finance also celebrated remarkable individual achievements. Ifath Zuhry, Head of the Alternative Finance Business Unit, was honoured with the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to the Industry. Meanwhile, Nazick Hassan, a rising star within the company, received the Bronze Award for Rising Star of the Year 2023/2024, acknowledging his exceptional contributions and potential in the sector.

A significant highlight of this year’s awards was the recognition of Orient Finance’s marketing efforts, with the Gold Award for Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year 2023/2024 and the Silver Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year 2023/2024. These awards celebrate the innovative and impactful marketing strategies executed by the team, further boosting the company’s brand presence in a highly competitive market.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. K.M.M. Jabir, Executive Director and CEO of Orient Finance PLC, said, “It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I reflect on the recent recognition of our Alternative Finance Business Unit at the Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) 2024, where we were honoured with five distinguished awards. Among these, the Gold Award for Islamic Finance Entity of the Year 2023/2024 stands as a particularly meaningful achievement, underscoring our leadership and excellence within the Islamic finance sector.

“These prestigious accolades not only reflect the trust our customers have placed in us but also recognize the dedication, innovation, and excellence that define Orient Finance PLC. Over the past 43 years, we have remained resolutely committed to providing financial solutions that empower communities, and these awards serve as significant validation of our continued journey toward excellence in the industry.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at Orient Finance for their unwavering dedication, creativity, and strategic foresight. Their collective effort, passion, and commitment have made this achievement possible. This success solidifies our position as a trailblazer in Islamic finance within the non-banking financial sector.

Expressing further, Jabir said, “As we celebrate this momentous achievement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing boundaries, enhancing our product offerings, and delivering innovative solutions that address the ever-evolving needs of our valued customers. Together, we will continue to set new industry benchmarks, redefine excellence, and chart a path for future success. I express my sincere gratitude to all our customers, stakeholders, and employees for their unwavering support and trust in our vision. Greater milestones and achievements await us as we strive to make an even more profound impact in the world of Islamic finance.”

Since its inception over four decades ago, Orient Finance has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing ethical and Sharia-compliant financial services. With a portfolio that includes LKR 1.4 billion+ in Ijarah business and LKR 1.25 billion in Wakalah term investments within just three years, the company has proven its ability to cater to a wide range of customer needs while remaining a leader in the alternative finance sector.

Saminda Rathnayake, Head of Channels, added, “Being recognized as South Asia's Islamic Finance Entity of the Year 2023/2024 is a significant achievement, earned through considerable competition with top financial institutions in the region. This honour is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who remain committed to providing innovative, customer-centric solutions. We take immense pride in this milestone, which serves as strong motivation to continue setting new standards of excellence within the Islamic finance industry."

Ifath Zuhry, Head of the Alternative Finance Business Unit, concluded, "These accolades are a direct result of the relentless effort of our team, as well as the strong strategic vision we follow in upholding the highest standards in Islamic finance. A Shariah consultant regularly reviews the product structures and operational processes to ensure compliance with Shariah principles throughout all operations. As we push forward, our unwavering commitment to product compliance and customer satisfaction will continue to drive us to new heights."

These outstanding achievements underscore Orient Finance's leadership in Islamic finance, ethical financial solutions, and innovative marketing. The company’s strategic focus on product excellence and customer service has positioned it as a prominent player in the non-banking financial services industry.

Photo caption : Mr. K.M.M. Jabir, Executive Director and CEO of Orient Finance PLC