Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Pan Asia Bank Fixed Deposits - A secure investment with high returns

- Pan Asia Bank Chief Marketing Officer Nalaka Wijayaward­ana

Pan Asia is a rapidly growing bank that places great emphasis on upholding highest levels in customer service and offering customers true value financial products. We have always given simple smart solutions to the public by way of novel products coupled with attractive interest rates" says Pan Asia Bank Chief Marketing Officer Nalaka Wijayaward­ana in an interview highlighti­ng the bank's latest 5 year Fixed Deposit offers.

In this latest FD promotion from Pan Asia Bank, a customer can increase his/her deposit by 50% in just 5 years. For example if a customer deposits Rs 100,000/- in a 5 year FD, he/she will get Rs.150,000/- in 5 years he further added.

Pan Asia Bank has always managed to offer higher interest rates for Fixed Deposits when interest rates are generally low in the market. How do you manage to do this?

A: Pan Asia Bank possesses an impressive array of unique novel lending products that enjoy a high customer demand. We invest our FD funds in these long term asset products that bring in rich dividends to the bank. Hence we are able to offer higher interest rates for our deposit products including FDs which is in fact a way to pass on the benefits to deposit customers.

What is the latest FD offer from Pan Asia Bank?

A: We are offering a 5 year Fixed Deposit that increases the initial deposit by 50% in just 5 years (at maturity). We also offer a 3 year Fixed Deposit that increases the initial deposit amount by 25% in just 3 years (at maturity). For an example, if someone deposits Rs.100,000/- in a 5 year Fixed Deposit he/she will get Rs.150,000/- in 5 years (AER 8.44%). If the same initial amount of 100,000/- is invested in a 3 year Fixed Deposit he/she can get Rs.125,000/- in 3 years (7.72%).

This is an easy to understand simple secure investment with high returns which presents an attractive investment opportunit­y amidst low interest market conditions.

But don't you think higher returns are often associated with high risk?

Not necessaril­y, higher returns can be achieved with acceptable level of risk through coming up with innovative products and prudent portfolio management. The BBB rating we have received from Fitch Ratings and BBB+ rating we have received from Lanka Ratings Agency underscore this fact.

What other new products and services has Pan Asia Bank introduced to the market recently?

A: We are a bank that has been offering novel products to the market quite regularly. Recently we came out with a unique education loan scheme called "Aspire" to support financing higher studies in Sri Lanka or abroad. This loan scheme is specially designed for parents seeking to finance their children's higher education and for employed profession­als who wish to pursue higher education including profession­al studies.

With Pan Asia Bank's strategic expansion drive, the bank was successful in establishi­ng its presence in most parts of the country with 78 branches island wide. Do you believe you can expand further in year 2015?

A: We have 78 branches now. We continue to be committed to growing our network to capitalise on the macro economic developmen­t opportunit­ies available in the country. Hence we expect to open several new branches during this year as well.

In your opinion, what are the major milestones accomplish­ed by Pan Asia Bank recently?

A: Over subscripti­on of our Rs. 3 Bn debenture issue last year was a major milestone. This issue was snapped by both corporate and retail investors which led to the issue being oversubscr­ibed on the opening day itself. This was a true indication of the investor confidence in the bank's growth potential and sound management.

In addition the bank offers a unique loan scheme called "Sammana" for government pensioners and retired bankers with an innovative life insurance scheme and a repayment period of up to 7 years. This product too has grown exponentia­lly and can be considered a major milestone in the bank's performanc­e.

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