The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has reaffirmed its position among the globe’s leading financial institutions by being recognized as the top Sri Lankan bank in the 2026 edition of The Banker magazine’s prestigious Top 1000 World Banks ranking. This marks the bank’s historic 14th inclusion in this global listing, making it the only Sri Lankan financial entity to achieve such a feat.
The bank’s leading position among its local counterparts is attributed to a substantial growth of 12.1% in Tier I capital, which serves as a key metric for assessing financial stability according to The Banker. The Commercial Bank was the first Sri Lankan institution to enter the Top 1000 rankings, setting a significant precedent for the sector.
In response to this accomplishment, Mr. Sanath Manatunge, the Managing Director and CEO of Commercial Bank, stated, “Achieving the top rank among Sri Lankan banks in such a prestigious global listing underscores our disciplined approach to capital management and our resilience in adapting to changing market conditions. This recognition highlights our commitment to sustaining strong fundamentals while enhancing our capabilities for the future of banking.”
Mr. Manatunge further remarked, “The Banker’s annual rankings serve as a critical measure of the world’s largest banks. Being recognized for 14 consecutive years is a significant endorsement of our stability and strength. For our customers, this serves as an affirmation of their trust in the Commercial Bank of Ceylon.”
The Banker’s Top 1000 ranking is widely acknowledged as a leading benchmark for evaluating banking strength and stability, drawing data from a comprehensive database of over 5,000 major banks globally. The rankings are primarily based on Tier I capital but also consider various performance indicators.
In its analysis of this year’s results, The Banker noted that the global banking sector remains relatively strong, bolstered by solid capital buffers, with Tier I capital to asset ratios nearing a decade-high. However, it cautioned that banks must balance this capital strength with adaptability and new skills to address challenges such as geopolitical risks and technological advancements, including the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
The evaluation process involves assessing over 120 performance metrics across eight critical areas: Growth, Operational Efficiency, Risk Return, Soundness, Profitability, Asset Quality, Liquidity, and Leverage. These evaluations ultimately shape the rankings and highlight the top-performing banks both regionally and globally.
As the first Sri Lankan bank to achieve a market capitalization exceeding US$ 1 billion, the Commercial Bank boasts the largest capital base among all banks in Sri Lanka and stands as the leading private sector lender in the country. It is ranked No. 1 in the Business Today Top 40 and is celebrated as the most respected and awarded bank in Sri Lanka, recognized for its leadership in digital innovation and as the nation’s first fully carbon-neutral bank.
With over 270 strategically located branches and a comprehensive network of ATMs nationwide, the Commercial Bank also boasts the widest international presence among Sri Lankan banks. This includes 21 branches in Bangladesh, a fully operational Tier I bank with a majority share in the Maldives, a microfinance venture in Myanmar, and a representative office situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Additionally, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, CBC Finance PLC and Commercial Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Limited, provide a variety of financial services through their own networks.
