Sampath Bank PLC is revolutionizing the banking sector in Sri Lanka with the launch of a fully integrated lending ecosystem powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to providing intelligent, data-driven financial services. It is among the first comprehensive AI-based lending solutions available in Sri Lanka, allowing for quick, paperless loan approvals that set a new standard for efficiency, simplicity, and accessibility within the industry.
The AI-based lending system aims to streamline the finance acquisition process for customers. Those who are already clients and meet the eligibility criteria can receive instant loan offers through automated evaluations, eliminating the need for paperwork, collateral, or guarantors while adhering to responsible lending principles. New customers benefit from a digitally integrated process that utilizes external credit data alongside a comprehensive analysis of their financial activities, facilitating quicker loan approvals at physical branches. This entire process is seamlessly managed through the Bank’s Vishwa digital platform, which guarantees a secure and transparent experience from application to fund disbursement.
Darshin Pathinayake, Chief Business Intelligence Officer at Sampath Bank, commented on this advancement, stating, “The AI-driven lending ecosystem at Sampath Bank signifies a major advancement in offering intelligent and adaptive banking solutions. The incorporation of advanced analytics allows for quicker access to financing while ensuring consistency, accuracy, and robust risk management, thus enhancing the customer experience at every interaction.”
The bank’s improved leasing framework also enhances its service offerings by simplifying income assessments and reducing processing times, allowing for quicker approvals for eligible clients. Personal leasing aligns income evaluations with customer profiles, while commercial leasing employs structured assessments backed by turnover analysis and additional income factors when necessary, ensuring reliability and consistency across various sectors.
Sampath Bank is reinforcing its support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through AI-driven features that facilitate faster, fairer, and more transparent funding access. Asanka Liyanage, Deputy General Manager – Consumer & SME Banking at Sampath Bank, elaborated, “This transformation focuses on making financial access simpler and more inclusive for both individuals and businesses throughout Sri Lanka. Enhanced turnaround times, decreased complexity, and a clearer evaluation process empower customers to progress with assurance, ensuring that funding decisions reflect their genuine financial standing and growth potential.” Advanced analytical tools scrutinize transaction flows and cash movement trends to create a reliable picture of business performance. A structured, data-driven evaluation model applies uniform criteria to assess creditworthiness, ensuring objective evaluations across the board while maintaining strong risk oversight.
This transformation allows businesses to secure financing based on their actual performance, minimizes dependence on subjective judgments, and fosters more consistent and responsible lending practices. Sampath Bank’s ongoing investment in AI-driven lending solidifies its leadership in digital banking while offering substantial value to customers across retail, leasing, and SME sectors.
Photo Captions:
Image 1: Darshin Pathinayake, Chief Business Intelligence Officer, Sampath Bank
Image 2: Asanka Liyanage, Deputy General Manager – Consumer & SME Banking, Sampath Bank
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
