CDB achieves historic performance in FY25

• Profit after tax up 59% at Rs. 4 b
• Profit before taxes at Rs. 7.9 b
• Revenue surpasses Rs. 25 b
• Contribution to State coffers at Rs. 3.9 b 
• Total assets up 22% to Rs. 156 b; loan book up 29% to Rs. 110 b

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has announced a historic performance for FY 2024/25, delivering record-breaking results and reinforcing its strategic ascendancy as a key contributor to Sri Lanka’s economic revival and inclusive development. 

As the nation emerges from crisis into resurgence, CDB has demonstrated not only resilience, but leadership, translating macro-recovery into transformative, real-economy impact.

In a statement CDB said with Profit After Tax surging to Rs. 4 billion (up 59%) and Profit Before Taxes at Rs. 7.9 billion (up 72%), CDB’s performance signals strategic precision in execution and market foresight. Total assets surged past the Rs. 150 billion mark to Rs. 156.9 billion, while net interest income grew 25% to Rs. 11.4 billion. This remarkable performance enabled the Board to declare a total cash dividend of Rs. 15 per share (including an interim dividend of Rs. 5 per share), reinforcing a track record of superior shareholder value creation. Amid Sri Lanka’s 5% GDP growth and sweeping macro-stabilization, CDB leveraged emerging opportunities with remarkable agility. Its lending portfolio expanded by 29% year-on-year to Rs. 110.9 billion, with a 62% growth in approvals and disbursements underscoring its role as a key credit mobiliser to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). CDB accounted for a significant 8% share of finance company lending to the private sector in 2024 affirming its role as a financial catalyst in grassroots economic recovery.

Crucially, this growth was underpinned by a disciplined and future-ready asset quality strategy. Through bold structural reforms such as AI-powered credit automation, digital post-disbursement monitoring, and advanced risk segmentation CDB redefined industry benchmarks. The 90-day past due (90DPD) ratio was reduced to 6.32% (gross) and 3.10% (net).

CDB’s strategic capital strength remains formidable: Tier I and Tier II capital ratios at 14.47% and 18.09% respectively, well above regulatory thresholds, a robust ROE of 18.15%, and liquidity maintained at 19.52%. The company’s deepened funding mix, supported by a 19% rise in deposits and reinforced by strong institutional partnerships both local and foreign, positions it to confidently scale its asset base in a competitive financial landscape.

CDB continued its growing support to the national economy and communities through its CSR projects, and further to the environment and the government coffers where this year’s contribution by way of direct taxes was Rs. 3.9 billion including other taxes collected Rs. 5.1 billion.  

 Beyond financial metrics, CDB’s strategic blueprint is anchored in its sustainability and digital transformation pillars that define the next era of value creation. Under its “Net Zero” agenda, it advanced its partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), completing phase one of its climate transition roadmap, targeting net-zero operations by 2030. Concurrently, CDB led pioneering biodiversity and clean energy initiatives, while aligning with global best practices and the Sustainable Finance Roadmap 2.0 issued by the Central Bank. The Wings Ecosystem, a flagship of CDB’s sustainability agenda, champions women’s empowerment by delivering impactful financial and non-financial support driving bold strides in inclusion, opportunity, and transformative growth.

Technological innovation remains at the heart of CDB’s operational evolution. The company’s flagship “Self” platform which is a hybrid of digital banking and wallet offers an unmatched client experience, while AI-driven credit approvals and risk-based pricing have created a responsive, data-intelligent lending ecosystem. These platforms are not only enhancing operational velocity but are also building the foundation for CDB’s aspiration to achieve a Rs. 250Bn asset base by FY 2026/27.

As CDB steps proudly into its 30th anniversary year, it reflects on a legacy of transformation led by “extraordinary results through ordinary people.” From MSMEs to women empowerment, digital inclusion to environmental stewardship, CDB remains unwavering in its mission: to create deep, enduring value for its stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic and social fabric.