First Capital world’s first investment institution accepted for SSCI certification

First Capital Holdings team receiving the Certificate of Acceptance to the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development

In a historic milestone for sustainable finance, First Capital Holdings PLC, has been awarded the Certificate of Acceptance to the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI) by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development (EOSD). 

This landmark recognition was conferred recently during the Annual Global Sustainable Finance Conference held in Karlsruhe, Germany, positioning First Capital as the world’s first investment institution to receive this prestigious accolade.

A subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), First Capital Holdings is a pioneering full-service investment institution.

The latest achievement underscores First Capital’s commitment to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles at the core of its investment philosophy. The SSCI Certificate of Acceptance affirms the company’s alignment with globally accepted sustainability standards and best practices, reinforcing its status as a responsible, future-ready leader in the global financial landscape.

In addition to receiving the SSCI recognition, Managing Director/CEO Dilshan Wirasekara was invited to participate as a panelist at the Annual Global Sustainable Finance Conference, hosted by the European Organisation for Sustainable Development in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Wirasekara joined an elite panel of global financial leaders to discuss “Financial Services in a Fast-Changing Economic World,” offering strategic insights into how financial institutions must respond to evolving market dynamics through resilience, innovation and ESG integration. His contribution reflected First Capital’s deep commitment to aligning financial performance with sustainable impact, particularly within emerging markets.

The combination of thought leadership and global recognition at the same event positioned First Capital at the forefront of the sustainable finance movement, creating significant visibility for the company’s pioneering role on the international stage.

“Receiving the Certificate of Acceptance to the SSCI is a transformative moment, not only for First Capital, but also for the broader South Asian financial sector,” said Wirasekara. “This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainable finance is no longer a future ambition but a current imperative. We remain deeply committed to advancing ESG integration across all our operations, driving long-term value for our stakeholders, our economy and the environment.”

First Capital Holdings PLC Managing Director/CEO Dilshan Wirasekara sharing his insights at the panel discussion on “Financial Services in a Fast-Changing Economic World”

International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions Chairman and EOSD CEO Arshad Rab said: “The International Council of Sustainability Standards for Value-Driven Financial Institutions is pleased to announce that First Capital PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s most forward-looking investment institutions, has officially joined the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI). With over three decades of experience in capital markets, First Capital has been instrumental in strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial sector and supporting both individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals. Its entry into SSCI reflects the company’s deep commitment to embedding true and holistic sustainability. We are delighted to welcome First Capital into the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative. Together, we will demonstrate that creating social, economic, and environmental value while reporting strong corporate performance are two sides of the same coin. We have no doubt about the commitment of First Capital, its management, and its shareholders to this vision.”

“We look forward to working with First Capital to build a purpose-led institution that champions sustainable finance and contributes meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s economic and social progress while preserving the nature and combatting climate change,” he added.

The SSCI is a global benchmark developed by EOSD to promote responsible financial institutions that actively support sustainable operations through transparent, accountable and verifiable ESG frameworks. First Capital’s acceptance to certification is not only a validation of its ongoing sustainability journey, but also a call to action for the investment community to align capital with purpose.

As the financial industry increasingly acknowledges the strategic imperative of sustainability, First Capital’s pioneering recognition by SSCI affirms its readiness to shape the future of finance where returns are measured not only in financial metrics, but also in social and environmental outcomes.