Empowering Your Progress: How HNB Investment Bank is Driving the Evolution of Bespoke Investment Solutions

As Sri Lanka navigates a renewed phase of economic resilience, the need for structured, insight-driven financial guidance is evident. In this evolving landscape, HNB Investment Bank (HNBIB) is emerging as a pivotal force, offering a full suite of bespoke financial solutions across equity markets, fixed income instruments, strategic corporate advisory, and venture capital.

With an integrated structure comprising HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd, HNB Securities Ltd, a robust Corporate Finance arm and Lanka Ventures PLC, HNBIB has redefined accessibility and sophistication for both retail and institutional investors.

We spoke to the leadership team behind HNB Investment Bank to understand how the firm is navigating current market dynamics while building for the future.

Q: What sets HNB Investment Bank apart in Sri Lanka’s capital markets?

Decades of experience, built on a foundation of unwavering trust and a consistent record of landmark transactions. These pillars don’t just set us apart — they define who we are. As one of Sri Lanka’s most senior stockbroking and investment banking teams, we bring clarity and confidence to every transaction.

Integrity is at the core of how we operate. Clients trust us not just for our advice, but for the ethical standards that consistently guide it, across market cycles.

As a member of the HNB Group, we have the strength of a leading financial institution behind us, providing institutional backing and a broad network that enhances the value we deliver to our clients.

Most importantly, we deliver. 

From complex to transformational corporate finance transactions, our portfolio of successful closures speaks for itself.

— Ray Abeywardena, Managing Director, HNB Investment Bank

Q: What is the role of HNB Stockbrokers in the broader investment ecosystem today?

HNB Stockbrokers acts as a critical gateway to Sri Lanka’s capital markets, offering clients seamless access to equity trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Built on a foundation of trust and deep industry experience, we ensure every transaction is handled with the utmost professionalism and care. But our role extends far beyond execution. We provide market intelligence, strategic advisory, and investor education to both retail and institutional clients. As part of the HNB Group, we leverage group synergies to offer a more holistic investment experience, whether it’s real-time market access, integrated research, or portfolio alignment across asset classes.

– Prashan Fernando, Director/CEO, HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd

Q: How is HNB Stockbrokers adapting to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s investor?

Tomorrow’s investor is more informed, more connected, and more strategic. At HNB Stockbrokers, we recognize that digital convenience must be matched by intelligent advisory. That’s why our offering blends seamless online access with hands-on portfolio guidance, real-time market analysis, and access to timely research. Whether it’s a first-time investor building long-term value or a seasoned trader seeking tactical opportunities, our approach is flexible, data-driven and personalized, designed to grow with the investor, not just the market.

– Prashan Fernando, Director/CEO, HNB Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd

QHow is HNB Securities helping investors make the most of fixed income opportunities today?

In today’s environment of evolving fiscal policy and monetary policy, fixed income investments offer more than just safety. They play a key role in building stronger, more resilient portfolios. At HNB Securities, we support both retail and institutional investors in navigating these opportunities by identifying the right tenures, managing reinvestment risk and positioning portfolios effectively along the yield curve.

Our team works closely with clients to ensure their fixed income exposure aligns with their broader investment goals, whether they’re individuals looking for stability or institutions seeking strategic allocation.

— Shehan Stembo, CEO, HNB Securities Ltd

Q: What strategic role does HNB Securities Ltd play in facilitating foreign investor re-entry into Sri Lanka’s debt market?

Investor sentiment is gradually improving, and foreign interest in local bonds is returning. At HNB Securities, we play a critical role in this transition by offering end-to-end solutions for foreign institutional investors, from regulatory onboarding and currency remittance to real-time market intelligence. We also leverage HNB’s extensive banking channels to simplify access and facilitate seamless transactions. Our infrastructure ensures both ease and compliance, giving confidence to global investors looking to be part of Sri Lanka’s recovery story.

– Shehan Stembo, CEO, HNB Securities Ltd

Q: Is there a growing appetite for corporate finance solutions in this cycle?

Absolutely. What we are seeing now is a clear shift. Businesses are looking for more strategic financing avenues, whether through structured debt, M&A advisory, private placements or listings. What sets our Corporate Finance arm apart is that we tailor solutions based on business stage, sector dynamics, and capital requirements, rather than offering off-the-shelf products.

This demand for bespoke financial solutions is only expected to grow as the private sector looks beyond traditional banking.

— Yaveen Jayasekara, Group Chief Strategy Officer 

Q: What is the long-term vision for HNB Investment Bank and the clientele it serves?

Our purpose is clear: to empower progress. Whether through facilitating wealth creation, enabling market access, or designing long-term financial solutions, we are here to support clients at every stage of their investment journey. We believe that by remaining adaptive, digitally driven, and research-backed, HNB Investment will continue to play a pivotal role in the resurgence of Sri Lanka’s capital markets.

— Ray Abeywardena, Managing Director, HNB Investment Bank