Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday, 14 October 2025 02:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Deutsche Bank India and Emerging Asia CEO Kaushik Shaparia- Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe
By Nisthar Cassim
Germany’s multinational financial services giant Deutsche Bank last week said with macroeconomic indicators improving Sri Lanka is at a turning point and it will step up being a conduit for global capital, enabling trade and investment.
“Following the debt restructuring and the implementation of key reforms, there is a renewed sense of stability. Macroeconomic indicators have improved in Sri Lanka and the country is at a turning point. Post-restructuring reforms and its strategic location offer strong potential in logistics, manufacturing, renewables, and tourism. As investor confidence returns, we are ready to channel capital and advisory support into these sectors,” Deutsche Bank Group India and Emerging Asia CEO Kaushik Shaparia told the Daily FT in an exclusive interview.
See full interview on Page 6.
“We are focusing on helping Sri Lanka re-engage with global capital markets, facilitate foreign investment flows, and strengthen its trade linkages. We continue to work closely with multinational clients investing in Sri Lanka, ensuring they have access to global financial solutions within a sound risk and compliance framework,” he added.
He said that with Sri Lanka showing good progress post-crisis, Deutsche Bank is well-placed to assist both the Government of Sri Lanka and private sectors.
“Our focus includes re-engaging with global capital markets, facilitating FDI, and strengthening trade corridors. We continue to support multinationals investing in Sri Lanka through robust risk and compliance frameworks,” Shaparia said.
In response to a query on how Sri Lanka fit into Deutsche Bank’s Asia-Pacific strategy, he said: “Sri Lanka complements the Bank’s regional network, particularly in trade and institutional banking. Its integration enhances our ability to serve clients with cross-border operations across South and Southeast Asia.”
Shaparia also noted that despite initial challenges, Deutsche Bank remained engaged, guided by the country’s credible recovery plan. “We take a long-term view, focusing on fundamentals rather than short-term ratings,” he added during the interview along with Deutsche Bank Sri Lanka CCO Niranjan Figurado.
The Deutsche Bank is celebrating 45 years of operations in Sri Lanka this year and remains the only European Bank to serve Sri Lanka.
“Our longevity is built on commitment, prudence, and partnership. We have remained engaged through all economic phases, upheld strong governance, and collaborated with stakeholders to support institutional development,” said India and Emerging Asia CEO in terms of Deutsche Bank’s credibility in Sri Lanka.
“Over the years, our focus has been on supporting Sri Lanka’s growth through our strengths in corporate and investment banking, trade finance, and global markets. Even through periods of volatility, including the recent economic challenges, Deutsche Bank has remained committed to the market. We view Sri Lanka as an important partner,” he added.
“We aim to be a conduit for global capital, enabling trade and investment. We will continue to offer structured financing, sustainability-linked instruments, and core banking services to support economic stabilisation,” Shaparia emphasised.
With regard to the long-term outlook for Sri Lanka and the region, he said “We remain cautiously optimistic. With continued reforms, Sri Lanka can emerge as a regional trade and investment hub. Deutsche Bank is committed to growing with the country—sustainably and strategically.
To accelerate growth, the 40 year plus banking industry veteran said policy clarity, structural reforms, digitalisation, and prudent infrastructure investment are key. Strengthening governance and regulatory frameworks will further enhance investor confidence, he added.
