Trading & Investment

Dhaka Bourse Commences Trading on New SME Platform

05/10/2021

Investors must have at least BDT 5 million in stock investments to participate in the secondary market for SMEs listed on the new platform.

Trading & Investment

CBSL Warns Banks Against Creating FX Black Market

03/10/2021

Sri Lankan banks are charging heavy premiums to execute FX transactions, claiming to not have US dollars available.

Trading & Investment

CSE Launches New OTC Platform for Corporate Debt Repo

20/09/2021

The new platform will enhance the repo trading mechanism and facilitate a buildup of liquidity in Sri Lanka’s corporate debt market.

Trading & Investment

Sri Lanka: CSE to Allow Fundraising in Foreign Currencies

18/09/2021

Sri Lankan companies will be allowed to raise debt and equity in foreign currency on the Colombo Stock Exchange. A new benchmark index is also being launched.

Liquidity Risk

New CBSL Governor Takes Office, Pledges to Ensure Stability

16/09/2021

The changes at the CBSL come as Sri Lanka faces depleting foreign exchange reserves and a weakening currency.

Structural Regulation

Sri Lanka Passes New SEC Act to Bolster Capital Market

09/09/2021

SEC chairman Viraj Dayaratna described the new law as “futuristic”, saying it will help to increase market liquidity and attract foreign investment.

Credit Risk

Bangladesh Bank Ends Moratorium on Loan Repayments

09/02/2021

Coupled with the weaker debt repayment capacity of borrowers, Moody’s expects the move to cause a systemwide increase in the NPL ratio.

Credit Risk

CBSL Reduced Risk Weights on Bank Mortgage Loans  

01/02/2021

The Sri Lankan central bank has lowered the risk weights applicable to credit risk for foreign claims on the central government and residential housing loans.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Sri Lanka Issues Good Practices Guidelines for Stockbrokers

26/01/2021

The guidelines are mandatory and require immediate implementation. Three months’ grace is given for a new cap on investment advisor commissions.