Despite a central bank programme offering credit support for banks to invest in the stock market, banks are showing little interest in participating.
Sri Lanka's central bank has cut interest rates again and is ramping up pressure for banks to reduce the rates they charge borrowers, particularly small businesses.
President Joko Widodo's plan to return bank oversight functions to Bank Indonesia is unlikely to be an immediate fix for the ongoing Covid-19 related challenges.
The three shortlisted firms, including one from Sweden, will begin work on a proof-of-concept, which is expected to be completed in six to nine months.
Requirements on capital, profitability and net assets have been relaxed to pave the way for new listings from start-ups and tech firms.
A CBSL scheme announced in April to drive inward remittances and investment may risk Sri Lanka falling back into the FATF's grey list, says Duruthu Chandrasekera.
The CBSL has cut the statutory reserve ratio by 200 basis points, releasing $617mn in liquidity in the banking system. The size of its re-finance facility has also been tripled.
Banks are allowed to distribute cash dividends to general shareholders and stock dividends to sponsors and institutional investors.
The tripling of the limit was proposed to the Cabinet following complaints from various parties that they had not received relief from their banks.
Sri Lanka’s SEC has approved rules to enable electronic account opening, trading and settlement at the Colombo Stock Exchange.