HNBA News

Fitch Ratings has maintained ‘A+ (lka)’ National Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Ratings of HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI). Fitch Ratings confirmed the ratings of the two companies in a statement published recently continuing their ‘A+ (lka)’ rating with Rating Watch Negative. The communiqué of the acclaimed rating agency, Fitch Ratings notes, ‘Fitch regards the insurers' company profiles as 'Favorable' compared to other insurers in Sri Lanka because of a 'Favorable' business profile and 'Moderate/Favorable' corporate governance. HNBA and HNBGI have substantive business franchises that benefit from an association with the group's parent, Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB, AA-(lka)/RWN) - one of the largest private commercial banks in the country - with whom they share the 'HNB' brand name’. Sharing his views, Chief Executive Officer of HNBA, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne stated, “During the past two years we have faced a number of challenges and setbacks. However, in response to these unprecedented challenges, HNBA adapted several responsive and agile business strategies and as a result, today, we are stronger than ever. HNBA opted to be rated by Fitch Ratings for its insurer financial strength, investment portfolio, strong risk profile and good governance and the fact that we have been able to maintain our rating at this turbulent time augurs well for the stability of the Company and its future growth trajectory. HNBA stands resilient, confident and affirmed of our journey and what’s ahead”. Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, Chief Executive Officer of HNBGI stated, “This well-earned confirmation comes at a time of economic uncertainty, and we are delighted to have our Fitch Rating maintained at A+ (lka). As the country navigates through these challenging times, general insurers too have faced a number of operational challenges coupled with restrictions which limits the growth potential of businesses. In this backdrop, a commendable rating of this nature further demonstrates HNBGI’s strong financial footing relative to industry competition and will continue to leverage our footprint, capital and product offerings to deliver a strong performance. This rating will offer continued reaffirmation to all customers and stakeholders of strength and stability of the Company, and we will continue to be by their side, especially during these challenging times”. HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 64 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of ‘A+’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for 'National Insurer Financial Strength Rating'. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a 'National Insurer Financial Strength Rating' of ‘A+’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA and HNBGI are rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence including the Great Place To Work® Certification. HNB Assurance was awarded the Best Bancassurance Service Provider in Sri Lanka by Global Banking and Finance Review and has won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.

HNB Assurance PLC Group delivered a robust performance during 1Q22, recording a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 235 Mn, reflecting an impressive growth of 144%, compared to the PAT of LKR 96 Mn recorded during the corresponding period of 2021. The Group recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 4.3 Bn depicting a notable growth of 33%. Sharing her views on the Group’s financial performance, Chairperson of HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its fully owned subsidiary, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI), Mrs. Rose Cooray stated, “In spite of several macro-economic challenges prevailing in the market, HNBA and HNBGI delivered an outstanding performance during the first quarter of the year. Both HNBA and HNBGI held a firm stand in delivering these stellar results which contributed to the topline and profitability growth of the Group. These results demonstrate our customer-centric and well-curated business strategies in capturing markets with growth potential. The Life Insurance business recorded a GWP of LKR 2.3 Bn and the General Insurance business recorded a GWP of LKR 1.9 Bn, showcasing an impressive growth of 41% and 24% respectively. Other Revenue of the Group surpassed LKR 1 Bn during 1Q22 marking a 30% growth. During the period, Total Assets of the Group surpassed LKR 37 Bn and Financial Investments surpassed Rs. 30 Bn. The Investment Income of the Group for the period was LKR 938 Mn with an outstanding growth of 40% compared to corresponding period of the previous year and continued to maintain an investment portfolio with healthy credit quality.  The Group remains well focused on its clear motive to explore and capture new markets by providing an innovative and a superlative customer experience while maxing shareholder returns”. Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC expressed his views stating, “HNBA concluded another successful quarter showcasing a steady and stable growth momentum, amidst increasing challenges in the external environment. During 1Q22 HNBA recorded a GWP of LKR 2.3 Bn, showcasing a stellar growth of 41%. During the period, the Life Insurance fund reached LKR 21.4 Bn. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of HNBA during 1Q22 stood at 281%. This further reaffirms the Company’s financial stability as CAR is well above the minimum stipulated rate of 120% as directed by the Regulator. Owing to our promise, HNBA settled Insurance Benefits and Claims amounting to LKR 527 Mn”. Mr. Wimalaratne added, “These results are a testament to our well-focused strategies and collective efforts of all teams. Backed by an A+ (lka) rating for National Insurance Financial Strength by Fitch Ratings Lanka, the Management of HNBA remains confident of its competitive advantage and strong financial footing and is focused on what’s ahead and seizing every opportunity to expand its footprint in the market”.  Expressing his views, Chief Executive Officer of HNBGI, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara stated, “During a challenging period for the entire insurance industry, HNBGI was able to deliver steady financial results capitalizing on its service and operational excellence. Surpassing the industry growth rates, HNBGI recorded a GWP of LKR 1.9 Bn showcasing an impressive growth of 24% during 1Q22. The Company continued to deploy its agile business strategies despite the on-going economic challenges and was able to seize several growth opportunities. The Miscellaneous and Motor Insurance segments delivered a notable performance followed by Fire and Engineering segments. During the period, the Company settled Insurance Benefits and Claims amounting to over LKR 830 Mn showcasing our steady commitment to our customers. Demonstrating the Company’s strong financial footing, the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of HNBGI stood at 247%, well above the regulatory requirement. The General Insurance Contract Liabilities surpassed LKR 4.2 Bn.” Mr. Jayasundara further stated, “As one of the two Fitch Rated General Insurers in the country with an A+ (lka) rating for ‘National Insurer Financial Strength’, HNBGI will continue to steer its course through many challenges to further consolidate its footprint in the market whilst sustaining our core business model and delivering value to all stakeholders”. HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 64 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of ‘A+’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for 'National Insurer Financial Strength Rating'. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a 'National Insurer Financial Strength Rating' of ‘A+’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA and HNBGI are rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence including the Great Place To Work® Certification. HNB Assurance was awarded the Best Bancassurance Service Provider in Sri Lanka by Global Banking and Finance Review and has won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.
 

Rising above and beyond and setting new benchmarks in the industry, HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) was named the ‘Best Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2022’ for the 2nd consecutive year at the Global Banking and Finance Awards 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Review recently. Chief Executive Officer of HNBA, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne stated, “It indeed is a great honor to be recognized as the best Bancassurance provider in the country by a globally renowned research and evaluation institute, the Global Banking and Finance Review for the second consecutive year. The Bancassurance and Partnership Channel of HNBA is a key business channel and this accolade validates the status of the Banca Channel as the leader in this category and remains well focused on providing an innovative, exceptional, and pioneering customer service. Whilst thanking Global Banking and Finance Review for this prestigious recognition, I’m confident that the Bancassurance Channel of HNBA will grow from strength to strength”. Felicitating HNBA for this prestigious recognition, Mr. Supun Dias, Head of Network Management and Business Development of Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) stated, “We are indeed happy and proud of HNBA’s achievement and the performance of the Banca Channel over time. This consistent and successful performance augurs well for the vision of the leading financial conglomerate, HNB and we remain committed to support the future endeavors of the Banca Channel of HNBA to reach the next level and to create a significant difference in the market by exploring and combining Group synergies to further enhance and develop innovative solutions to our growing customer base.” Mr. Sanesh Fernando, Chief Business Officer - Partnerships of HNBA expressed his views stating, “Winning this prestigious award for the second consecutive year speak volumes of the strength, agility and growth of the Banca Channel even during uncertain macro-economic conditions. This surely was a team effort and I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Banca Team as well as the HNB Management for the continuous support. The Banca Channel will ensure continuous value creation to all its customers, whilst delivering a superlative service and raising the bar higher”. HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) is one of the fastest growing Insurance Companies in Sri Lanka with a network of 64 branches. HNBA is a Life Insurance company with a rating of ‘A+’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka for 'National Insurer Financial Strength Rating'. Following the introduction of the segregation rules by the Insurance Regulator, HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) was created and commenced its operations in January 2015; HNBGI continues to specialize in motor, non-motor and Takaful insurance solutions and is a fully owned subsidiary of HNB Assurance PLC. HNB General Insurance has been assigned a 'National Insurer Financial Strength Rating' of ‘A+’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited. HNBA is rated within the Top 100 brands and Top 100 companies in Sri Lanka by LMD and HNB Assurance has won international awards for Brand Excellence, Digital Marketing and HR Excellence including the Great Place To Work® Certification, and won many awards for its Annual Reports at award ceremonies organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.