Corporate Finance

Main functions

Direct lending to Banking Institutions and their subsidiaries

National Savings Bank as the premier savings institution in the country deploys its funds in various forms in diverse range of product.

They are mainly,

Government Securities

By statute it is mandated for NSB to deploy a minimum of 60% of its assets in guilt edged securities such as treasury bills, treasury bonds and other government papers which justifies and warrants a government guarantee for deposits.

Project Finance

The second largest deployment is by way of funding various projects. Mainly NSB lends to long-term development projects of the country. It has become the motto of the bank to fund developmental projects, mostly infrastructure, where most of other banks are not in a position to accommodate.

To comply with regulatory requirements most of these loans are by way of syndications.
So long as the limits and restrictions are within the regulatory requirements NSB makes wholesale lending to other banks and financial institution in the country.

Arranging syndications

Our project finance division arranges facilities by way of syndications to potential candidates for viable projects.

Acting as agents

NSB plays the role of agent for syndicated facilities who coordinates the settlement and transactions between the lenders and the borrower/s

Structuring financial facilities

In addition to funding depending on the clients requirements and nature and viability of the project NSB structures facility suit the requirements of the client. i.e. debentures, asset backed notes, mortgaged backed notes etc.,

Derivative products

We assist clients to hedge their market risk through entering into interest rate swaps agreements.

Security

Though security provides a safety valve to lenders our main criteria in lending for projects is not security but the strength of the project. Often the security includes the following

A guarantee
Mortgage of immovable assets
Mortgage over project assets
Lien over receivables
Direct remittance of the project

What type of projects?

Though our apatite is for infrastructure projects we do consider any type of project at any stage of the process. i.e. start-up, expansion, on-going projects etc.,

Criteria for evaluation

Compliance with regulatory requirements
Profile of the management
Project profile
Security

How can a facility be obtained?

For the purpose of the project financing NSB does not consider partnership or sole proprietorship entities.

There is no prescribed loan application form since every project is different from each other and so is the required information.

Nevertheless, any prospective client can write to us or meet our senior management to discuss about the facility.

What are the prospective rates?

The terms for facilities are negotiable and agreed upon on mutually acceptable basis.
It is notable that our rates are very competitive.
In general the terms for facilities are,

- Priced on a variable rate.
- Generally a margin over an index rate re-priced quarterly, bi-annually etc.,
- To mitigate impacts of extreme scenarios we impose a ceiling and a floor rate for facilities.
- Margin is based on the risk profile of the project and promoters.
- Generally the loan carries a grace period to allow generate positive cash-flows to repay the capital. Capital is re-paid mostly on a quarterly basis or as per scheme that matches with that of cash-flow of the project.

How long does it take to approve a facility?

Generally our approving process is very fast as we have a centralized processing system. If all the required information is available and regulatory approvals are in place the maximum period required for an approval is 3 to 4 weeks.

What information is required?

The required information differs depending on the proposal. In general we need the following information to approve a facility

- Proof of credibility and competency of the promoters
- Company profile
- The project proposal with all the information that includes the product, process, market, people, cost, forecasts, modes of funding, forecasts etc,
- All necessary approvals (internal and external)
- Proof of confirmed orders, guarantees, sales agreements etc.,

Documentation

Documentation matters are attended to by in-house legal officers. External legal advice & consultancy services are obtained depending on the nature of the facility.

What other costs are involved?

Other than the statutory levies if applicable, a very nominal processing fee will be charged.

Who should be contacted?

S.D.N. Perera
Senior Deputy General Manager
Tele:+94-11-2573190 -+94-11-2574004, Tele:+94-11-2467538
Fax- +94-11-5352486
E-Mail :- sdgm@nsb.lk