Recent Updates

LMD Interview with CEO Ananda Seneviratne

Q: How have ad hoc regulatory amendments impacted leasing companies?

A: Post the recent budget proposals announced by the government, the leasing industry is faced with a fresh set of challenges – with the proposal to reduce the Loan to Value (LTV) ratio to 25 per cent for three-wheelers, and 50 per cent for cars from the current 70 percent.

Q: What are the latest trends in the leasing sector?

A: So far, the sector has been predominantly focused on the vehicle leasing, but leasing companies are moving towards securing other areas, such as equipment leasing for the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector, which holds promise as an alternative to vehicle leasing, which will obviously decline due to the proposed legislation.

Q: How would you describe the market competition – and what strategies do you employ to stay ahead?

A: Up until now, the three-wheeler segment was the biggest revenue earner for Assetline Leasing, along with the light truck category for the SME segment. However, if these budgetary proposals are implemented, we will have to deploy new strategies led by a strong diversification thrust to sustain our leadership.

Q: What are the key challenges faced by this sector?

A: The key challenge is the introduction of new regulation. If the government gives reasonable breathing space before implementing these proposals, the sector would have time to strategise and diversify, so as to sustain their business and meet customer needs.

Q: What are the organization’s future plans?

A: As the leasing and financial services environment goes through rapid change, we too must shift our focus and are in the process of a dynamic diversification strategy, with a special focus on the SME sector. We have been present in this sector and we intend to leverage our knowledge and expertise to grow and strengthen our share of the market. To this end, we will expand our network across the country from the current 48 branches, so that customers have easier access to our services.

Over the decades, we have forged deep bonds with communities by engaging in social responsibility initiatives in the areas of healthcare and education which provide a great base to understand and cater to their needs.

Given our greater efforts to decentralise, we will ensure our staff is empowered to deliver speed and efficiency to customers. Our staff receives local and overseas training through the year to meet customer needs and offer the best advice and support to our customers.

We have also deployed advanced technology to ensure customer convenience through services such as self-service Easy Pay machines which are operational 24/7, to further consolidate our strong customer care culture. We are exploring untapped potential in growth sectors such as construction, agriculture and tourism.

Q: How do you see the future for the automotive leasing, which has been the mainstay of the leasing sector thus far?

A: In my view, vehicle leasing will improve in the medium term, although till then leasing companies will have to work hard and smart to earn profits and will need to infuse greater innovation to ensure long term sustainability.

As the Chairman of the Leasing Association, I would like to see all companies in the sector sharing information and knowledge to enhance the quality of the industry. I will also be proposing more collaboration and communication among these companies so that together we can drive innovation to grow the sector.