Recent Updates

The recent interview by LMD with our CEO, Mr. Ananda Seneviratne

Q: What makes Assetline Leasing different to other market players?

A: We believe that the true value we bring to our customers is convenience, speed of transacting and providing end-to-end solutions for financial requirements. Despite being a relatively new player in the market, we are known for effective services.

For example, customers don’t have to visit one of our branches to obtain a lease; they can do so from the comfort of their homes or business places as our field staff are provided with tablet computers that are directly linked to our network. Our officers visit them at their doorstep and ensure that the lease would be finalised within one business day.

Customers can also enjoy convenient payment settlement facilities through our islandwide branch network, payment collection centres, People’s Bank and Sampath Bank branches, as well as the company’s exclusive Easy Pay machines. They can now also use eZ Cash to make rental payments anytime, anywhere using their Dialog, Etisalat or Hutch mobile phones.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of David Pieris Motor Company, we have the financial backing of one of the largest and most successful conglomerates, as well as the strong reputa tion of trust and reliability that the group has established throughout the country.

Q: Assetline recently received ISO 9001. What does this achievement mean to you and the team?

A: We are obviously delighted because ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard that is the basis for creating a quality manage ment system. It means our customers now have the assurance that Assetline operates at a higher quality standard, which we continually strive to maintain and improve.

It encapsulates critical features such as improved customer satisfaction, better process integration and evidencebased decision making, fostering a culture of continual improvement, increased staff engagement and productivity.

The audit for the certification was concluded within a short span of time, which reflects that the systems, processes and approach of the management and employees were in keeping with the required and recognised international standards. This is a milestone achievement, and one that reflects our commitment and passion to keep raising the bar as a leading financial services organisation.

Q: How has the sector faired with the regulations imposed by Budget 2017 ?

A: The leasing sector had an immediate negative impact due to the new regulations as motor leasing accounts for more than 60 percent of our revenue and the last budget imposed various tax regulations that discouraged the financing of motor vehicles.

However, most players in the sector have managed to steer through these challenging times by diversifying into other areas. The solutions lay not in complaining about the sector situation but in thinking out of the box and innovating.

Q: Against this backdrop, how has the company performed in the recent past ?

A: Despite the sector conditions, our turnover continues to remain at a positive level. We managed to achieve the forecasted growth in profits. We are however not complacent, and will focus on expanding our reach and product offering with the aim of servicing the untapped segments especially in rural areas.

However, most players in the sector have managed to steer through these challenging times by diversifying into other areas. The solutions lay not in complaining about the sector situation but in thinking out of the box and innovating.

Q: What are the future plans of the organisation?

A: Our objective is to provide effective, customised financial solutions. We continue to seek innovative products and services that evolve with the needs of our customers. Access to financial services, particularly by SMEs and entrepreneurs, will be a key area of focus.

Central to all we do would be ensuring that not only do we uplift the livelihoods of our customers but also that we play our part in the development of the economy and in particular the rural sector.