DFCC Bank Becomes First Foreign Corporate to List a Bond on India’s NSE International Exchange
June 11, 2025
DFCC Bank PLC has become the first foreign corporate entity to list a bond on the National Stock Exchange – International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, India – marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s capital markets and reinforcing DFCC Bank’s position as a regional leader in sustainable finance.
This listing completes a strategic multiple listing journey for DFCC Bank’s Green Bond, which was first issued in Sri Lanka and subsequently dual-listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The latest listing on NSE IX further strengthens the Bank’s access to international capital markets and exemplifies its commitment to scalable, cross-border sustainable finance.
The bell-ringing ceremony was held on 9 June 2025 at the Grand Mercure, GIFT City. The event was graced by Mr. K Rajaraman, Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), as the Chief Guest, alongside other dignitaries from the National Stock Exchange, IFSCA, and heads of banks based in GIFT City. DFCC Bank was represented by Mr. Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Prins Perera, Senior Vice President – Treasury, Investment and Wholesale Banking.
“This listing is more than a milestone – it is a signal of Sri Lanka’s readiness to engage with the region through credible, future-forward finance,” said Mr. Thimal Perera, Chief Executive Officer of DFCC Bank PLC. “By becoming the first foreign corporate to list on NSE IX, DFCC Bank is demonstrating how institutions in emerging economies can structure and scale sustainable capital in line with global standards. This strategic achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to align commercial innovation with climate priorities, and to bridge South Asia’s financial systems with international capital through practical, purpose-led execution.”
Commenting on the listing, Mr. V. Balasubramaniam, MD & CEO, NSE IX, said, “We are delighted to welcome DFCC Bank PLC as the first foreign corporate issuer in NSEIX and in GIFT IFSC with a secondary listing of LKR 2.5 Billion green bonds on the Exchange. I am confident that this listing will inspire more issuers from Sri Lanka and neighbouring countries to explore opportunities in GIFT City. The IFSCA listing regulations are designed to support global fundraising and NSE IX is proud to contribute to the broader vision of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Business summit ‘to foster greater regional collaboration through robust trade and investment relations among the member countries.’”
The proceeds from the bond will be directed towards renewable energy projects, specifically for ground and rooftop-mounted Solar PV electricity generation projects. These projects conform to the Sri Lanka Green Finance Taxonomy and align with the country’s national goal of sourcing 70% of its energy from renewables by 2030.
This bond issuance reflects DFCC Bank’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development and advances its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). DFCC Bank’s Green Bonds are issued under a framework aligned with the Green Bond Principles of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).
Through this pioneering move, DFCC Bank continues to leverage global capital markets in pursuit of regional climate resilience, green growth, and inclusive progress.
About DFCC Bank
DFCC Bank PLC, established in 1955 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange since 1956, is one of Sri Lanka’s leading financial institutions. In 2025, the Bank proudly celebrates 70 years of service, marking seven decades of innovation, resilience, and contribution to national development.
Regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and rated A (lka) by Fitch Ratings, DFCC Bank offers a comprehensive portfolio of retail, corporate, and SME banking services, along with treasury, investment, and trade finance solutions.
With customer-centricity and sustainable innovation at its core, DFCC Bank delivers secure and seamless banking experiences through digital platforms, including DFCC ONE, DFCC MySpace, online banking, and via a network of 138 branches, as well as access to over 5,500 ATMs through the LankaPay network. A recognised leader in sustainable finance and renewable energy initiatives, DFCC Bank, remains firmly committed to reducing environmental impact and fostering long-term economic resilience.
About NSE IX
NSE IX is an International multi assets exchange set up at GIFT City on June 5, 2017, and recognized by International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) (www.ifsca.gov.in). NSE International Exchange holds a dominant market share of over 99 %, highlighting extensive leadership in GIFT IFSC.
NSE IX offers a diversified portfolio of products including Indian Single Stock Derivatives, Index Derivatives, Currency Derivatives, Depository Receipts and Global Stocks. The exchange provides a comprehensive range of primary market products including listing of Equity Shares, SPAC, REITs, InvITs, Depository Receipts, Debt Securities and ESG Debt Securities under the regulatory framework of IFSCA (Listing) Regulations, 2024. NSE IX and GIFT NIFTY has received part 30 exemption from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) under regulation 30.10 and SEC class relief under Sections 5, 6, 15, or 17A (SEC Act 1934) which enables US customers to participate in derivative contracts listed on NSE IX.
Photo Credits
Left to right of the picture
1 MD CEO NSEICC, Mr. Neeraj Julshestra
2 ED IFSCA Mr.Pradeep Ramakrishnan
3 NSEIX MD and CEO Mr.V.Balasubramaniam,
4 Chairperson IFSCA, Mr.K.Rajaraman
5 Director/ CEO DFCC Bank Mr Thimal Perera
6 Senior Vice President – Treasury, Investment Banking and Wholesale Banking, Mr Prins Perera
7 PID NSEIX, Dr.Sobhesh Agarwala
