In the ever-evolving landscape of finance and business consultancy, few figures stand as prominently as Mr Nanda Fernando.

With over four decades of experience in the financial sector, Nanda Fernando has been instrumental in shaping Sri Lanka’s banking industry. His tenure at Sampath Bank, culminating as Managing Director, is marked by visionary leadership and transformative initiatives that propelled the institution to new heights.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Professional Business Consultants (PBC), Mr Fernando continues to influence the financial sector by providing strategic advisory services that bridge the gap between traditional banking and modern financial solutions.
His expertise extends beyond consultancy; he serves on the boards of several prominent companies, including Haycarb PLC, Dipped Products PLC, Hayleys Fabric PLC, Hatton National Bank PLC, Assetline Finance Ltd., and RIL Property PLC.

In this exclusive interview, Mr Fernando shares insights into his leadership journey, the evolving financial landscape, and his vision for fostering sustainable business growth in Sri Lanka.

What were the key moments that shaped your leadership journey?

A: Leadership is shaped by experience, challenges, and the ability to adapt. Looking back, several defining moments influenced my journey. Early in my banking career, I was entrusted with responsibilities that required strategic decision-making beyond my role at the time. This taught me the importance of initiative and foresight.

Later, as Managing Director of Sampath Bank, I led transformational changes that strengthened the institution’s market position. The transition to financial consultancy was another milestone—where I channelled my banking expertise into solving complex financial challenges for businesses. Each phase reinforced my belief that leadership is about vision, resilience, and the ability to create a lasting impact.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

A: Challenges are inevitable, but they offer the greatest lessons. One of the most significant hurdles I faced was steering an institution through economic downturns and financial crises. Navigating such periods required balancing risk with opportunity—ensuring stability while positioning for future growth.

Another challenge was shifting from banking to consultancy, where I had to redefine my role from decision-maker to strategic adviser. I overcame these by staying committed to continuous learning, surrounding myself with strong teams, and maintaining a solutions-driven mindset. At PBC, we apply these same principles, helping businesses turn challenges into strategic advantages.

How have you approached goal setting and career growth throughout your professional life?

A: Success doesn’t happen by chance—it’s a result of clear goals and disciplined execution. Early in my career, I set my sights on mastering the financial sector, understanding that expertise and leadership go hand in hand. Every role I took on was a stepping stone towards larger responsibilities.

Now, as the head of Professional Business Consultants (PBC), my goal is to leverage this experience to create a powerful financial advisory platform that drives business growth. My approach has always been strategic planning, adaptability, and building strong relationships—principles that aspiring professionals can use to navigate their own journeys.

What advice would you offer to young professionals and entrepreneurs today?

A: For young professionals and entrepreneurs, success is built on a foundation of knowledge, discipline, and strategic thinking. The key principles I emphasise are:
• Continuous Learning – Industries evolve, and staying ahead requires a commitment to acquiring new knowledge.
• Resilience and Adaptability – Challenges are inevitable, but those who adapt thrive.
• Strategic Networking – Success isn’t just about what you know but also about who you collaborate with.
• Execution Excellence – Great ideas mean little without disciplined execution.
At PBC, we encourage businesses to adopt these principles, equipping them to navigate financial challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

What legacy do you hope to leave, and what is your vision for PBC moving forward?

A: My goal is to leave behind a legacy of transformation—helping businesses unlock their true potential through innovative financial solutions. Through PBC, I envision creating a consultancy that not only facilitates access to capital but also nurtures a new generation of financially sound, strategically agile businesses.
For the next generation of business leaders, my message is simple: success is not just about personal achievements; it’s about making a meaningful impact on industries, economies, and communities. The future belongs to those who combine knowledge with action, and I encourage young professionals to embrace that mindset.

How do your board roles influence your work at PBC?

A: By serving on the boards of seven companies across different sectors of the economy, I gain valuable insights into emerging industry trends, sharpen my strategic decision-making skills, and contribute extensively towards driving economic growth.
These roles provide me with a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities businesses face, allowing me to offer more effective solutions through PBC. It is this multidimensional experience that enables me to guide businesses towards sustainable success while actively shaping the economic landscape of Sri Lanka.

How Nanda Fernando Bridges Finance and Strategy for Business Success

As Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem undergoes rapid change, strategic insight and experience have never been more critical.

At the forefront of this transformation is Mr Nanda Fernando, a seasoned banker turned strategic adviser, who now leads Professional Business Consultants (PBC)—a firm dedicated to bridging the gap between business ambition and financial accessibility.

In this second exclusive interview with Global CEO Magazine, Mr Fernando reflects on his evolution from banking to consultancy, offering valuable perspectives on navigating Sri Lanka’s shifting financial terrain.

From investment facilitation and digital transformation to sustainable business growth and capital access, he shares how PBC is redefining the role of financial consultancy.

With a legacy rooted in leadership and a vision focused on enabling progress, Mr Fernando outlines his commitment to building resilient, forward-thinking businesses—backed by intelligent strategy and real-world financial expertise.

What inspired your transition from banking to consultancy, and how has your leadership journey evolved?

A: Having dedicated my career to banking, culminating in my role as Managing Director of Sampath Bank, I witnessed firsthand the challenges businesses face in securing financial solutions that truly align with their growth aspirations.

My transition into consultancy through Professional Business Consultants (PBC) was driven by a desire to bridge this gap—providing strategic financial advisory and facilitation services that empower businesses to access capital efficiently and sustainably.

At PBC, we combine financial expertise with a deep understanding of business strategy to create solutions that go beyond conventional banking approaches, helping clients achieve long-term success.

How do you see Sri Lanka’s financial landscape evolving, and how is PBC adapting to these changes?

A: Sri Lanka’s financial landscape is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by economic shifts, regulatory changes, and global market dynamics. The traditional banking model is evolving, with increased focus on alternative financing, digital banking solutions, and investor-driven capital allocation.

PBC adapts to these changes by offering businesses tailored financial strategies, connecting them with the right funding sources, and navigating the complexities of modern finance.
Our role extends beyond advisory—we facilitate access to capital, structure financial solutions, and equip businesses to operate in a rapidly changing environment.

What role does PBC play in supporting investment and business growth in Sri Lanka?

A: One of Sri Lanka’s critical challenges is bridging the gap between investment potential and business scalability. PBC plays a pivotal role in attracting both local and foreign investors by offering structured investment facilitation, risk assessment, and strategic matchmaking between businesses and capital providers.

Our approach includes crafting bankable proposals, structuring deals that align investor expectations with business realities, and positioning companies for sustainable growth. By ensuring transparency and strategic alignment, we create opportunities that drive long-term value for both businesses and investors.

How is digital transformation shaping your financial advisory services at PBC?

A: The digitisation of financial services has transformed how businesses access capital, manage transactions, and engage with investors. At PBC, we integrate technology into our advisory services by streamlining loan facilitation processes, leveraging data analytics for financial structuring, and enhancing investor-business connectivity through digital platforms.

This not only improves efficiency but also ensures businesses can access financial solutions with greater speed, accuracy, and convenience. The future of financial consultancy lies in intelligent digital integration, and PBC is committed to staying at the forefront of this evolution.

What is your vision for PBC in the coming years?

A: Over the next five years, my vision for PBC is to solidify its position as the premier financial consultancy in Sri Lanka, known for its strategic impact on business growth and investment facilitation.

Our goal is to expand our expertise beyond traditional financing, fostering an ecosystem where businesses thrive through innovative financial structuring and strategic partnerships. We aim to be a key player in strengthening Sri Lanka’s business landscape by enabling access to capital, guiding enterprises towards sustainable growth, and fostering investor confidence in the local market.

Any final thoughts on the role of financial consultancy today?

A: At PBC, we believe that financial solutions are not just about securing funding—they are about unlocking potential, driving innovation, and building resilient businesses.