In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, adaptability, innovation, and client-centricity are essential qualities for any organisation aiming to thrive. WIS Group of Companies, co-founded by Suneth Silva in 2009, embodies these values, having expanded from a specialised accountancy firm into a comprehensive financial services provider. Originally focused on accountancy services for UK clients, WIS has diversified its offerings to include mortgages, insurance, and wealth management, ultimately becoming a one-stop finance solution.

Before establishing WIS, Suneth gained invaluable experience at prominent financial institutions like HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and Dresdner Kleinwort. His robust academic background—an MSc in International Securities and Investment Banking from the University of Reading, a BSc from the London School of Economics, along with ACMA and CGMA certifications from CIMA—equipped him with a solid foundation to understand and respond to the financial needs of a diverse clientele.

Suneth’s foresight in recognising clients’ broader financial needs catalysed WIS’s transformation into the WIS Group of Companies, comprising WIS Accountancy, WIS Mortgages and Insurance, and WIS Wealth.

Today, WIS offers a holistic suite of financial solutions, ensuring that clients benefit from the convenience and continuity of working with a single provider for their financial needs.
Recently, Global CEO Magazine had the opportunity to converse with Suneth Silva to explore his journey, insights, and the strategic decisions that have shaped WIS into a leading financial services group. In this candid conversation, Suneth shares his early entrepreneurial experiences, the pivotal moments that defined his career, and the philosophies that keep him motivated. From a humble pool parlour in Kohuwala to a thriving finance group, Suneth’s story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to client success.

Q. Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your childhood that you believe has influenced your journey to success?

One of the most memorable experiences from my teenage years that greatly influenced my journey was setting up and running a pool parlour in Kohuwala with a friend. With an initial loan from our parents, we rented a space, bought three pool tables, and launched Pockets Pool Parlour. Running the business involved managing daily operations, overseeing staff, and handling finances. I remember afternoons spent distributing marketing leaflets and late evenings working on ledgers and receipts.

This early exposure to business taught me responsibility, discipline, and financial literacy. It instilled confidence and curiosity, and I learned the importance of meticulous planning and attention to detail—qualities that have been pivotal in my career.

Q. What inspired you to pursue your current career path, and how has that journey unfolded for you?

My passion for financial management and desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives led me to a career in finance and accountancy. After completing my education, I began in investment banking. Although this provided valuable insights and a strong foundation, I soon realised that my true calling was in offering more personalised and comprehensive financial services.

In 2009, I left investment banking and co-founded WIS Accountancy Ltd with a vision to provide a holistic suite of financial services tailored to individuals and businesses. Our focus was on building strong client relationships, transparency, and innovation.

We started with a small team delivering high-quality accountancy services and gradually expanded into mortgage and insurance advisory services. In 2017, I qualified as a mortgage adviser, followed by certification as an Independent Financial Adviser in 2019, allowing us to offer pensions and investment advice.

A major milestone was developing our proprietary cloud-based accountancy software in 2013. This innovation streamlined operations and improved client satisfaction with its user-friendly interface. Our commitment to technology and better service delivery has been crucial to our success.

Today, WIS Accountancy has grown into a strong organisation with a presence in both the UK and Colombo, supported by a dedicated team that shares our vision. This journey of continuous learning, strategic expansions, and a focus on innovation has contributed to our success and growth.

Q. Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

A pivotal moment was the acquisition of a prominent UK accountancy practice, a key step in our growth strategy to expand our client base and service offerings. However, the process posed challenges, particularly resistance from staff concerned about integration and change.

To overcome this, we prioritised open communication with all employees. Regular meetings and workshops kept everyone informed about the changes, their purpose, and benefits. By fostering an environment of trust and inclusivity, we addressed concerns and reassured our team.

We also involved staff in the transition, gathering their feedback to integrate organisational cultures effectively. Comprehensive training programmes helped align operational practices, ensuring a smooth transition.

Through these efforts, we successfully integrated the acquisition, overcoming initial resistance and creating a unified, motivated team. This experience underscored the importance of empathy, communication, and inclusivity in managing organisational change.

Q. How do you maintain motivation and drive in your work, especially when faced with obstacles or setbacks?

My motivation and drive come from my passion for finance and a clear vision for my goals. Knowing that my work positively impacts our clients’ financial well-being keeps me driven.
When faced with obstacles, I adopt a proactive, problem-solving approach, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. This mindset turns setbacks into learning experiences, building resilience and adaptability.

Staying connected with my team is crucial. Regular communication, collaboration, and celebrating small wins foster a positive work environment. Recognising and appreciating my team’s efforts is vital, as their dedication contributes to our success.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. Spending time with family and friends, engaging in activities like golf, and taking time to recharge help me stay motivated and prevent burnout.

Q. What does winning the Leadership Excellence Platinum Award mean to you?

Winning the Leadership Excellence Platinum Award is an immense honour, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the entire WIS Accountancy team. It recognises our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction—not just as a personal achievement but as a testament to our collective efforts.
This award reinforces the importance of strong leadership in driving success. It reminds us that our dedication to our clients and our pursuit of excellence have been acknowledged globally, highlighting the impact of our innovative approaches in the financial services industry.
It also serves as an inspiration for future growth, motivating us to push our boundaries and explore new opportunities. This accolade is a milestone in our journey, fuelling our determination to achieving even greater success.

Q. What advice would you give to other young professionals aspiring to achieve similar success in their respective fields?

One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned comes from a famous line in the movie Rocky:
“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

This quote has always reminded me of resilience. In business, I’ve faced wins and losses, and when I’m feeling down, I revisit this quote to remind myself that success isn’t about never being knocked down; it’s about getting back up every time.

My advice to young professionals is to stay curious and continuously seek knowledge. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and adapt to change. Learning and growing from every experience, both good and bad, is key to long-term success.

Lastly, stay true to your values and uphold integrity in all actions. Transparency and honesty build trust and credibility, making success sustainable and rewarding.