Mercantile Investments empowers communities expanding reach to 90 branches

Mercantile Investments & Finance PLC (MI Finance), one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted non‑bank financial institutions with a legacy of over 60 years, expanded its footprint to 90 branches by December, reiterating a commitment to accessibility, customer convenience, and community empowerment. The milestone 90th branch was inaugurated in Tangalle, further extending the company’s reach within the vicinity and improving access to financial services for customers in the surrounding communities.

With a strategic branch network extending throughout Sri Lanka, located in major cities, suburban centres, and emerging regional towns, Mercantile Investments continues to strengthen its presence amongst diverse communities. The strengthened reach enables the delivery of inclusive financial growth through a wide range of financial solutions including leasing, deposits, gold loans, and tailored lending products. Mercantile investments also provides personalised service and face‑to‑face advisory support to individuals, SMEs, corporates, and micro‑entrepreneurs

Elaborating, Laksanda Gunawardena, Chief Operating Officer, Mercantile Investments said, " Being recognised as the fastest-expanding NBFI further strengthens the trust and loyalty our customers place in us. Mercantile Investment’s rapid branch growth over the past two years reflects a strategic journey to maintain competitive advantage and reinforce its position as a top‑tier financial institution. Physical proximity remains vital in building trust and long-term relationships. At the same time, our continued investments in digital platforms broaden accessibility and convenience for Mercantile Investment’s client base, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity.”  

The significant achievement builds on Mercantile Investment’s strong growth trajectory and disciplined execution. In 2025, the company surpassed the LKR 100 billion asset base, demonstrating a structured expansion strategy and the trust placed in the institution by over 250,000 Sri Lankans.

The company’s lending portfolio surged from Rs. 37 billion to Rs. 75 billion, gold loans expanded six‑fold from Rs. 2 billion to Rs. 12 billion, and deposits grew from Rs. 36 billion to Rs. 51 billion, highlighting customer confidence and sustained liquidity inflows. Importantly, Mercantile Investments has maintained a commendably low NPL ratio of 4.65% by half year.

Gerard Ondaatjie, Managing Director, Mercantile Investments said, “Surpassing the Rs. 50 billion deposit base and sustaining growth demonstrates the unwavering trust customers place in Mercantile Investments. It reflects a vision built over six decades of safeguarding depositor interests and delivering meaningful value, strengthening Mercantile Investment’s role as a trusted financial institution contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic strength.” 

He added, “The company is strategically well‑poised to navigate economic dynamics and embrace emerging business opportunities. Moreover, the efforts undertaken during the financial year are expected to generate robust returns, driven by steady top‑line and bottom‑line growth projected in the medium term.”

With expansion plans extending through 2027 and strategic investments in digital infrastructure, including e‑wallets, internet banking, and card services, Mercantile Investments is positioned to convert its newly attained scale into sustained competitive advantage. 

For customers and shareholders, these achievements signal a solid foundation for the company’s next phase of growth, driven by stability, trust, and customer empowerment. As a trusted financial institution, Mercantile Investments continues to play a vital role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy and supporting national progress.