DFCC Bank Becomes First Foreign Entity to List Bond on NSE IX at GIFT City

In a historic development for cross-border sustainable finance, DFCC Bank PLC of Sri Lanka has become the first foreign corporate to list a bond on India’s National Stock Exchange – International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, Gujarat. This secondary listing of its LKR 2.5 billion green bond marks a key milestone for Sri Lanka’s financial sector and expands DFCC Bank’s presence across global capital markets in alignment with sustainable development goals.

Why in News?

DFCC Bank recently listed its green bond on NSE International Exchange (NSE IX), making it the first foreign corporate issuer to do so. This strategic move strengthens India–Sri Lanka capital market ties, supports regional sustainability goals, and is aligned with India’s ambition to make GIFT City a global financial hub.

Key Highlights

• Event Date: June 9, 2025
• Location: Bell-ringing ceremony held at Grand Mercure, GIFT City
• Bond Details: LKR 2.5 billion green bond
• Primary Use of Funds: Financing solar PV projects – both rooftop and ground-mounted

Strategic Significance

Part of DFCC’s multiple listing journey

• Originally issued in Sri Lanka
• Dual-listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange
• Now listed on NSE IX in India
• Reinforces cross-border access to sustainable finance and global investors
• Demonstrates Sri Lanka’s readiness to engage regionally in green finance

Stakeholder Participation

• Chief Guest: K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

Represented by,

• Thimal Perera, CEO of DFCC Bank
• Prins Perera, SVP – Treasury, Investment, and Wholesale Banking
• V. Balasubramaniam, MD & CEO, NSE IX

Sustainability and SDG Alignment

• Aligned with Sri Lanka’s Green Finance Taxonomy

UN SDGs

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• Compliant with Green Bond Principles of ICMA

Vision and Impact

• Supports Sri Lanka’s goal to source 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030
• Promotes regional financial integration under BIMSTEC
• Encourages other issuers from Sri Lanka and South Asia to use GIFT City for fundraising