Deutsche Bank yesterday announced the appointment of Hemaka Perera as Head of Global Transaction Banking (GTB) in Sri Lanka effective immediately.

In his new role, Hemaka is directly responsible for leading product innovation and growing the Bank’s transaction banking corporate platform in Sri Lanka. He reports locally to Deutsche Bank’s Chief Country Officer in Sri Lanka, Mr. Rohan Rodrigo, and regionally to Mr. Thomas DuCharme, Head of Global Transaction Banking, Deutsche Bank Asia.

Hemaka has 16 years of professional banking experience at leading financial institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank and Citigroup.

Prior to this role, Hemaka was Senior Relationship Manager, GTB, Deutsche Bank, where he managed a portfolio of multinationals and large local public and private sector corporate clients. Hemaka holds a Master of Business Administration from the Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.

Commenting on the appointment Mr. Rodrigo said: “Sri Lanka is one of the key strategic markets for Deutsche Bank and we are optimistic about its growth prospects and potential. Hemaka’s new appointment reinforces Deutsche Bank’s commitment in Sri Lanka whilst supporting our expanding client base.”

DuCharme added, “Hemaka’s strong leadership skills and knowledge of transaction banking will add depth to GTB’s established platform and contribute greatly towards GTB franchise’s strategic growth aspirations.”
Deutsche Bank’s strength in GTB was most recently recognised by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2007 where it was named Best Cash Management House Asia and by pan-Asia financial publication, The Asset, where it was awarded Best Cash Management Bank, South Asia 2007.

Deutsche Bank has been a strong participant in the Sri Lankan financial markets since its business was first established in 1980. Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets.

With 75,140 employees in 75 countries, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people.

GTB comprises commercial banking products and services for corporate clients and financial institutions, including domestic and cross-border payments, professional risk mitigation for international trade, asset and liability management and the provision of trust, agency, depositary, custody and related services. Business units include Cash Management, Trade Finance, Trust & Securities Services and Capital Market Sales. Deutsche Bank currently employs over 3,800 professionals in more than 35 countries and markets.