### AAFI Appoints New Board for 2026/2027 📈

The Association of Alternate Financial Institutions (AAFI), the national representative body for Sri Lanka’s non-interest-based alternate finance sector, has unanimously re-elected its leadership for a two-year term effective January 2026. • New Executive Board Appointments: President: Siddeeque Akbar (VP – Retail Banking & Marketing, Amana Bank) Vice President: Suresh R. I. Perera (Principal – Tax & Regulatory, KPMG) Secretary: Rifka Ziyard (Principal – Tax & Regulatory, KPMG) Treasurer: Bahar Nayan (Senior Manager – Islamic Banking, NDB) Assistant Secretary: Ilsam Awfer (Chief Manager – AFSU, LOLC Finance) Assistant Treasurer: Hisham Ally (DGM, HNB) • Industry Impact & Scope: The AAFI serves as the collective voice for alternate finance, driving regulatory alignment and policy dialogue. The sector is critical for financial diversification and inclusion, attracting participation from leading commercial banks and finance companies including BOC, HNB, Commercial Bank, and People’s Leasing. • Digital Expansion: To enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement, the association officially launched its dedicated website (www.aafi.lk). • Strategic Vision: The board aims to optimize the potential of the participatory banking model to support national economic growth and sector development through 2027.