Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing over two decades of international experience in finance, governance, and capital markets to the company’s leadership structure.
Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board as independent director to strengthen governance
Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board in a move that underscores SMB Finance PLC’s continued focus on strengthening governance, enhancing strategic oversight, and aligning with evolving regulatory expectations in the financial services Sri Lanka sector. The appointment is expected to add depth to the board’s expertise, particularly in areas related to capital structure, risk management, and long-term financial planning.
Kandage brings more than 20 years of international experience across Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the United States, having held senior roles in corporate finance, public-sector advisory, and development-partner initiatives. His professional background spans multiple sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and financial services, providing him with a broad perspective on managing complex financial ecosystems.
Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board at a time when financial institutions are increasingly required to demonstrate strong governance frameworks and resilience in a rapidly changing economic environment. His expertise in capital structure optimisation, treasury governance, and liquidity oversight is expected to support the company in navigating both market volatility and regulatory scrutiny.
Over the course of his career, Kandage has led several high-value initiatives, including restructuring programmes, project finance transactions, and advisory engagements for large-scale infrastructure developments. His experience in financial modelling and capital markets preparation is particularly relevant as financial institutions in Sri Lanka continue to explore avenues for growth and capital efficiency.
In addition to his professional achievements, Kandage has pursued specialised training in project finance and public-private partnerships. He has completed executive education at Harvard Kennedy School and holds the CP3P Foundation certification, which focuses on best practices in infrastructure financing and partnership frameworks. These qualifications further strengthen his ability to contribute to strategic decision-making at the board level.
Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board with a strong emphasis on governance discipline and regulatory alignment. His approach is expected to reinforce transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making within the organisation—key factors that are increasingly valued by investors, regulators, and stakeholders in the financial services Sri Lanka landscape.
Academically, Kandage holds a Master of Business Administration from London Business School and University of Chicago Booth School of Business, institutions known for their rigorous finance and management programmes. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from the University of Colombo, providing him with a strong local foundation complemented by global exposure.
The appointment comes as SMB Finance continues to position itself for sustainable growth within a competitive financial sector. Strengthening board composition with independent and experienced professionals is a critical component of this strategy, ensuring that decision-making processes are balanced, informed, and aligned with long-term objectives.
Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board as financial institutions face increasing pressure to adopt robust risk management practices and maintain capital adequacy in line with regulatory standards. His experience in restructuring and liquidity management is expected to contribute to the company’s resilience and ability to respond effectively to economic shifts.
Industry observers note that appointments of this nature reflect a broader trend within Sri Lanka’s financial sector, where companies are placing greater emphasis on governance, transparency, and strategic expertise at the board level. This shift is driven by both regulatory requirements and investor expectations, particularly in a post-crisis recovery environment.
Furthermore, Kandage’s exposure to international markets and development finance initiatives may provide valuable insights into accessing new funding channels, structuring innovative financial solutions, and enhancing the company’s competitiveness. His involvement is also likely to support the adoption of global best practices in governance frameworks and operational efficiency.
Ruchit Kandage joins SMB Finance Board, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and governance standards. As the financial services sector continues to evolve, such strategic appointments are expected to play a key role in driving stability, growth, and investor confidence.