The apex of the treasury career — combining market expertise, leadership, and strategic financial management at the highest level of banking.”
About This Role
Manages the bank's liquidity, investments, and foreign exchange risks to maintain financial stability.
A Day in the Life
Lead the treasury function of a Sri Lankan bank or large corporate, overseeing liquidity management, FX risk, funding strategy, and CBSL/regulatory compliance. Participate in ALCO and board-level financial planning.
- Chair or participate in Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO) meetings
- Set treasury policy for FX hedging, liquidity buffers, and investment mandates
- Oversee dealing room operations and approve large transactions
- Manage relationships with correspondent banks and CBSL
- Ensure LCR (Liquidity Coverage Ratio) and NSFR compliance under Basel III
- Report treasury performance to CFO and Board Risk Committee
- Lead treasury team of dealers and analysts
Work Environment
Senior leadership role in bank treasury or large corporate. Less day-to-day dealing, more strategy and oversight. Regular board-level interaction. Responsible for the institution's entire liquidity and FX risk profile.
Typical hours: 50h/week · WLB score 3/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime
Senior position with more controlled hours than junior dealing room roles. Crisis periods (2022 LKR crisis) required extreme hours.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 8yr to mid · 12yr to senior
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
STABLE
Senior treasury managers are scarce in SL — limited supply of experienced professionals for top banking treasury roles. CBSL Basel III requirements increasing complexity.
Hiring: LOW
STABLE
Senior treasury managers always in demand at global banks and multinationals. Increased regulatory complexity post-2008 and post-SVB makes this role critical.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Freelance earnings: $1000–$4000/mo (USD)
Platforms (SL)
Business Ideas
- Treasury consultancy for corporates
- FX risk management advisory for exporters/importers
- ALM advisory for smaller banks and finance companies
Side Income Ideas
Retired senior bankers often provide consultancy to NBFIs and corporates.
Risks & Challenges
AI / Automation Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
MEDIUM
Job Security (SL)
HIGH
Strategic treasury management, ALCO leadership, and regulatory relationship management are highly human-dependent.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Invest in CFA for global credibility
- Build CBSL relationships
- Stay ahead on Basel III/IV developments relevant to SL banks
Is This Career For You?
Highly ambitious finance students with strong analytical skills who aspire to senior banking leadership roles.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- One of the most senior and influential roles in banking
- Direct impact on bank's financial stability
- Regular board-level engagement
What's Challenging
- Ultimate accountability for liquidity risk
- Regulatory burden
- Long career path to reach this level