Unit trust assets top Rs.610bn in January

The unit trust industry kicked off 2026 on a stronger footing, with the assets under management rising above Rs.600 billion by end-January, supported by the renewed investor appetite for equity-linked products.

The industry reported Rs.610 billion in assets under management, up 6.1 percent from a year earlier and 3.8 percent higher than December 2025 levels, with the funds spread across 84 portfolios managed by 16 licensed companies.

Growth was led by equity-related funds, where the assets doubled to Rs.67 billion from the prior year and rose 10.2 percent from December, reflecting the improving sentiment and greater participation in the capital market’s sustained performance over the past two years. The fixed income funds recorded a steadier expansion of 2.9 percent year-on-year.

The investor participation also strengthened, with 3,110 new unit holders entering the market in January, a 35 percent increase from a year earlier. Total unit trust investors rose to 147,020, marking a 25.7 percent annual increase, as the industry and regulators continue efforts to broaden awareness and access.

“The industry’s performance in January reflects a healthy start to 2026, supported by sustained inflows into equity-related funds and steady overall expansion of assets under management,” Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka Treasurer and LYNEAR Wealth Management CEO for Unit Trusts and Head of Equities Asanka Herath said.

He said the rise in new unit holders signals the widening participation in capital markets, with the industry focusing on investor education, product accessibility and disciplined fund management to deliver long-term value.

The Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka represents the country’s 16 Securities Exchange Commission-regulated fund management companies, promoting professionalism, transparency and wider adoption of unit trusts as a long-term investment avenue.