Commercial Bank launches ‘ComBank GIG+’

Recognising the rapid emergence of the gig economy in Sri Lanka, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has introduced ‘ComBank GIG+’ – a specialised banking solution designed for freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, social media influencers, and individuals and businesses earning in foreign currency through overseas engagements to receive their foreign earnings, including PayPal-linked withdrawals, through a structured banking account.

ComBank GIG+ reflects a decisive shift in the country’s employment landscape, where a growing number of professionals are leveraging global digital platforms and remote work opportunities to build independent income streams.

From freelance service providers operating on platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.com, to content creators monetising audiences across YouTube, TikTok, Meta and X, this segment represents a dynamic and increasingly influential contributor to foreign exchange inflows.

ComBank GIG+ is tailored to meet the specific needs of these digital earners, offering account options in Sri Lanka Rupees as well as major foreign currencies including USD, EUR, GBP and AUD. The account is available to Sri Lankan citizens aged 18 and above residing in the country, as well as duly registered business entities, subject to verification of foreign currency income derived through recognised digital and remote work channels.

By formalising banking access for this segment, the Bank enables freelancers and digital professionals to transform their foreign income flows into structured foreign income streams. The account is positioned to serve as a gateway to a broader suite of financial services, enabling customers to access savings, credit, and investment solutions based on their foreign currency income and established financial track record.

Hasrath Munasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Bank said: “The rise of independent digital earners represents a structural shift in how value is created and exported from Sri Lanka. With ComBank GIG+, we are establishing a banking framework that not only recognises this segment, but also integrates it more meaningfully into the formal financial system.”

“This enables individuals and businesses operating beyond traditional employment models to build a verifiable financial track record, access formal financial services, scale their operations, and contribute more visibly to the country’s economic growth.”

The launch of ComBank GIG+ is particularly timely following Sri Lanka’s recent enablement of PayPal linked withdrawals, which has simplified the process of bringing overseas digital earnings into the country.

In addition to facilitating PayPal-linked withdrawals and foreign currency inflows, the Bank said the ComBank GIG+ account offers a range of value-added benefits.