Exploring list of banks in Nepal: Your Comprehensive List for Financial Services [ Updated – December 2023 ]

list of banks in Nepal

list of banks in Nepal: Nepal is home to a wide variety of banks and financial institutions to meet the financial demands of its inhabitants and enterprises, each of which provides a special set of services. Institutions like banks are crucial in contemporary economies. They support financial security, economic expansion, and the smooth operation of the financial markets. 

The early 20th century is when Nepal’s financial history began. In 1937 AD (1994 BS), Nepal Bank Limited, the nation’s first bank, was founded. However, the banking industry only really started to take off until the economy was liberalized in the 1950s. The establishment of several financial institutions during this period laid the groundwork for the current, booming banking industry.

List of Banks in Nepal

In Nepal, banks are categorized into four types based on their operational functions and the overall value of the bank.  Factors such as size, services offered, and financial standing are also looked at while categorizing banks.

  1. Class ‘A’ Banks: Commercial Bank
  2. Class ‘B’ Banks: Development Bank
  3. Class ‘C’ Banks: Finance companies
  4. Class ‘D’ Banks: Micro Finance Financial Institutions

What is a Commercial Bank?

Commercial Banks are also known as A-Class Banks, which are rated by the Central Bank of Nepal i.e. Nepal Rastra Bank. The most typical bank in Nepal is a commercial bank. Among the many services, they provide loans, fixed deposits, foreign exchange services, savings, and current accounts. Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, Himalayan Bank Limited, and Nepal Investment Bank Limited are a few of the well-known commercial banks in Nepal.

According to the latest data of 24 February 2023, there are 20 Commercial Banks in Nepal. Their execution is on the National level.

List of Commercial Banks in Nepal

 

Bank Name Establishment Year Headquarters Paid-up Capital (in NPR)
Agriculture Development Bank 1968 Ramshahpath, Kathmandu रु 18.88 Arab
Nepal Bank 1937 Dharmapath, Kathmandu रु 14.69 Arab
Rastriya Banijya Bank 1966 Singhadurbarplaza, Kathmandu रु 14.64 Arab
Citizens Bank International 2007 Narayanhitipath, Kathmandu रु 14.20 Arab
Everest Bank 1994 Lazimpat, Kathmandu रु 10.70 Arab
Global IME Bank 2023 Kamaladi, Kathmandu रु 35.77 Arab
Himalayan Bank 1993 Kamaladi, Kathmandu रु 21.66 Arab
Kumari Bank 2023 Durbarmarg, Kathmandu रु 26.23 Arab
Laxmi Sunrise Bank 2023 Hattisar, Kathmandu रु 21.67 Arab
Machhapuchhre Bank 2012 Lazimpat, Kathmandu रु 10.26 Arab

What is the Development Bank?

Development Banks are also known as B-Class Banks, which are rated by the Central Bank of Nepal i.e. Nepal Rastra Bank. In Nepal, development banks are primarily concerned with providing funding to various industries, including agriculture, tourism, and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). 

According to the latest data of January 2023, there are 17 Development Banks in Nepal. Their execution is both on the National level and District level. Development Banks are categorized on the following basis:

  • National Level Development Banks have a minimum Paid-up Capital of  2,500,000,000 and execute at the National Level.
  • District Level Development Banks that execute in 4-10 districts have a minimum Paid-up Capital of  1,200,000,000.
  • District Level Development Banks that execute in a maximum of 3 districts have a minimum Paid-up Capital of 500,000,000.

List of  Development Banks in Nepal

S.N Bank Name Headquarters Paid-up Capital (in NPR)
1 Muktinath Bikash Bank Kamaladi, Kathmandu रु 6.43 Arab
2 Garima Bikas Bank Lazimpat, Kathmandu रु 5.19 Arab
3 Mahalaxmi Development Bank Durbar Marg, Kathmandu रु 4.17 Arab
4 Jyoti Bikas Bank Kamaladi, Kathmandu रु 4.40 Arab
5 Shine Resunga Development Bank Butwal, Lumbini रु 4.28 Arab
6 Lumbini Bikas Bank Dillibazaar, Kathmandu रु 3.38 Arab
7 Sangrila Development Bank Baluwatar, Kathmandu रु 3.01 Arab
8 Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu रु 3.14 Arab
9 Saptakoshi Development Bank Dhankuta, Koshi रु 0.83 Arab
10 Excel Development Bank Birtamod, Koshi रु 1.25 Arab
11 Miteri Development Bank Dharan, Koshi रु 1.02 Arab
12 Narayani Development Bank Ratnanagar, Bagmati रु 0.26 Arab
13 Salapa Bikash Bank Diktel, Koshi रु 0.35 Arab
14 Sindhu Bikas Bank Barhabise, Bagmati रु 0.56 Arab
15 Green Development Bank Pokhara, Gandaki रु 0.52 Arab
16 Corporate Development Bank Birgunj, Madhesh रु 0.50 Arab
17 Karnali Development Bank Nepalgunj, Lumbini रु 0.50 Arab

What are Micro Finance (सूक्ष्म वित्त) Companies?

Micro Finance Companies are those financial institutions that are rated as D-Class Banks, by the Nepal Rastra Bank. Small finance companies don’t need a lot of money compared to big ones. Even if they have more than the smallest amount required, they can’t become bigger financial institutions or banks.

As of January 2023, there are 57 microfinance companies in Nepal. Out of these, 3 are bigger types (wholesale microfinance), and the other 54 are retail microfinance companies.

List of retail microfinance (सूक्ष्म वित्त) companies

 
S.N Microfinance Company Operation Date (A.D.) Head Office
1 Nirdhan Utthan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 7/17/1999 Naxal, Kathmandu
3 Deprosc Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 7/3/2001 Bharatpur, Chitwan
4 Chhimek Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 12/10/2001 Old Baneshwor, Kathmandu
5 Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2/22/2002 Kamal Pokhari, Kathmandu
6 Nerude Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 6/15/2007 Biratnagar, Morang
7 Mithila Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 4/29/2009 Dhalkebar, Dhanusha
8 Sworojagar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 12/16/2009 Banepa, Kavre
9 Kalika Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2020/01/08* Pokhara, Kaski
10 Mirmire Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 9/23/2010 Banepa, Kavre
11 Janautthan Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 11/9/2010 Butwal, Rupandehi
12 Suryodaya Womi Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2022/04/02* Banepa, Kavre
13 Laxmi Lighubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 6/4/2012 Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
14 Vijaya Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 3/28/2013 Gaidakot, Nawalparasi
15 NMB Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 3/31/2013 Pokhara-Hemja, Kaski
16 Forward Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 5/17/2013 Duhabi Bhaluwa, Sunsari
17 Global IME Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 5/19/2013 Pokhara, Kaski
18 Mahuli Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2020/11/23* Bakdhuwa, Saptari
19 Meromicrofinance Laghubitta Bittiya Sanatha Ltd. 7/18/2013 Battar, Nuwakot
20 Samata Gharelu Laghubitta Bittiya Sanatha Ltd. 2021-04-15* Banepa, Kavrepalanchowk
21 Samudayik Laghubitta Bitiya Sanstha Ltd. 4/13/2014 Banepa, Kavre
22 National Microfinance Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 7/2/2014 Nilkantha, Dhading
23 Grameen Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2014/8/15* Butwal, Rupandehi
24 WEAN Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 2021-11-01* Phataksila, Sindhupalchok
25 Unnati Sahakarya Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha 2020/07/10* Siddarthanagar, Rupandehi
26 NADEP Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 5/15/2015 Gajuri, Dhading
27 Support Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 7/12/2015 Hasposa, Itahari
28 Aarambha Chautari Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha 1/3/2016 Butwal, Rupandehi
29 Asha Lagubitta Bittiya Sastha Ltd. 8/29/2016 Madanpur Nuwakot
30 Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sastha Ltd. 11/16/2016 Dhankutabazaar, Dhankuta
31 Ganapati Microfinance Bittiya Sastha Ltd. 12/9/2016 Shuklagandaki, Tanahu
32 Infinity Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd 1/20/2017 Gaidakot, Nawalparasi
33 Swabhiman Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 5/22/2017 Tilottama, Rupandehi
34 Sabaiko Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 7/14/2017 Bandipur, Tanahu
35 Sadhana Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 10/30/2017 Gorkha, Gorkha
36 NIC Asia Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2021/03/21* Banepa, Kavrepalanchowk
37 Manakamana Smart Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2020/07/26* Siddarthanagar, Ruphandehi
38 Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 5/15/2018 Malangawa, Sarlahi
39 Mahila Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 10/18/2018 Banepa, Sanga, Kavrepalanchok
40 Manushi Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 11/17/2018 Banepa, Bhaisepati, Kavrepalanchok
41 Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 2022/01/14* Kohalpur, Banke
42 Jalpa Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 2020-12-01* Butwal, Rupandehi
43 Upakar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 3/27/2019 Kohalpur, Banke
44 Dhaulagiri Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 2/19/2019 Baglung -2, Baglung
45 CYC Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 3/15/2019 Pokhara, Kaski
46 NESDO Samriddha Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 3/5/2019 Kushma, Parbat
47 Swastik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 3/26/2019 Lahan, Siraha
48 Shrijanshil Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 3/15/2019 Golbazar, Siraha
49 Kisan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 2020/07/13* Dhanagadhi, Kailali
50 Jeevan Bikash Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 2020/09/07* Katahari, Morang
51 BPW Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 4/15/2019 Banepa, Kavrepalanchok
52 Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 4/15/2019 Ghorahi, Dang
53 Super Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 1/15/2020 Tulshipur, Dang
54 Aviyan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited 12/17/2019 Panauti, Kavre
55 Himalayan laghubitta 01/12/2067 Chabahil, Kathmandu, Nepal

List of wholesale microfinance companies

S.N Microfinance Company Operation Date (A.D.) Head Office
1 Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 3/11/2002 Babarmahal, Kathmandu
2 First Microfinance Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. 12/28/2009 Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu
3 RSDC Laghubitta Bitiya Sanstha Ltd 9/11/2013 Butwal, Rupandehi

What is the Infrastructure Development Bank?

The Infrastructure Development Bank is a Financial Institution without a specific classification, authorized by the Nepal Rastra Bank. As of June 2023, there is a single financial institution falling under this category.

  • Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA)

Importance of banks in Nepal

In the contemporary economic system and society, banks are essential. They are important on many levels to people, organizations, and governments. The following are some critical facets of banks’ significance:

  • Secure Deposits: Banks provide a secure location to store cash, lowering the chance of loss or theft.
  • Credit Access: They give people and companies loans and credit lines to help them with investments and purchases.
  • Capital Formation: To promote economic growth, banks gather deposits and channel them toward profitable investments.
  • International Trade: Banks support international trade by providing services like foreign exchange and letters of credit.
  • Financial Services: They offer financial goods, wealth management, and investment advice.
  • Economic Stability: The general stability of the economy is aided by a sound financial system.
  • Currency management: To control inflation and guarantee stability, central banks that are affiliated with banks govern currencies.
  • Banks act as financial intermediaries by bringing together savers and borrowers and directing money toward investments and economic expansion.
  • Banks offer payment systems for quick and safe transactions, resulting in efficient payments.
  • Banks provide resources and services for risk management of financial hazards.
  • Banks have an impact on interest rates, which affect borrowing costs and economic activity.
  • Banks are involved in the issue of government debt to finance public goods and services.

Roles of banks in Nepal

  • Banks serve as middlemen in the lending process between depositors (savers) and borrowers. They amass deposits from private citizens and commercial entities and lend these monies to borrowers for a variety of uses, hence promoting economic activity.
  • Banks offer a secure location for people and companies to deposit their money, lowering the danger of carrying cash. This security promotes financial stability and saving.
  • Banks provide effective payment and settlement mechanisms, such as checks, credit/debit card services, and electronic fund transfers. Both organizations and people can use these technologies to make transactions simpler.
  • Banks provide credit to people, companies, and farms through loans and credit lines. This ease of obtaining finance promotes investments, employment development, and economic expansion.
  • Banks are essential to capital development because they gather funds and direct them toward profitable ventures. Infrastructure, industries, and enterprises all benefit from this.
  • Due to the open economy of Nepal, banks offer foreign exchange services for remittances and international commerce, adding to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

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FAQs – list of banks in Nepal

How many banks are there in Nepal?

Altogether there are 20 commercial banks,17 development banks, 17 finance companies, and 57 microfinance in Nepal.

Which are the top 5 banks in Nepal?

There are many factors to determine the top bank. According to the paid-up capital, the top five banks are: Global IME Bank Ltd, Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd, Nabil Bank Limited, Kumari Bank Ltd, and Prabhu Bank Ltd

What are the 3 government banks in Nepal?

The three government banks in Nepal are: Nepal Rastra Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, and Agricultural Development Bank

What are BFIs in Nepal?

Conclusion

The list of banks in Nepal has developed greatly over the years, now providing a wide range of financial services to meet the various demands of its people and enterprises. Understanding Nepal’s banking system, its role, and its importance will enable you to make wise financial decisions and take full advantage of the country’s vibrant banking scene, whether you are a native or a tourist.