Banks are any financial institutions built to accept deposits from the general public and create credit. For any country, banking is imperative to stabilize the economic and financial condition of the country, and as such, banks are highly regulated. It performs lending activities either directly or indirectly through capital markets. Nepali Banks are progressing a lot with new features and services for their customers in Nepal.
Table of Contents
Banking service in Nepal is one of the oldest services. Its development lies in the Vedic Times (200 to 1400 BC). But, the modern banking institution came into being in 1937 A.D. after Nepal Bank Limited, the first commercial Bank, was established in Nepal. There has been a development of different banks since then.
Banks in Nepal are categorized as Central Bank, Commercial Banks (Class A), Development Bank (Class B), Finance Companies (Class C), and Micro Credit Development Banks (Class D).
All these categories of Nepal banks have their functions to perform, and each entails some specialized functions. The Central Bank, Nepal Rastra Bank, controls the whole nation’s money supply and monetary policy. It also oversees the commercial banking systems of their respective countries. Commercial Banks provide services regarding deposit acceptance, business loans, and basic investment products.
Developmental banks’ function is to provide funding (equity capital and loan capital) to novel businesses and projects for economic development. Finance companies are specialized in purchasing consumer goods by granting small loans further or by purchasing time sales contracts of merchants.
Microcredit development banks are mainly established in developing countries to provide a wide range of financial services, especially on saving accounts to the poor.
The banking sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Nepal. We have many banks competing to provide the best customer service. The development in the banking sector has increased banking habits in Nepali people.
Banks are now available in almost all districts of Nepal. Nearly all banks have ebanking services these days. Every Bank has different specialties. Some may stand out in customer service, while others stand out in their cheaper interest rates. In the article, we have listed a few best banks. The ranking is done per their work principle, bank policy, and customer service.
Most of the banks in Nepal are closed on Saturday. Saturday is considered to be public holiday in Nepal according to Nepali Calendar.
Top 10 Nepal Banks
Among various Nepal banks extant in Nepal, the top 10 banks which are most popular among the people are as follows. All complete 10 list of Nepal banks is listed with their interest rates.
The exciting fact about Nepal banks is that they have good market value on the Nepal stock exchange and NEPSE.
Nepal Bank Limited
This is the first commercial Bank of Nepal which was established in 1937 A.D. It is a government-owned bank with headquarters in Dharmapath, Kathmandu.
It has 118 branches strewn in different areas of the country. It provides services regarding loans and deposits, Internet banking, and ATM facilities. For deposits, different types of savings accounts are present. The initial deposit depends on the saving account.
Nepal Investment Mega Bank
Formerly known as Nepal Investment Bank merged with Mega bank and became Nepal Investment Mega Bank. It was established in 1986.
Initially, it was a joint venture between Nepalese and French Companies. However, in 2001 the Nepalese investors bought all the shares of the French Company.
It is one of the trusted and popular banks in Nepal. It provides various options for saving the account. It has multiple branches and ATM outlets throughout the country.
NIBL is the other that comes to mind when we talk about banks. One of the oldest Bank in Nepal, NIBL has always maintained its reputation. The best thing about NIBL is that it has the most number of ATMs throughout the nation. So, withdrawal of money is possible easily. The trust people have for NIBL makes it to the top.
Nepal Investment Bank Ltd (NIBL) and Mega Bank merged and formed Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd (NIMB).
Nepal SBI Bank Limited
It is a subsidiary bank of the State Bank of India. SBI also has different outlets, extension counters, and administrative offices across the districts of the country. This Bank has a network of ATM terminals, Cash Deposit Machines, and Mobile ATMs. It offers different deposit schemes and provides interest on Daily Balance in all Savings Schemes irrespective of the minimum balance criteria.
Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited
It is a subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC established in 1987.
Standard Chartered is a British multinational financial and banking service. Standard Chartered bank has taken the online banking service company to another level by providing its clients a facility of opening accounts from home. It has its headquarters in London, England. In Nepal, with their online account opening service, you fill in your details, and you can get your account opened at the Bank without having to visit the Bank or being in a queue. With diffrent ATMs and branches all over the country, Standard Chartered can give an excellent banking experience.
Nabil Bank Limited
Founded in 1984, Nabil Bank is the first private sector bank in Nepal and has branches all over the country. Its headquarters is located in Durbarmarg, Kathmandu. It provides full-fledged commercial bank services through its 52 points of representation.
Nabil bank is the first joint venture bank in Nepal which started its operation in Nepal in July 1984. It operates under the parent organization NB international limited. With various branches all over the country and ATMs, Nabil bank stands out in terms of its customer service.
Himalayan Bank Limited
It is one of the largest private banks in Nepal, founded in 1993. It consists of various branches, and its headquarter lies in Kamaladi, Kathmandu.
Global IME Bank Limited
It was established in 2007 with the largest capital base of that time. It operates branches and extension counters throughout the districts of Nepal. Global IME Bank is a leading financial institution in Nepal, established in 2007 as a result of the merger between banks Global Bank Limited, Infrastructure Development Bank Limited, and Lord Buddha Finance Limited. As a prominent commercial bank in the country, it has been committed to catering to the diverse financial needs of individuals, businesses, and institutions. With an extensive network of branches across the nation and a wide range of services, including deposit accounts, loans, remittance, and digital banking facilities, Global IME Bank plays a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of Nepal, empowering its people to achieve financial independence and elevating their standard of living.
Machapuchchhre Bank
It is the first regional Bank in the western region of Nepal, established in 1998. It contains more than 560 branch offices, extension counter, and ATMs spread all over the country.
Everest Bank
It is the commercial Bank of Nepal which is a joint venture of Punjab National Bank. Its headquarters is in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. It was founded in 1994. The Bank has 61 branches, 84 ATM counters, and five extension counters.
Agriculture and Development Bank
ADBL is a government-owned bank of Nepal, established in 1968 and has been providing credits mainly in the rural setting. It is labeled as an “A” class financial institution and provides loans, savings, and investments, mainly in the agricultural sector of Nepal.
Nepal Rastra Bank
Nepal rastra bank is not a bank for the public. We can’t do transactions with the Bank, but it is the Bank of the banks. Rastra bank is the one that controls all the commercial Banks we trust blindly. So Nepal rastra bank makes it up to the list. NRB fixes exchange rates and interest rates, provides loan to our commercial banks, and act as a lender of last resort in crucial times. Governor Dr. Chiranjibi Nepla is now the head of Rastra Bank. It was established in 1956 as a regulatory and supervisory body for banks and financial institutions.
This list is made based on my experience and opinion. Other than these banks, there are other emerging banks, such as NIC Asia, and SBI Bank, which have good services. They all have different specialties and weaknesses, but it’s good that we have so many options to choose from. Tell us your favorite Bank in the comment section.
NIC Asia Bank
NIC Asia Bank, a leading commercial bank in Nepal, plays an essential role in providing a range of banking services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across the country. Established in 1998, the bank has since grown its network to over 300 branches and continuously strives to enhance its products and services. Not only focused on delivering exceptional customer service, but NIC Asia Bank also actively engages in supporting communities through various CSR initiatives. Being recognized for its constant innovation in banking solutions, NIC Asia Bank remains a trustworthy financial partner for the people and businesses of Nepal.
Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank
Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank (KSB) is a leading financial institution in Nepal, providing banking services to individuals and businesses. The bank was established in 2007 as a non-governmental organization with the aim of helping people achieve financial freedom and improving their standard of living. KSB offers a variety of services such as deposits, loans, credit cards, investment products, insurance plans and more. It also provides access to online banking services, allowing customers to conveniently manage their accounts from anywhere in the world. KSB’s team of professionals is committed to providing quality service while meeting customers’ individual needs. They strive to make banking easy and accessible so that everyone can benefit from its products and services. Moreover, KSB provides competitive interest rates on savings accounts and loans, making it one of the most attractive banks for both private and corporate customers in Nepal.
List of saving accounts by Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank
- Shubharambha Saving Account
- Sabal Nari Saving Account
- Pensioner Saving Account
- Farmers Saving Account
- Swarnim Surakchhit Plus Saving Account
- Kamana Sewa Pragati Bachhat Khata
- Swabhiman Bachat Khata
- Recurring Deposit Account
- Subhashree Bachat Khata
- Subhalabh Lagani Savings Account
- Samajik Surkachhya Saving Account
- Bal Bachat Saving Account
- Salary Savings Account
- Shareholders Saving Account
- Student Saving Account
- Normal Savings Account
