Kathmandu-Nabil Bank, Nepal's first private sector commercial bank, has completed 42 years of operations, highlighting its role in the country's banking development, private sector growth and economic expansion since its establishment in 1984.

Built around its "Banking and Beyond" vision, the bank says it has expanded beyond traditional banking by investing in digital technology, innovation, financial inclusion, sustainable development and customer experience.

The bank attributes its growth to the confidence of depositors and investors, strong corporate governance, transparency, prudent risk management and continued innovation. These factors have helped Nabil establish itself as one of Nepal's most trusted banking institutions.

Nabil was founded in 1984 when Nepal's modern private banking sector was still in its early stages. The bank was established with the vision of entrepreneur Binod Chaudhary to create an international standard private commercial bank. Over four decades, it has played a key role in shaping Nepal's private banking industry.

Strong financial position

As of the third quarter of the current fiscal year 2025 to 26, Nabil's total loan portfolio stood at Rs 464.10 billion, while customer deposits reached Rs 588.85 billion.

The bank reported total assets of Rs 718.43 billion, net worth of Rs 70.83 billion and net profit of Rs 6.76 billion, making it one of the country's strongest capitalised commercial banks.

Nabil has directed much of its lending toward productive sectors of the economy. It has invested Rs 53.31 billion in agriculture, Rs 51.06 billion in energy, Rs 45.92 billion in micro, cottage, small and medium enterprises and Rs 11.10 billion in tourism.

The bank said these investments support food security, hydropower development, entrepreneurship, job creation and the growth of Nepal's tourism industry.

Nationwide network

Nabil has expanded from two branches at its launch to a nationwide network of 264 branches, 315 ATMs and 18 extension counters.

The bank now serves more than 2.6 million customers and employs 2,464 people across the country.

It says expanding banking services to rural areas and improving financial inclusion remain among its key priorities.

Digital banking expansion

Nabil has accelerated its digital transformation through its mobile platform, nBank, launched on Dec. 22, 2022.

The platform allows customers to open bank accounts, update know your customer information, apply for loans, make QR and bill payments, access financial services, shop online and send international remittances without visiting a branch.

The service operates around the clock throughout the year. The bank says it is gradually adding artificial intelligence based features to improve customer experience.

Growth over four decades

Nabil began operations with deposits of Rs 146 million, loans of Rs 133 million and total assets of Rs 269 million during its first year.

Today, deposits have grown to Rs 588.85 billion, loans to Rs 464.10 billion and total assets to Rs 718.43 billion.

The bank's net worth has increased from Rs 28 million to Rs 70.83 billion, while annual net profit has risen from Rs 1 million in its first year to Rs 6.76 billion.

Its workforce has expanded from 144 employees to 2,464, while its branch network has grown from two outlets to 264 nationwide.

Awards and recognition

Nabil has received several national and international awards for corporate governance, financial reporting, customer service and digital innovation.

The bank has been recognised as Nepal's highest taxpayer eight times. It has also won the National Best Presented Annual Report Award nine times and finished runner up once for the quality and transparency of its financial reporting.

Looking ahead

Nabil says it will continue to focus on sustainable finance, green banking, digital innovation, financial inclusion and customer service as it enters its next phase of growth.

The bank says its goal is to create long term value while supporting Nepal's economic development through responsible banking and technology driven financial services.