Question 1

What is Global IME Bank?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank is Nepal's largest commercial bank by balance sheet size, paid-up capital, and branch network. Originally founded as Global Bank Limited in 2007, it became Global IME Bank in 2012 after a landmark merger. The bank is classified as an 'A' class commercial bank licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank, the country's central bank.

With a paid-up capital exceeding NPR 38 billion and a balance sheet size of NPR 627 billion as of 2024, Global IME Bank serves over 5 million deposit customers and 60,000 credit customers. The bank operates with the vision of being "The Bank for All," providing comprehensive commercial banking services across all 77 districts of Nepal.

Question 2

When was Global IME Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

Global Bank Limited, the predecessor to Global IME Bank, was established in 2007 with an initial paid-up capital of NPR 1 billion, the largest capital base for any bank in Nepal at that time. The bank was founded by visionary entrepreneurs Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Hem Raj Dhakal, who had previously established IME Group starting from modest beginnings in the remittance business in 2001.

The pivotal transformation occurred in 2012 when Global Bank Limited merged with IME Financial Institution Limited (a 'C' class finance company) and Lord Buddha Finance Limited (another 'C' class finance company), creating Global IME Bank Limited. This merger marked the beginning of an aggressive expansion strategy that would eventually make it Nepal's premier banking institution.

Since 2012, Global IME Bank has strategically acquired and merged with 21 banking and financial institutions, including five 'A' class commercial banks: Commerz and Trust Bank (2014), Janata Bank Nepal (2019), Lumbini Bank, and Bank of Kathmandu (2023). The bank also absorbed multiple development banks and finance companies, consolidating its position as an industry leader.

Question 3

Where is Global IME Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank is headquartered in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal. The bank maintains its head office operations from this central location in Nepal's capital city.

Additionally, the bank operates international representative offices in three strategic locations to serve the Nepali diaspora: Australia, India, and the United Kingdom. These representative offices facilitate international remittance services and cross-border banking for overseas Nepalese communities.

Question 4

Where does Global IME Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank operates throughout all 77 districts of Nepal, making it the first private commercial bank in the country to achieve this level of nationwide coverage. The bank's extensive network includes 352 fully operational branch offices providing complete banking services, complemented by 68 extension and revenue collection counters.

The bank has made significant strides in financial inclusion through 155 branchless banking units that serve over 65,000 customers in remote and underserved regions where establishing full-service branches may not be economically viable. These branchless units are particularly important in rural areas, bringing formal banking services to communities that previously lacked access.

With over 384 ATM locations strategically placed across the country and more than 1,000 total service points, Global IME Bank ensures accessibility for customers in both urban centers and rural areas throughout Nepal.

Question 5

What services does Global IME Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank provides a comprehensive range of commercial banking services covering all major banking segments:

Retail Banking: The bank offers customized savings accounts, fixed deposits, call deposits, and current accounts tailored to individual customer needs. Personal loans, home loans, vehicle loans, and education loans form part of the retail lending portfolio.

Commercial Banking: Corporate clients have access to demand loans, cash credits, overdrafts, trust receipts, and term loans. The bank has particular focus on infrastructure sectors, renewable energy, SME financing, retail loans, and micro financing. Non-fund based products include bank guarantees and letters of credit.

Agricultural Lending: In recognition that approximately 70% of Nepal's population depends on agriculture, the bank launched specialized agricultural loans in coordination with food processing industries.

Digital Banking: Global IME Bank operates GlobalSmart, an advanced banking application offering financial transactions through SMS banking and internet connectivity. The bank has invested heavily in digital infrastructure since 2009, including mobile banking apps and online platforms. The bank maintains a state-of-the-art Disaster Recovery System (DRS) to ensure uninterrupted service availability.

Trade Finance and Remittance: Through correspondent relationships with over 60 international banks, Global IME Bank facilitates trade finance, remittances, and cross-border services in all major currencies. The bank was honored by Nepal Rastra Bank in 2024 for recording the highest remittance inflows among commercial banks.

Wealth Management and Investment Services: Through subsidiaries including Global IME Capital Limited, Global IME Securities Limited, and Global IME Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited, the bank provides merchant banking, securities trading, and microfinance services.

Question 6

What makes Global IME Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Several distinctive characteristics set Global IME Bank apart in Nepal's banking sector:

Unmatched Scale and Market Leadership: As Nepal's largest commercial bank with the highest paid-up capital (NPR 38+ billion), largest balance sheet (NPR 627+ billion), and biggest loan portfolio (NPR 410+ billion), the bank operates at a scale unmatched by competitors.

Universal Coverage: Global IME Bank is the only private commercial bank serving all 77 districts of Nepal, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to financial inclusion and nationwide accessibility.

Strategic Growth Through Consolidation: The bank's strategic acquisition of 21 banking and financial institutions since 2012 represents one of the most aggressive and successful consolidation strategies in Nepal's banking history, allowing it to leverage economies of scale and expand its resource base substantially.

Award-Winning Excellence: Global IME Bank received the "Best Bank in Nepal" award from Euromoney Awards for Excellence in 2022, 2024, and 2025, and from Global Finance Magazine in 2024 and 2025. These consecutive international recognitions validate the bank's consistent focus on innovation, resilience, and customer service.

Technology Infrastructure: The bank employs world-renowned FINACLE software providing real-time access to customer data across all branches. Its robust Disaster Recovery System ensures business continuity even during unforeseen disruptions.

Remittance Leadership: As the leading bank for remittance inflows in Nepal, Global IME Bank serves as the preferred financial partner for millions of Nepalis working abroad, playing a crucial role in the national economy.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Global IME Bank?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank is an 'A' Class Commercial Bank, which represents the highest category of banking institutions in Nepal's banking classification system established by Nepal Rastra Bank. 'A' class commercial banks are authorized to conduct full-scale commercial banking operations, including accepting deposits, providing loans, facilitating trade finance, and offering comprehensive financial services to both retail and corporate clients.

As a universal commercial bank, Global IME Bank serves multiple customer segments—from individual retail customers and small businesses to large corporations and government entities. The bank is publicly traded on the Nepal Stock Exchange with a diverse ownership structure comprising 51.24% promoter group holdings and 48.76% public shareholding.

The bank's 'A' class status grants it the broadest regulatory permissions to operate across all banking segments, distinguishing it from 'B' class development banks and 'C' class finance companies that have more limited operating scopes. This classification reflects the bank's strong capital adequacy, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive service capabilities.

Question 8

How does Global IME Bank contribute to Nepal's economy?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank plays a pivotal role in Nepal's economic development through multiple channels. The bank handles significant government transactions and is among the few commercial banks officially trusted by the Government of Nepal for revenue collection and government banking services.

With a total business volume exceeding NPR 940 billion and a loan portfolio of NPR 410+ billion, the bank provides substantial credit to key economic sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and SMEs. The bank's emphasis on agricultural lending directly supports the livelihoods of Nepal's predominantly agrarian population.

As the leader in remittance inflows, Global IME Bank facilitates the transfer of billions of rupees from overseas Nepali workers back to their families, supporting household incomes and contributing significantly to Nepal's foreign exchange reserves. The bank's financial inclusion initiatives through branchless banking units have brought over 65,000 previously unbanked customers into the formal financial system, promoting economic participation in remote regions.

Question 9

What is Global IME Bank's connection to IME Group?

Accepted Answer

Global IME Bank is part of the broader IME Group, a diversified conglomerate founded by entrepreneurs Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Hem Raj Dhakal. IME Group started in 2001 with IME Remit, Nepal's first money transfer company licensed by the central bank, and has since expanded into banking, insurance, hospitality, trading, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

The establishment of Global Bank Limited in 2007 represented IME Group's strategic entry into the commercial banking sector. When Global Bank merged with IME Financial Institution in 2012, it created synergies between the group's remittance business and banking operations, strengthening its position in Nepal's financial services ecosystem.

This connection to IME Group provides Global IME Bank with strategic advantages in remittance services, fintech innovation (through IME Digital Solution and IME Pay), and cross-sector business opportunities. The group's diversified portfolio supports the bank's comprehensive approach to serving Nepal's financial needs.

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