Question 1

What is Himalayan Bank?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank is one of the largest private sector commercial banks in Nepal. Established as the country's first private commercial bank with majority shares held by the Nepalese private sector, the bank has maintained a leading position in the banking industry since its inception. With a paid-up capital of 36.13 billion Nepalese rupees as of FY 2023/24, Himalayan Bank operates 175 branch offices and 20 extension counters throughout Nepal.

The bank is known for pioneering innovative banking products and services in Nepal, including being the first to introduce ATMs, tele-banking, and proprietary credit cards for the domestic market.

Question 2

When was Himalayan Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank was incorporated in 1992 and commenced operations in January 1993. The bank was founded by eminent individuals of Nepal in partnership with the Employees Provident Fund and Habib Bank Limited of Pakistan.

The bank began its journey from the Employees Provident Fund Building, popularly known as Sanchayakosh Building, at Thamel, Kathmandu. It was established as a joint venture to bring modern banking practices to Nepal and has since evolved into a fully Nepalese-owned institution.

Question 3

Where is Himalayan Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank's head office and corporate office are located at Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu, as the capital city, serves as the central hub for the bank's operations and strategic management.

Question 4

Where does Himalayan Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank operates throughout Nepal with a nationwide presence. The bank maintains 175 branch offices and 20 extension counters spread across all regions of the country, including the Himalayan region, hilly region, and Terai region.

Major operational centers include Kathmandu Valley (with 18+ branches in the capital area), as well as branches in key cities such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Dharan, Nepalgunj, Butwal, Chitwan, and many other urban and semi-urban areas. The bank's extensive network ensures accessibility to banking services across Nepal's diverse geographical landscape.

Question 5

What services does Himalayan Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank offers comprehensive banking services including:

Retail Banking: Premium Savings Accounts, Millionaire Deposit Scheme, current accounts, fixed deposits, personal loans, home loans, and auto loans.

Corporate Banking: Corporate loans, project financing (including manufacturing, hydropower, airlines, and hospitals), business loans for small and medium enterprises, and consortium financing for large projects.

Trade Finance: Letter of Credit, bank guarantees, export financing (packing credit, export negotiation, post-shipment financing), and import financing.

Remittance Services: The bank is Nepal's largest inward remittance handling institution, operating HimalRemit™, a proprietary online money transfer software with partnerships across the Middle East, Gulf region, UK, Australia, USA, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Portugal, Spain, and Hong Kong.

Digital Banking: Himal@net (Internet Banking) with two-factor authentication, mobile banking, SMS banking, utility bill payments (NEA, NTC), fund transfers via ConnectIPS, and comprehensive account management features.

Card Services: Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and the HBL Proprietary Card. The bank operates an extensive ATM network and merchant services with POS terminals.

Wealth Management: Through its subsidiary Himalayan Capital Limited, the bank offers merchant banking, investment banking, corporate advisory, private equity, and venture capital services.

Question 6

What makes Himalayan Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank holds a distinguished legacy as Nepal's banking pioneer and innovator. The bank was the first in Nepal to introduce several groundbreaking services: ATMs (1995), Nepali credit cards for the domestic market, Premium Savings Accounts, tele-banking, and the Millionaire Deposit Scheme.

As Nepal's largest inward remittance handling bank, Himalayan Bank has developed proprietary technology (HimalRemit™) that connects Nepali communities worldwide with their homeland, serving a critical role in the country's economy.

The bank's significant acquisition of Civil Bank Limited in February 2023 (at a 100:80.28 swap ratio) expanded its network and customer base substantially, reinforcing its position as a market leader. With promoter group ownership at 57.99% and public ownership at 27.01%, the bank maintains strong local ownership while demonstrating commitment to corporate social responsibility through substantial community investment programs.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Himalayan Bank?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank is a Class A commercial bank (known as "Ka Varga Bank" in Nepali banking classification), which represents the highest tier of banking institutions in Nepal as licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank, the country's central bank.

As a commercial bank, Himalayan Bank provides a full range of retail, corporate, and investment banking services. It operates as a universal bank serving individuals, businesses, and corporations with both funded and non-funded facilities. The bank's classification allows it to accept deposits from the general public, extend credit facilities, and engage in foreign exchange operations, making it a comprehensive financial services provider in the Nepalese banking system.

Question 8

What subsidiaries does Himalayan Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Himalayan Bank operates three key subsidiaries that extend its financial services ecosystem:

Himalayan Capital Limited: Provides merchant banking, investment banking, corporate advisory, private equity, and venture capital services, focusing on capital market solutions and strategic financial guidance.

Himalayan Securities Limited: Offers securities trading and brokerage services, facilitating capital market participation for investors.

Himalayan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited: A microfinance institution extending financial inclusion to underserved communities and small-scale entrepreneurs.

These subsidiaries enable Himalayan Bank to offer comprehensive financial solutions across the entire spectrum of banking, capital markets, and microfinance services.

Himalayan Bank

in Nepal 🇳🇵

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About Himalayan Bank in Nepal