Nepal Rastra Bank

Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited held a specialized training in Kathmandu on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering the Financing of Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF). The session featured Dr. Hari Kumar Nepal from Nepal Rastra Bank, who provided insights on legal frameworks and practical implementation for the insurance sector. The training aimed to strengthen participants' understanding and reduce financial crimes.

Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited and Prime Commercial Bank Limited are integrating selected branches and transferring safe deposit locker services to optimize operations and enhance service quality. This consolidation, aligned with directives from Nepal Rastra Bank, is scheduled to take effect starting July 17, 2026. Affected locker holders are urged to coordinate with their respective branches by July 17, 2026, to manage their assets during this transitional period.

Nepal Rastra Bank has published the foreign exchange rates for Monday, May 25. The central bank set the buying rate for one US dollar at 152 rupees 81 paisa and the selling rate at 153 rupees 41 paisa, with rates also provided for Euros, Pounds Sterling, and other major currencies.

Kumari Bank Limited has issued a public notice demanding that multiple borrowers repay outstanding loan liabilities within 35 days, including principal, interest, and charges, to protect depositors and asset quality. Meanwhile, Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank Limited is warning customers about a phishing scam targeting connectIPS accounts, and Himalayan Bank Limited is allowing founder shareholders to convert 10 percent of their shares into public shares, adhering to Nepal Rastra Bank regulations.

Nepal Rastra Bank has issued new directives requiring commercial and financial institutions to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities and ensure fair compensation for overtime work. Banks must establish disability-friendly branches and ATMs, make digital platforms accessible, and provide tactile cards, while also prohibiting forced overtime and mandating proper pay for extra hours worked.

Support Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited has completed the distribution of its 9.5% bonus shares to investors, following resolutions from its Annual General Meeting. The shares have been registered with the Nepal Stock Exchange and CDS and Clearing Limited, enabling immediate trading on the secondary market.

Non-banking assets (NBA) within Nepal's banking sector have surpassed Rs 46.10 billion, indicating a significant increase in loan defaults and the acquisition of collateral by banks. This rise of Rs 7.69 billion from the previous fiscal year highlights growing stress in loan recovery and economic weakness, prompting the central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank, to plan an Asset Management Company to handle distressed assets.

The Nepal Rastra Bank has published the daily foreign exchange rates for various currencies, including the US dollar, Euro, and UK Pound Sterling. The central bank has stated that these rates can be revised at any time as needed, and commercial banks' rates may differ.

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to withdraw Rs 100 billion from the banking system on May 22 as part of its ongoing liquidity management initiative. The central bank is utilizing its deposit collection instrument with a 61-day maturity period to absorb excess liquidity. The bidding process is being conducted electronically and will conclude by 3:00 PM today, with principal and interest repayment scheduled for July 21.

Siddhartha Bank Limited has opened 272,737 founder shares for purchase, owned by Lila Devi Sharada, following regulatory protocols that mandate an internal right of refusal. Meanwhile, Himalayan Bank Limited is converting ten percent of its founder stock into ordinary public shares, adhering to Nepal Rastra Bank directives that permit such conversions up to a ten percent threshold while maintaining a majority founder stake.