January 24, 2026

RBB 61st Anniversary: NPL Concerns Amidst High-Profile Inauguration

24th January 2026, Kathmandu

The RBB 61st Anniversary celebration, held on January 24, 2026, marked a significant milestone for Nepal’s largest state-owned bank.

While the event celebrated over six decades of service, it also shed light on mounting financial challenges, specifically a sharp rise in Non-Performing Loans (NPL).

RBB 61st Anniversary

Inauguration by Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal

The event saw the official RBB 61st Anniversary Inauguration by Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal. In his keynote address, Minister Khanal emphasized the need for Nepalese banks to shift from collateral-based lending to research-driven investment.

He noted that while RBB’s current state is “correctable,” the bank must better utilize its NPR 139 billion in investable liquidity to stimulate the productive economy.

Financial Performance & Governance

Chairman Dev Kumar Dhakal and RBB CEO Devendra Raman Khanal presented the bank’s half-yearly report. A key point of concern was the NPL ratio, which has jumped to 4.55% from 3.83% last year.

Deposits: NPR 553 Billion

Capital Constraint: Despite high liquidity, the bank can only extend NPR 18 billion in new credit due to capital adequacy ratios.

CEO’s Strategy: CEO Devendra Raman Khanal announced plans to issue NPR 300 billion in debentures to strengthen the capital base.

Legacy and Community

A significant highlight was the participation of the Former Employee Association of RBB on the occasion of the 61st Anniversary. Retired staff were honored for their roles in expanding the bank’s reach to all 77 districts.

Additionally, the RBB 61st Anniversary Publication Launched by Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, titled Upahar, was unveiled, documenting the bank’s digital transformation and history.