Citizens Bank Share Sale Open to All Investors
3rd February 2026, Kathmandu
Citizens Bank International Limited has officially entered the final phase of its promoter share liquidation, opening the floor to all categories of investors, including the general public and corporate entities.
Citizens Bank Share Sale
This announcement follows the standard regulatory cooling-off period where existing promoter shareholders were given the first right of refusal. With the internal priority phase now concluded, the bank is offering a substantial block of 318,873.15 units of promoter shares at a highly competitive minimum price of NPR 100 per share.
The sale represents a rare opportunity for retail investors to enter the “Promoter” class of a major Nepali commercial bank—a segment typically reserved for founding members and large-scale institutional backers.
Breakdown of the Share Offering
The current share sale originates from two significant existing holdings within the bank’s promoter group. The volume is divided as follows:
Roshan Shrestha: 264,061.58 units
Yadunath Ghimire: 54,811.57 units
Total Volume: 318,873.15 units
By setting the minimum bid at NPR 100 (the face value), the bank is facilitating a broad-based ownership transition. While ordinary shares of Citizens Bank (CZBIL) often trade at a premium on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), promoter shares (CZBILP) are priced to reflect their specific regulatory characteristics, making them an attractive low-cost entry point for long-term value investors.
The Strategic Value of Promoter Shares
Investors should distinguish between the ordinary shares they trade daily on NEPSE and the promoter shares being offered in this notice. Promoter shares carry distinct advantages and specific restrictions that align with a “buy and hold” investment strategy.
Governance and Stability: Holding promoter shares signifies a deeper level of association with the bank’s foundational capital.
Long-term Yield: Promoter shareholders are entitled to the same dividends (cash and bonus shares) as ordinary shareholders. Given the low entry price of NPR 100, the dividend yield for these units is often significantly higher than that of ordinary shares purchased at market rates.
Conversion Potential: Under current Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) regulations, promoter shares can eventually be converted into ordinary shares after a specific duration (usually 10 years from the bank’s commencement) and subject to regulatory approval, provided the promoter holding does not fall below 51 percent of the total capital.
Application Guidelines and Timeline
The window for this public offering is brief, emphasizing the need for prompt action from interested parties.
Application Period: 15 days from the date of the public notice (Magh 18, 2082 / February 1, 2026).
Deadline: Mid-February 2026.
Submission Point: All formal bids must be submitted physically to the Citizens Bank International Limited Central Office, located at Narayanhitipath, Kathmandu.
The bank has clarified that if multiple bids are received for the same block of shares, the highest bidder will be prioritized. If bids are tied at the minimum price, the shares may be allocated proportionately among the applicants.
Regulatory Framework and Transfer Restrictions
The Citizens Bank Share Sale is conducted under the “Unified Directives” of Nepal Rastra Bank. Investors must be aware of the “Fit and Proper” criteria required for bank promoters. Applicants should not be on the Credit Information Bureau (CIB) blacklist and must disclose their source of funds.
Furthermore, promoter shares are generally less liquid than ordinary shares. They cannot be sold on the regular NEPSE floor; instead, any future sale must follow the same “notice-based” procedure—offering them first to existing promoters before going public again. This makes them suitable for “institutional-grade” retail investors or those building a multi-generational portfolio.
Institutional Profile: Citizens Bank International Limited
Citizens Bank has established itself as a stable Class ‘A’ commercial bank since its inception in 2007. With a strong presence across all seven provinces and a focus on digital transformation through its “Pumori-IV” technology platform, the bank has consistently maintained adequate capital levels. As of the latest financial disclosures, the bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remains healthy, supporting its ongoing growth and ability to distribute regular returns to its shareholders.
Conclusion
The Citizens Bank Share Sale of 318,873.15 units is a significant event for the Nepalese capital market in 2026. It democratizes access to a class of shares that offers a high dividend yield potential at a floor-level price of NPR 100. For investors looking to diversify away from the volatility of the secondary market and secure a stake in a foundational financial institution, this 15-day window presents a unique opportunity.
For More: Citizens Bank Share Sale



