From 2007 to Global Award: Global IME Bank’s Journey as Nepal’s Largest Private Sector Financial Powerhouse

9th November 2025, Kathmandu 

When Global Finance magazine unveiled the winners of its “Best Bank Awards 2025”, Nepal’s Global IME Bank Limited (GIBL) once again captured international attention.

From 2007 to Global Award

Recognized as Nepal’s Best Bank for the second consecutive year, Global IME Bank reaffirmed its position not just as a national leader but also as a regional standard-bearer of financial excellence.

The award was presented at a ceremony in the United States of America, where Global Finance representatives honored Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Chief Executive Officer Surendra Raj Regmi.

The recognition highlights the bank’s sustained performance, innovation, and resilience in an increasingly competitive financial landscape.

Recognition of Consistent Excellence

This marks the second consecutive year that Global IME Bank has received Global Finance’s Best Bank Award, a distinction that reflects its reliability, strategic growth, and customer-centric service model.

The magazine evaluated institutions on criteria such as financial strength, resource mobilization, access expansion, digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and credit ratings.

In 2025, Global IME Bank emerged as Nepal’s top financial institution, joining an illustrious list of awardees such as HSBC (Hong Kong), State Bank of India, China Construction Bank, UOB Malaysia, City Bank Bangladesh, and SMBC Japan.

This accolade also made Global IME the first Nepali bank ever honored by Global Finance, a milestone that places Nepal’s financial industry on the global map of banking excellence.

A Journey of Vision: History and Formation

Founded in 2007 (2064 B.S.), Global IME Bank Limited was established with a clear vision to create a strong, innovative, and inclusive financial institution that could connect Nepal to the global economy.

From the outset, the bank sought to break barriers in accessibility and service delivery. Within its first decade, Global IME Bank became the first private-sector commercial bank to have a presence in all 77 districts of Nepal, an unprecedented achievement that underscored its commitment to financial inclusion and nationwide service.

Growth came not only through organic expansion but also through strategic mergers, which have been a defining feature of Global IME Bank’s journey.

Over the years, the bank has successfully merged with major financial institutions, including Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal Limited, Janata Bank Nepal Limited, and Bank of Kathmandu Limited.

These mergers significantly expanded the bank’s capital base, customer outreach, and operational efficiency, consolidating its position as one of Nepal’s strongest and most diversified commercial banks.

Milestones of Growth

Global IME Bank’s history is defined by landmark achievements that illustrate its progressive spirit:

2007: Established as a commercial bank with the mission of providing world-class banking services in Nepal.

2014: Honored as Bank of the Year by The Banker magazine.

2016: Received Best Internet Bank Award for pioneering digital services.

2019: Completed one of the largest banking mergers in Nepal’s history by integrating with Janata Bank Nepal Limited.

2022, 2024 & 2025: Won Euromoney Award for Excellence, recognizing innovation and governance.

2024: Honored as Best Bank ESG by Euromoney Award for Excellence.

2024 & 2025: Named Nepal’s Best Bank by Global Finance.

2023: Completed merger with Bank of Kathmandu Limited, further strengthening its capital and network.

Each of these achievements represents the bank’s ability to evolve with changing markets while maintaining its core principles of service, trust, and innovation.

Leadership and Vision

At the helm of Global IME Bank is Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal, a visionary leader and one of Nepal’s most respected business figures. Under his stewardship, the bank has consistently prioritized good governance, innovation, and social responsibility.

“This recognition inspires us to provide even better and more innovative services,” Chairman Dhakal remarked after receiving the 2025 award. He extended appreciation to the Government of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, regulators, shareholders, employees, and customers, acknowledging their collective role in the bank’s growth.

CEO Surendra Raj Regmi complements this vision by steering the bank toward a digital and globally connected future. He emphasizes balanced growth combining profitability with environmental and social accountability, ensuring that the institution contributes positively to national development.

Expanding Reach and Strengthening Access

Global IME Bank today stands as Nepal’s largest private-sector commercial bank, both in terms of balance sheet size and service footprint. Its expansive network ensures that even the most remote communities are within reach of formal banking.

Current Network Overview

352 branch offices

384 ATMs

150 branchless banking outlets

68 extension and revenue collection counters

3 international representative offices

Together, these total over 1,000 service points nationwide, symbolizing the bank’s long-standing mission to bridge Nepal’s urban and rural economies through accessible, technology-driven banking.

Capital Strength and Financial Stability

Global IME Bank’s rise to prominence is supported by a solid financial foundation. With a paid-up capital exceeding NPR 38.12 billion and total assets surpassing NPR 600 billion, the bank is among Nepal’s most capitalized private institutions.

Its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) consistently exceeds the regulatory threshold, reflecting prudent risk management and financial discipline. Diversified lending, a strong deposit base, and consistent profitability have made Global IME one of the most stable banks in the region.

The bank’s high credit ratings, both locally and internationally, attest to its resilience, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Remittance and Global Connectivity

Beyond traditional banking, Global IME Bank serves as a vital financial bridge between Nepal and the global economy. Its extensive remittance network allows Nepalis working abroad to send money home securely and efficiently from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, India, and Jordan.

By combining digital platforms with extensive ground-level access, the bank has become a trusted partner for millions of migrant workers and their families, contributing significantly to Nepal’s foreign-exchange inflows and economic stability.

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

At the core of Global IME Bank’s operations lies a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The bank has continually launched forward-looking financial solutions from mobile and internet banking to SME financing, digital wallets, and green-energy lending that reflect the needs of a modern, connected economy.

Global IME also integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its strategy, supporting projects that promote renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. Through such initiatives, the bank ensures that economic progress goes hand in hand with social responsibility.

Strategic Partnerships and International Outlook

The bank’s strong global relationships with leading financial institutions enhance its capabilities in trade finance, foreign exchange, and cross-border transactions.

Its international representative offices act as gateways for the Nepali diaspora and global investors seeking opportunities in Nepal.

These partnerships not only extend the bank’s international footprint but also strengthen Nepal’s integration into global financial systems, promoting investment flows and sustainable economic cooperation.

Empowering People, Building Trust

Behind every success of Global IME Bank is its team of dedicated professionals. The bank nurtures an inclusive, merit-based culture that empowers employees through continuous learning, leadership development, and performance-driven recognition.

Customer trust remains its greatest asset. The bank’s commitment to transparency, reliability, and responsiveness has earned it the loyalty of millions of clients across urban and rural Nepal.

Looking Ahead

As Global IME Bank celebrates its back-to-back Best Bank titles from Global Finance, it looks toward a future defined by digital transformation, strategic international expansion, and sustainable finance.

Chairman Dhakal envisions Global IME not only as Nepal’s leading bank but also as a regional financial powerhouse-a bank that competes globally through innovation, strong governance, and customer-centric excellence.

With a robust capital base, advanced digital platforms, and an unwavering commitment to service, Global IME Bank is poised to shape the next era of Nepal’s banking evolution.

Conclusion

From its founding in 2007 to its recognition as a globally awarded financial institution, Global IME Bank Limited has redefined what it means to be a Nepali bank on the world stage. The Best Bank Award 2025 stands as a testament to its enduring values of trust, innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

As it continues to expand its reach and influence, Global IME Bank remains a beacon of what vision, integrity, and determination can achieve in the service of national prosperity and global recognition.

For More: From 2007 to Global Award