Commercial Banks Add NPR 777 Billion in Deposits in One Year, Everest and NMB Show Aggressive Growth

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3rd September 2025, Kathmandu

Nepal’s commercial banking sector experienced a notable surge in deposits during the fiscal year 2024/25, with total deposits growing by 13.73 percent to reach NPR 64.43 trillion.

Commercial Banks Deposits

This expansion, amounting to an increase of NPR 777.96 billion, reflects sustained public confidence and a robust, though competitive, financial landscape.

Top Performers and Market Dominance

The fiscal year concluded with a clear hierarchy in deposit mobilization, dominated by a few key players. Global IME Bank Limited led the charge, securing the top position with deposits totaling NPR 550.62 billion. The bank’s impressive 12.96 percent growth from the previous year’s NPR 487.45 billion cemented its market leadership. Close on its heels was Nabil Bank Limited, ranking second with deposits of NPR 524.62 billion, a significant 13.53 percent growth from NPR 462.09 billion.

The top tier was further solidified by state-owned Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) and Nepal Investment Mega Bank, which secured the third and fourth spots, respectively. RBB’s deposits grew by a strong 16.60 percent to reach NPR 501.46 billion, while Nepal Investment Mega Bank demonstrated even more robust growth at 17.09 percent, bringing its total deposits to NPR 472.34 billion. This performance highlights the bank’s effective strategy in mobilizing both retail and institutional funds. Rounding out the top five, Laxmi Sunrise Bank posted deposits of NPR 367.05 billion, an 11.59 percent increase.

Significant Growth Stories

While the top-ranking banks maintained their dominance, several others showcased impressive growth rates. Nepal Bank Limited stood out with one of the strongest year-on-year increases, recording a remarkable 17.29 percent growth to reach NPR 332.02 billion. Similarly, Prabhu Bank saw its deposits rise by 12.19 percent, reaching NPR 342.18 billion. These figures suggest that banks are aggressively competing to attract new funds and expand their customer base through competitive offerings and digital innovations.

A Notable Decline

In a market defined by collective growth, NIC Asia Bank was the sole commercial bank to experience a decline in its deposit base. The bank’s deposits dropped by 9.89 percent, falling to NPR 319.06 billion. Industry analysts attribute this decline to several factors, including heightened competition from rival banks offering aggressive promotional schemes, as well as a more challenging liquidity environment that may have prompted customers to shift their preferences. The bank’s performance stands as a stark reminder of the intense competition in the deposit mobilization landscape.

Performance Across Other Tiers

The data also reveals varied performance among mid- and lower-tier banks. Banks like Everest Bank and NMB Bank demonstrated aggressive growth strategies, with deposits reaching NPR 298.81 billion and NPR 280.92 billion respectively. Their performance indicates a proactive approach to gaining market share. Meanwhile, Himalayan Bank maintained its position with NPR 309.15 billion, and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB/N) held deposits of NPR 293.57 billion.

At the lower end of the ranking, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal reported the lowest deposit base among commercial banks at NPR 125.33 billion. Other banks in this tier, such as Machhapuchchhre Bank, Prime Bank, and Sanima Bank, continued to grow their deposits, highlighting the overall expansionary trend in the sector despite their smaller scale.

Future Outlook and Sector Trends

The overall 13.73 percent deposit growth in the commercial banking sector is a positive signal for Nepal’s financial health. It indicates strong public trust and a deepening of the financial system, driven by factors like increasing remittance inflows, broader adoption of digital banking platforms, and competitive interest rate offerings.

However, the uneven growth rates and the decline in deposits for a major player like NIC Asia Bank underscore the rising competition for funds. As banks move forward, their ability to innovate and provide customer-centric products will be key. Digital platforms, attractive interest rates, and an enhanced focus on customer experience are expected to be the main drivers in shaping future trends in the country’s banking sector.

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