Himalayan Bank Founder Share Sale Notice for Investors
16th March 2026, Kathmandu
Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL) has officially issued a notice regarding the sale of a significant block of founder (promoter) shares.
Himalayan Bank Founder Share
In accordance with the unified directives of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), these shares are being offered primarily to the bank’s existing founder shareholders. This move is a standard regulatory procedure designed to maintain stability in the core ownership structure of major financial institutions before considering external investors.
Breakdown of the Share Offering
The current sale involves substantial holdings from two specific promoter shareholders. The total volume of shares hitting the internal market is as follows:
Yashaswi International Pvt. Ltd.: 999,167.06 promoter shares.
Bishwesh Shrestha: 38,982.57 promoter shares.
This cumulative offering of over one million shares represents a rare opportunity for existing institutional or individual founders to consolidate their voting power and financial stake within one of Nepal’s most established commercial banks.
The Regulatory “Right of First Refusal”
The Himalayan Bank Founder Share Sale follows the mandatory “Right of First Refusal” protocol established by the central bank.
Internal Offering: Promoter shares must first be offered to the current pool of founders. This phase lasts for 35 days.
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Ownership Stability: By prioritizing current promoters, NRB ensures that the strategic direction and governance of the bank remain in the hands of those familiar with its long-term operations.
Transition to Public: Only if the existing founders decline to purchase the shares within the 35-day window can the bank apply to open the sale to the general public or other outside entities.
Application Procedure and Timeline
Existing promoter shareholders who wish to exercise their right to purchase must adhere to a strict administrative timeline.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted within 35 days from the date of the published notice (March 16, 2026).
Submission Point: Interested parties must visit the Legal Department of Himalayan Bank, located at Heritage Plaza, Kamaladi, Kathmandu.
Pricing Transparency: Because the shares belong to two different entities, the asking price may vary. Prospective buyers are required to contact the legal department directly to obtain specific pricing details and the necessary documentation for the transfer.
Why Founder Shares Matter
Founder shares, or promoter shares, carry a different weight than ordinary equity. They represent the “anchor” capital of the bank. While they are often subject to longer lock-in periods and more stringent transfer regulations than public shares, they offer holders a significant voice in the bank’s annual general meetings and long-term strategic decisions. For a legacy institution like Himalayan Bank, these shares are a symbol of institutional trust and long-term commitment to Nepal’s financial stability.
Outlook for External Investors
For the general investing public, this notice serves as a precursor. While you cannot participate in the current 35-day window, the outcome of this internal sale will determine if these shares eventually reach the open market. If the existing founders do not fully subscribe to the million-plus shares, a second notice may be issued opening the floor to new investors, which could lead to a shift in the bank’s broader shareholder demographic.
For More: Himalayan Bank Founder Share
