10th September 2025, Kathmandu
Jyoti Bikash Bank has announced the temporary closure of all its branches and ATM services across Nepal, citing security concerns and the unstable national situation.
Jyoti Bank Suspends Services
This decision, made public on September 10, 2025 (Bhadra 25, 2082), aims to protect the bank’s staff, assets, and customers from the ongoing unrest. Additionally, the bank’s digital banking services are experiencing technical glitches, further disrupting customer transactions.
Suspension of Physical and Digital Services
In a public notice, Jyoti Bikash Bank confirmed the immediate and temporary closure of all its physical banking outlets and ATMs. This is a direct response to the heightened security risks stemming from the nationwide protests and curfews that have already led to the suspension of services by other financial institutions and the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). By suspending in-person operations, the bank is taking a necessary step to mitigate the risks of violence, looting, and vandalism, which have been a concern for the business community.
Simultaneously, the bank’s digital banking platform is also facing technical disruptions. Customers using the online banking portal or mobile application may encounter incorrect or delayed transaction details. This is a significant issue, as many customers turn to digital services when physical access to banks is restricted. The bank has reassured its customers that despite the glitches, its system remains secure and that services will be restored as soon as possible. This highlights a critical vulnerability in Nepal’s financial system: the overreliance on traditional infrastructure and the technical challenges of maintaining robust digital services in times of crisis.
Impact on Customers and the Banking Sector
The suspension of services at both physical branches and digital platforms affects a wide range of customers. Individuals who rely on ATMs for daily cash withdrawals are left without a source of funds. Small businesses and traders who depend on branch-level banking for deposits and payments are unable to conduct their transactions, which can disrupt supply chains and local trade. Even digital banking users, who are meant to have a seamless experience, are facing uncertainty due to transaction delays and inaccuracies. While the bank has assured customers that their funds are safe, the inability to access and verify their accounts in real-time can lead to anxiety and a loss of confidence.
The situation at Jyoti Bikash Bank is a microcosm of the broader pressure facing Nepal’s entire banking sector. Many financial institutions are struggling to balance security risks with the need to maintain essential services. Industry experts are concerned that if these disruptions are prolonged, it could have serious consequences for the economy. It could lead to a reduction in public confidence in financial institutions, as customers may fear that their money is inaccessible during emergencies. This could, in turn, encourage a shift toward cash hoarding, which would create liquidity stress for banks and further disrupt the flow of payments and trade.
Navigating the Crisis
To assist customers during this period of service disruption, Jyoti Bikash Bank has set up multiple alternative support channels. Customers can reach out via phone support (9802324440), messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber, or through email (crm@jbbl.com.np) and the bank’s official Facebook page. This proactive communication and provision of alternative contact channels have been welcomed by many customers, as it shows that the bank is making an effort to stay connected with its clients despite the operational challenges.
The decision to close is a necessary step in crisis management, but the ultimate solution lies in the restoration of political and social stability. The ability of financial institutions like Jyoti Bikash Bank to protect customer trust and adapt to the volatile environment will be crucial in determining how well the sector weathers this storm. For now, the bank’s commitment to restoring services as soon as conditions improve and its focus on digital resilience will be key to minimizing the economic fallout from the ongoing unrest.
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