Kumari Bank ISO certification 27001 awarded
17th February 2026, Kathmandu
The digital banking landscape of Nepal has reached a new standard of maturity as Kumari Bank Limited officially secured the internationally recognized ISO IEC 27001 2022 Information Security Management Systems certification. This prestigious accreditation, announced on Falgun 4, 2082 (February 16, 2026), marks a significant milestone in the bank’s mission to harmonize its internal security protocols with global benchmarks. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated across the South Asian financial sector, the ISO 27001 2022 standard provides a robust framework that ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive financial data. By achieving this certification, Kumari Bank has demonstrated that its governance, risk management, and technological controls meet the highest international expectations for data protection and operational resilience.
Kumari Bank ISO certification
Kumari Bank Limited, a leading commercial bank in Nepal with more than two decades of history, has been aggressively expanding its digital footprint through mobile banking, internet banking, and integrated payment systems. The recent certification process involved an exhaustive and independent audit of the bank’s entire information security infrastructure. This included an evaluation of the bank’s head office in Tangal, Kathmandu, as well as its disaster recovery sites and digital service delivery channels. The ISO 27001 2022 version is the most recent update to the standard, specifically designed to address modern security challenges such as cloud computing, remote work vulnerabilities, and advanced persistent threats.
The structure of the ISO IEC 27001 2022 standard is built around a comprehensive set of 93 security controls. These controls are logically categorized into four distinct domains to ensure a holistic approach to security. The first domain, organizational controls, consists of 37 measures that govern policy development, roles, and responsibilities. The second domain, people controls, includes 8 measures focused on employee awareness and human resource security. The third domain, physical controls, comprises 14 measures designed to protect data centers and office premises from unauthorized physical access. Finally, the technological controls domain includes 34 measures that cover encryption, network security, and secure coding practices. Kumari Bank’s successful implementation of these 93 controls signifies that information security is not just an IT responsibility but a core business strategy integrated into every level of the organization.
Chief Executive Officer Ram Chandra Khanal, while welcoming the certification, emphasized that maintaining customer trust is the primary foundation of the bank’s long term success. He noted that in an era where digital transactions have become the norm, customers are rightly concerned about the safety of their hard earned money and personal information. The ISO 27001 2022 certification serves as an external validation that Kumari Bank has moved from a reactive security posture to a proactive one. By systematically identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing preventive measures before incidents occur, the bank aims to provide a secure environment for its millions of customers across Nepal.
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The practical implications of this certification for Kumari Bank customers are substantial. It means that the bank’s mobile banking app, Kumari Smart, and its various card services are now backed by internationally audited security protocols. This includes enhanced data masking, stronger multi factor authentication, and more rigorous monitoring of suspicious activities. For corporate clients and international partners, the certification reduces the need for repeated security audits, as the ISO stamp is a globally trusted sign of digital hygiene. It also aligns the bank with the latest directives from Nepal Rastra Bank, which has been encouraging financial institutions to adopt international best practices for cybersecurity.
Furthermore, the ISO 27001 2022 framework requires a commitment to continuous improvement. Security is not a destination but an ongoing journey. To maintain its certified status, Kumari Bank must undergo regular surveillance audits and internal reviews to ensure that its security controls remain effective against emerging threats. This involves constant investment in high tech firewalls, advanced intrusion detection systems, and regular penetration testing of all public facing applications. Beyond technology, the bank has committed to ongoing training for its staff, ensuring that every employee—from the teller at a remote branch to the senior management in Kathmandu—understands their role in maintaining the security perimeter.
The successful certification of Kumari Bank reflects a broader trend in the Nepalese banking industry, where institutions like Nabil Bank, Sanima Bank, and Jyoti Bikash Bank have also pursued global security standards. However, Kumari Bank’s focus on the 2022 version of the standard highlights its dedication to staying current with the fastest evolving technological requirements. This operational maturity is expected to enhance the bank’s reputation in the regional market, potentially opening doors for more complex international banking relationships and fintech collaborations.
In conclusion, the achievement of the ISO IEC 27001 2022 certification by Kumari Bank Limited is a defining moment for information security in Nepal. By adopting a structured and audited approach to managing risk, the bank has laid a solid foundation for the next phase of its digital transformation. As the 2082 fiscal year progresses, the bank’s focus will remain on leveraging this secure framework to introduce more innovative financial products while keeping customer safety at the heart of every technological advancement. Stakeholders and customers can now interact with Kumari Bank’s digital services with the confidence that their financial data is protected by a world class security management system.
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