11th September 2025, Kathmandu
Laxmi Sunrise Bank has announced that it will operate a limited number of branches in the Kathmandu Valley on Thursday, September 11, 2025 (Bhadra 26, 2082), from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Laxmi Sunrise Continue Operations
This decision is a direct response to the ongoing national crisis and security concerns, and it aims to ensure the continuation of essential banking services for customers with urgent needs. The bank’s move to a partial, restricted operation balances the need for public access to financial services with the critical priority of ensuring the safety of its staff and customers.
Strategic Branch Operations
The bank’s announcement details a list of nine branches strategically selected across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur that will remain open for four hours. These branches are located in key areas to provide geographical coverage, minimizing the need for customers to travel long distances during a period of restricted mobility and heightened security risks. The services available at these branches will be limited to essential functions such as cash deposits, withdrawals, foreign currency exchange, and cheque clearing, which are transactions that often cannot be completed through digital channels. This targeted approach demonstrates the bank’s commitment to supporting the public’s most pressing financial needs without exposing its entire network to risk.
Laxmi Sunrise Bank’s decision is a critical step in a broader trend within Nepal’s financial sector. As other banks, like Jyoti Bikash Bank, have announced the full closure of their physical branches and ATMs, Laxmi Sunrise Bank is taking a different approach by providing a limited, yet crucial, lifeline. This move highlights the varied strategies being employed by financial institutions in response to the crisis. For customers outside the Kathmandu Valley, the bank has advised using its dedicated customer service helpline at 01-5970648, offering an alternative channel for support until nationwide operations can be fully restored.
Emphasis on Digital Banking
Despite the limited physical presence, the bank has strongly encouraged customers to use its digital banking channels, which remain fully operational. This includes mobile banking applications, internet banking platforms, and ATMs. By promoting these services, the bank is not only ensuring business continuity but also playing a crucial role in maintaining public safety. It reduces the need for people to venture outside their homes and neighborhoods, thereby minimizing their exposure to the ongoing unrest. The bank’s assurance that its digital systems are secure and resilient is an important message aimed at building and maintaining customer trust during this volatile period.
The ongoing crisis has placed immense pressure on Nepal’s financial system. The protests, which began with peaceful demands for governance reforms and digital freedom, have escalated into widespread violence, curfews, and the disruption of essential services. In this environment, maintaining access to cash and payment systems is vital for households and businesses to manage their daily expenses, process payments to suppliers, and handle emergency remittances. The decision by Laxmi Sunrise Bank to keep certain branches open, albeit for limited hours, is a testament to the banking sector’s role as a critical pillar of the economy. It demonstrates a commitment to adapt and serve the public even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Looking Ahead
The actions taken by Laxmi Sunrise Bank and other financial institutions signal their determination to navigate the current crisis with a focus on both operational resilience and customer well-being. The bank’s request for customers to visit branches only when “absolutely necessary” is a responsible and safety-conscious approach. This temporary solution reflects the reality that while some services can be provided remotely, a complete suspension of physical banking would have a significant negative impact on the economy. The bank’s ability to maintain a partial service network is a sign of its adaptability and its commitment to public service.
This period of instability could very well serve as a catalyst for a faster and more widespread adoption of digital banking in Nepal. As customers become more reliant on mobile and internet banking out of necessity, they may continue to use these channels even after the crisis subsides. This would make the entire financial system more resilient to future disruptions. The decision by Laxmi Sunrise Bank to provide a balance of physical and digital services is a pragmatic response that serves as a model for how the private sector can respond to national emergencies. It shows that even in the face of significant challenges, critical services can be maintained through strategic planning, technological adaptation, and a focus on customer needs.
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