Nabil Bank Bikash Nayak Award Recognizes Leadership in National Development

6th January 2026, Kathmandu

The financial landscape of Nepal has witnessed a historic moment as Nabil Bank Limited was recently honored with the prestigious Bikash Nayak 2082 award. This recognition was presented under the Institutional Hero category during the Bikash Debate and Bikash Nayak Award Ceremony organized by Bikash Media in Kathmandu.

Nabil Bank Bikash Nayak

The award serves as a formal acknowledgment of the long-standing and transformative contributions Nabil Bank has made toward the economic development of Nepal. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures in the financial sector, where Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal presented the award and certificate to Nabil Bank Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gyawali, in the presence of Chairman Upendra Prasad Paudel.

Four Decades of Pioneering Financial Excellence

The Nabil Bank Bikash Nayak recognition is deeply rooted in the four-decade journey of the institution. Established in 1984 as the first joint venture bank in Nepal, Nabil Bank acted as a pioneer in modernizing the domestic financial system. At a time when banking was largely manual and traditional, Nabil Bank introduced the first computerized banking system in the country. This innovation set new global standards for service quality, operational efficiency, and transparency within the Nepalese market.

Since its inception, the bank has remained a leader in the banking transformation of the country. By consistently introducing new technologies and professional banking practices, it has helped shape the regulatory and operational framework that other financial institutions follow today. This legacy of leadership is one of the primary reasons the bank was selected for the Institutional Hero category at the Bikash Nayak awards.

Leading the Digital Banking Revolution

In recent years, digital transformation has become the cornerstone of the growth strategy of Nabil Bank. The bank has been instrumental in driving financial inclusion by leveraging technology to reach underserved populations. Through platforms like the nBank mobile application, the institution has successfully promoted nationwide digital banking adoption. These digital initiatives have significantly reduced the barriers of time, distance, and cost for customers, particularly those living in remote or rural areas.

By providing easy access to formal banking services, Nabil Bank has supported local entrepreneurship and created numerous employment opportunities. Currently, the bank serves over 2.5 million customers through an extensive network that includes 268 branches and 321 ATMs. This massive infrastructure ensures that the bank remains one of the most accessible and trusted financial partners for the citizens of Nepal.

Advertisement

Fueling National Energy and Infrastructure

A critical component of the Nabil Bank Bikash Nayak honor is the leadership the bank has shown in financing energy and infrastructure. Back in 1998, Nabil Bank made history as the first commercial bank in Nepal to invest in the hydropower sector. This strategic move laid the groundwork for private sector participation in the energy industry of the country. To date, the bank has committed approximately NPR 75 billion toward energy financing, supporting projects that collectively have a capacity exceeding 3,100 megawatts.

The investment portfolio of the bank extends beyond traditional hydropower to include solar energy, renewable energy projects, and the promotion of electric vehicles. Through consortium financing, Nabil Bank has also taken a leading role in funding large-scale infrastructure projects that are of national significance. These efforts have been vital in strengthening the energy security of Nepal and fostering sustainable economic development.

Fiscal Responsibility and Corporate Governance

The contribution of Nabil Bank to the national economy is also reflected in its status as a major contributor to the government revenue. The bank has been recognized eight times as the highest tax-paying bank in the financial sector of Nepal. This record highlights the commitment of the bank to transparency, ethical business practices, and the promotion of a formal economy. By maintaining high standards of good governance, the bank has reinforced both public trust and the confidence of regulatory bodies.

Beyond its financial figures, the bank is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility. The Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship is a flagship initiative that has supported 193 enterprises and contributed to the creation of more than 17,000 jobs across the nation. Furthermore, the bank remains active in disaster response, education, healthcare, and financial literacy programs, ensuring that its success benefits the wider community.

A Vision for the Future of Nepal

Upon receiving the Nabil Bank Bikash Nayak award, CEO Manoj Gyawali noted that the honor belongs to the entire journey of the bank over the last forty years. He stated that the recognition reinforces the dedication of the bank to nation-building activities, including financial inclusion, digital innovation, and infrastructure development. The leadership of the bank believes that this award is not just a look back at past achievements but a motivation to continue driving sustainable growth for the future.

The successful recognition of Nabil Bank as a Bikash Nayak reflects its enduring role as a catalyst for change. As Nepal continues to develop its economic and financial infrastructure, Nabil Bank remains at the forefront, combining innovation with responsible banking to serve the interests of its stakeholders and the nation at large.

For More: Nabil Bank Bikash Nayak