Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL) is one of Nepal's larger private commercial banks, incorporated in 1992 and open for business since January 1993. It was the first commercial bank in the country with the majority of its shares held by the private sector, and it was founded in partnership with Habib Bank Limited of Pakistan and the Employees Provident Fund.
History
The bank started operations from the Employees Provident Fund building in Thamel, Kathmandu, at a time when private banking in Nepal was still new. It went on to introduce several products that were novel in the Nepali market, including the Premium Savings Account, the Millionaire Deposit Scheme, its own proprietary cards, ATM services and telephone banking.
In 2079 BS the bank agreed to acquire Civil Bank Limited at a swap ratio of 100:80.28, and the two institutions began joint operation under the Himalayan Bank name on 24 February 2023. The acquisition added a substantial number of branches and customers, placing HBL among the largest banks in the country by network size.
Services
- Deposit accounts: savings, current, fixed deposits, recurring savings, premium and NRN accounts
- Retail loans: home loans, auto loans, education loans, gold loans, personal loans and overdrafts
- SME and business banking: working capital, term loans, hire purchase and business overdrafts
- Corporate banking and project finance
- Trade finance: letters of credit, bank guarantees, documentary collection and export finance
- Cards: credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards
- Remittance: HimalRemit and international remittance partnerships
- Digital banking: HBL mobile banking, internet banking and QR payments
- Safe deposit lockers, bancassurance and locker services
Branch network
Himalayan Bank operates around 190 branch offices and 20 extension counters across all seven provinces, together with an ATM network and branchless banking points. Its head office is at Kamaladi in Kathmandu, and it maintains significant branches throughout the Kathmandu valley as well as in Pokhara, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Dharan, Itahari, Janakpur, Hetauda and Dhangadhi.
Remittance and international banking
The bank has long been active in inward remittance, operating its own remittance product alongside partnerships with international money transfer operators. It is connected to the global banking network through SWIFT code HIMANPKA, which supports trade settlement, foreign currency transfers and correspondent banking arrangements.
Contact and support
General banking queries go to 01-5971346, 01-5327749 or 01-5346218. Card and digital banking support runs around the clock on +977-1-5345979 and +977-1-5345980, and the remittance centre can be reached on 01-5971378. Toll-free lines are 1660-01-12000 and 1660-01-11000. Grievances are handled at grievances@himalayanbank.com.
At a glance
- Type: Class 'A' private commercial bank
- Incorporated: 1992; operations began January 1993
- Founding partners: Habib Bank Limited (Pakistan) and Employees Provident Fund
- Distinction: First Nepali commercial bank with majority private-sector shareholding
- Head office: Kamaladi, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 20590)
- Branches: about 190, plus 20 extension counters
- Merger: Acquired Civil Bank Limited, joint operation from 24 February 2023
- SWIFT code: HIMANPKA
- Phone: 01-5971346
- Email: himb@himalayanbank.com
- Website: himalayanbank.com