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Economy
1 min read
Nepal Rastra Bank to Release Half-Yearly Monetary Policy Review Today or Tomorrow
The central bank of Nepal, नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंक, is preparing to release the half-yearly monetary policy review by today or tomorrow. Major policy changes are unlikely due to the election code of conduct. The review will be approved after Deputy Governor डा. निलम ढुंगाना returns from abroad. As per law, the review must be published within 45 days after six months of the fiscal year.
NEPSE TRADING
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24 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Non-Life Insurance Premium Collection Crosses NPR 28 Billion by Magh
Kathmandu — Nepal’s non-life insurance companies have collected more than NPR 28.27 billion in insurance premiums by the end of Magh in the current fiscal year. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, Shikhar Insurance Company Ltd. leads in premium collection, followed by Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Ltd., Himalayan Everest Insurance Limited, Siddhartha Premier Insurance Limited, and IGI Prudential Insurance Limited.
NEPSE TRADING
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24 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Social Security Fund Collects Over NPR 102 Billion, Contributors Exceed 2.8 Million
The Social Security Fund has collected over NPR 102.54 billion in contributions as of Falgun 10. More than 2.8 million contributors and over 23,000 employers are currently registered. Under the scheme, 31 percent of a worker’s basic salary is deposited into the fund. The collected amount is safely invested in government securities, bank deposits, mutual funds, and other financial instruments. While participation from formal-sector and migrant workers is high, enrollment from informal and self-employed workers remains low.
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23 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Smartphone Imports in Nepal Rise by 40% Amid Election Activities
Kathmandu – Smartphone imports in Nepal have increased significantly along with rising political activities. During the first seven months of fiscal year 2082/83, over 1.4 million smartphones worth Rs. 26.68 billion were imported, generating Rs. 4.97 billion in government revenue. Imports rose by 40.59 percent compared to last year. Due to taxes and profit margins, retail prices increase by around 40 percent. The growing use of AI-supported and advanced devices has also boosted demand for expensive smartphones.
NEPSE TRADING
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23 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Hydropower PPAs Remain in Limbo: 12,000 MW Projects Await Approval as Nepal Electricity Authority Stays Silent
The Nepal Electricity Authority, under Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya, has not yet taken concrete steps to reopen PPAs for hydropower projects. About 12,000 MW of projects are awaiting approval. The ongoing dispute over the “Take and Pay” provision has discouraged private investors. IPPAN President Ganesh Karki says investment risks have increased. Due to the interim government, the final decision is expected from the next elected government.
NEPSE TRADING
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23 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
IMF Advises Caution as Non-Performing Loans Rise in Nepal’s Financial Sector
Kathmandu — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that rising non-performing loans are increasing risks in Nepal’s financial sector and urged greater vigilance. NPLs have reached 5.4 percent and may rise further, potentially affecting banks’ capital strength. After discussions with Governor Bishwanath Paudel and the Nepal Rastra Bank, the IMF recommended strengthening supervision, improving bad loan recovery, and amending the central bank law to enhance autonomy and governance. Upon Executive Board approval, Nepal is expected to receive USD 43.2 million in financial support. The IMF also cautioned that political uncertainty and financial vulnerabilities remain key risks, emphasizing the need for continued reforms.
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22 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Nepal Rastra Bank to Withdraw NPR 30 Billion to Manage Excess Liquidity
Nepal Rastra Bank has decided to withdraw NPR 30 billion from the banking system through a deposit collection instrument due to excess liquidity. Bidding will be held today at 3:00 PM, with participation limited to Class A, B, and C financial institutions. The 87-day instrument will mature on Jestha 6, 2083, when both principal and interest will be paid.
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22 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
RCOD of Affected Hydropower Projects Extended by Two Years
The government has decided to extend the Commercial Operation Date (RCOD) of hydropower projects affected by force majeure conditions by two years. Projects delayed due to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from this decision, with no penalties during the extended period. The move is expected to provide relief to around 3,000 MW of under-construction projects and has been welcomed by private sector energy developers as a positive and timely step for the hydropower industry.
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20 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Parties Unveil Election Manifestos Ahead of HoR Polls, Divergent Agendas on Capital Market Reform
Political parties have released their manifestos ahead of the House of Representatives election, highlighting different approaches to capital market reform. While CPN-UML and Nepali Congress have focused on regulation and investor protection, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has emphasized structural and technological reforms. Market observers believe RSP’s agenda appears more comprehensive, while major parties’ plans seem superficial. Experts say effective implementation of these policies could positively impact Nepal’s capital market and economy.
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20 Feb, 2026
Economy
2 min read
Government Struggles to Fully Utilize Budget in Current Fiscal Year
The government has been slow to utilize its budget for the current fiscal year 2082/83. By the end of Magh, only 40.8% of the NPR 19 trillion 64 billion budget has been spent, with NPR 8 trillion 1 billion used. Most of the expenditure was in current expenses, such as salaries, allowances, and daily operations, which accounted for 47.6% of the allocated amount. However, capital expenditures, including long-term investments in infrastructure, were significantly underutilized, with only 15.6% of the budget for such projects spent. Revenue collection showed improvement, with NPR 6 trillion 69 billion collected, an increase from the previous year. Despite this, income tax collection was impacted by lower interest rates and a slowdown in the stock market and real estate sectors. The Finance Minister acknowledged the challenges in achieving the budget goals due to elections and other issues.
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13 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Commercial Banks Lower Interest Rates for February 2026
In February 2026, commercial banks in Nepal have reduced their interest rates for the month of Falgun compared to January. The maximum average interest rate for personal fixed deposits has decreased by 0.1155 percentage points to 4.569%. Nine banks lowered their interest rates for personal fixed deposits, with Global IME Bank seeing the largest drop of 0.75 percentage points. Nepal Bank will offer the highest interest rate of 5.1%, while Standard Chartered, Agricultural Development Bank, Prime Commercial Bank, Nepal SBI, Everest, and Siddhartha Bank will offer the lowest at 4.25%. For institutional fixed deposits, the highest interest rate of 4% will be offered by Himalayan Bank, National Commercial Bank, NIC Asia Bank, and NMB Bank.
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12 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Nepal Rastra Bank to Collect NPR 50 Billion in Deposits
Nepal Rastra Bank has decided to collect NPR 50 billion in deposits to manage the excess liquidity accumulated in the banking system. This has led to a drop in interbank interest rates to 2.75%. The central bank will collect the amount through the bidding process for 46 days. Banks participating in the process can bid a minimum of NPR 100 million and a maximum of NPR 500 million. The banking system currently holds NPR 8.5 trillion in excess liquidity, which indicates a slowdown in loan flows. If investable capital is not directed into the right projects, it could put pressure on economic growth.
NEPSE TRADING
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11 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Excess Liquidity in Banking System, Slow Credit Flow to Private Sector
Nepal’s banking system is currently facing excess liquidity, while credit flow to the private sector remains weak. Although bank deposits have increased significantly, low loan demand from businesses has resulted in large idle funds within the system. Despite the central bank’s efforts through bonds and deposit facilities, liquidity pressure persists. Total deposits have reached NPR 7.697 trillion, while credit stands at NPR 5.783 trillion, leaving over NPR 1.1 trillion as excess liquidity. Limited growth in private sector lending and a high share of institutional deposits have made liquidity management increasingly challenging for banks.
NEPSE TRADING
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10 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Government Spends NPR 690 Billion in Six Months, Capital Expenditure Remains Weak
The Government of Nepal has spent NPR 690 billion in the first six months of fiscal year 2082/83 out of the total allocated budget of NPR 1.964 trillion. While recurrent expenditure remained high, capital spending was limited to around 12 percent due to poor project preparedness, land and forest clearance issues, and disruptions caused by protests. Revenue collection fell short of the target but showed year-on-year improvement. The government has suspended funding for unproductive projects and emphasized fiscal discipline, prioritization, and expenditure control.
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10 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
World Bank Approves USD 50 Million to Boost Nepal’s Digital Transformation
The World Bank has approved USD 50 million to support Nepal’s digital transformation under the Nepal Digital Transformation Project. The funding will strengthen digital public infrastructure, expand online public services, and improve data security. The project includes investments in online service portals, digital lockers, e-signatures, cybersecurity, and data governance. David Sislen highlighted that the initiative will enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency in public services. The project will be jointly financed with the Asian Development Bank, which will contribute USD 40 million.
NEPSE TRADING
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10 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Bank Deposits Rise by Rs. 417 Billion in Six Months, Credit Flow Improves
According to Nepal Rastra Bank, deposits in Nepal’s banks and financial institutions increased by NPR 417.48 billion in the first six months of the fiscal year 2082/83, reaching NPR 7.68 trillion. This represents a growth of 5.7 percent. During the same period, private sector credit rose by NPR 197.47 billion to NPR 5.69 trillion. Most loans were directed toward non-financial institutions and households, with housing and real estate loans remaining dominant. Credit increased in sectors such as consumption, construction, transport, and industry, while agricultural lending declined. The data indicate improving liquidity and gradual growth in lending activities. ________________________________________
NEPSE TRADING
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6 Feb, 2026
Economy
<1 min read
Nepal Rastra Bank to Collect NPR 20 Billion in Deposits Today
Nepal Rastra Bank is collecting NPR 20 billion in deposits from banks and financial institutions for 63 days through a bidding process today. Commercial, development, and finance companies can participate, with priority given to the lowest interest rate offers.
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4 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Share-Backed Lending Rises 8.3% in Six Months, Total Investment Crosses NPR 152 Billion
Share-backed lending in Nepal increased by 8.3 percent in the first six months of fiscal year 2080/81, crossing NPR 152 billion, according to Nepal Rastra Bank. Improved liquidity and declining interest rates have encouraged investors to borrow for stock market investment. While large investors dominate the margin loan segment, participation from mid-level and small investors is also gradually increasing.
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3 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
First-Ever 132 kV Transmission Line Comes into Operation in Karnali Province
Kathmandu, Magh 19 — The Nepal Electricity Authority has commissioned the first-ever 132 kV transmission line in Karnali Province. With the operation of the Kohalpur–Surkhet section, long-standing problems such as overloading, frequent power cuts, and low voltage are expected to ease. The project is anticipated to promote industrial growth, increase electricity consumption, and support economic development in the region, while work on the Surkhet–Dailekh section will continue at an accelerated pace.
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2 Feb, 2026
Economy
1 min read
Nepal Rastra Bank Tightens Dividend Distribution Rules for Microfinance Institutions
Nepal Rastra Bank has tightened dividend distribution rules for microfinance institutions that fail to meet the required paid-up capital. Dividend limits are now based on non-performing loan (NPL) ratios and post-dividend capital adequacy. Institutions with NPLs above 15 percent are prohibited from distributing dividends, while eligible institutions may distribute dividends ranging from 5 percent up to a maximum of 25 percent. The move aims to strengthen financial discipline, improve risk management, and protect depositors and investors.
NEPSE TRADING
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16 Jan, 2026

Nepal Rastra Bank to Release Half-Yearly Monetary Policy Review Today or Tomorrow

Non-Life Insurance Premium Collection Crosses NPR 28 Billion by Magh

Social Security Fund Collects Over NPR 102 Billion, Contributors Exceed 2.8 Million

Smartphone Imports in Nepal Rise by 40% Amid Election Activities

Hydropower PPAs Remain in Limbo: 12,000 MW Projects Await Approval as Nepal Electricity Authority Stays Silent

IMF Advises Caution as Non-Performing Loans Rise in Nepal’s Financial Sector

Nepal Rastra Bank to Withdraw NPR 30 Billion to Manage Excess Liquidity

RCOD of Affected Hydropower Projects Extended by Two Years

Parties Unveil Election Manifestos Ahead of HoR Polls, Divergent Agendas on Capital Market Reform

Government Struggles to Fully Utilize Budget in Current Fiscal Year

Commercial Banks Lower Interest Rates for February 2026

Nepal Rastra Bank to Collect NPR 50 Billion in Deposits

Excess Liquidity in Banking System, Slow Credit Flow to Private Sector

Government Spends NPR 690 Billion in Six Months, Capital Expenditure Remains Weak

World Bank Approves USD 50 Million to Boost Nepal’s Digital Transformation

Bank Deposits Rise by Rs. 417 Billion in Six Months, Credit Flow Improves

Nepal Rastra Bank to Collect NPR 20 Billion in Deposits Today

Share-Backed Lending Rises 8.3% in Six Months, Total Investment Crosses NPR 152 Billion

First-Ever 132 kV Transmission Line Comes into Operation in Karnali Province

Nepal Rastra Bank Tightens Dividend Distribution Rules for Microfinance Institutions