Tag: Nepal Rastra Bank

  • Nepal Rastra Bank Unveils FY 2023/24 Macroeconomic Overview

    Nepal Rastra Bank Unveils FY 2023/24 Macroeconomic Overview


    Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has presented a comprehensive overview of Nepal’s current macroeconomic and financial status based on data from the first eight months ending mid-March 2023/24.

    Inflation and Trade

    • Year-on-year inflation remained stable at 4.82%.
    • Gross foreign exchange reserves reached USD 14.14 billion.
    • Total imports decreased by 2.7%, exports by 4.0%, and trade deficit by 2.5%.
    • Concessional loans extended to various sectors totaled Rs. 149.30 billion.
    • NEPSE index rose to 2108.73 from 1953.06 a year ago.

    Inflation Trends

    • Consumer price inflation moderated to 4.82%, down from 7.44%.
    • Wholesale price inflation decreased to 3.69%.
    • Merchandise exports fell by 4.0%, while imports decreased by 2.7%.
    • Remittance inflows increased by 21.0%.

    Foreign Exchange and Reserves

    • Gross foreign exchange reserves grew by 21.7% to Rs. 1872.82 billion.
    • Reserves-to-imports ratio improved to 103.1%.
    • Exchange rate depreciated by 0.73% against the USD.
    • Government expenditure increased by 2.9% to Rs. 801.58 billion.
    • Revenue mobilization rose by 9.7% to Rs. 639.05 billion.

    Banking and Credit

    • Domestic credit and claims on the private sector increased by 4.0% and 5.6% respectively.
    • Deposits at BFIs expanded by 7.6% to Rs. 435.87 billion.
    • Average base rates for commercial banks stood at 8.77%.

    Balance of Payments

    • Balance of Payments remained in surplus at Rs. 327.55 billion.

    Overall, Nepal’s economy shows resilience and positive growth indicators amidst global economic fluctuations.

  • List of Bank Holidays in Nepal 2080

    List of Bank Holidays in Nepal 2080


    The central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, has recently unveiled the annual bank holiday schedule for the period of 2080 BS, which spans from April 14, 2023 to April 12, 2024. This comes in response to the government’s decision to permit essential service-providing institutions, such as banks, to operate on specific public holidays as declared by the government. The notice from NRB outlines the bank holidays during which Nepalese banks will remain closed, while also indicating that partial banking services, including cash transactions, will be available on certain dates marked with an asterisk (*). This information is aimed at providing clarity to the public and businesses regarding the operational status of banks during the designated holidays.

    No. List of Holidays Date
    1 New Year April 14, 2023
    2 Labour Day May 1, 2023
    3 Buddha Jayanti/Ubhauli/Chandi Purnima* May 5, 2023
    4 Republic Day* May 29, 2023
    5 Gaura Parva (Only for the region or culture celebrating the festival) August 24, 2023
    6 Raksha Bandhan/Gai Jatra* August 31, 2023
    7 Krishna Janmashtami* September 6, 2023
    8 Tij (Only for women) September 18, 2023
    9 Constitution Day September 20, 2023
    10 Indra Jatra* (Only in the Kathmandu valley) September 28, 2023
    11 Jitiya Parva (Only for women celebrating the festival) October 7, 2023
    12 Ghatasthapana* October 15, 2023
    13 Dashain (Phulpati-Dwadashi) October 21-26, 2023
    14 Phalgunanda Jayanti (Only for the followers of Kirat religion) November 11, 2023
    15 Tihar November 12-16, 2023
    16 Chhath November 19, 2023
    17 Guru Nanak Jayanti (Only for the Sikhs) November 27, 2023
    18 International Disability Day (Only for the staff with disabilities) December 3, 2023
    19 Christmas* December 25, 2023
    20 Udhauli/Yomari Punhi/Jyapu Diwas* December 26, 2023
    21 Tamu Lhosar* December 31, 2023
    22 Prithvi Jayanti/National Unity Day* January 12, 2024
    23 Maghi/Maghe Sankranti* January 15, 2024
    24 Sonam Lhosar* February 10, 2024
    25 People’s War Day* February 13, 2024
    26 Democracy Day* February 19, 2024
    27 Mahashivaratri/Women’s Day* March 8, 2024
    28 Gyalpo Lhosar* March 11, 2024
    29 Phagu Purnima March 24, 2024 (Hilly and mountainous districts)
    March 25, 2024 (Plain districts)
    30 Ghodejatra* (Only in the Kathmandu valley) April 8, 2024
    31 Machhindranath Bhoto Jatra* (Only in the Kathmandu valley) Date to be announced by the government
    32 Eid al-Fitr* Date to be announced by the government
    33 Bakra Eid/Eid al-Adha* Date to be announced by the government
    34 Siruwa Pawani (Only in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Siraha and Saptari) Date to be announced by the government
    35 Mohammad Jayanti (Only for the Muslims) Date to be announced by the government
  • From the 21st Chaitra, Prime Commercial Bank will auction 9,00,000 units of promoter shares to the general public and institutions.

    From the 21st Chaitra, Prime Commercial Bank will auction 9,00,000 units of promoter shares to the general public and institutions.


    The existing promoters of Prime Commercial Bank Limited are auctioning off 9,00,000 units of promoter shares to the general public from the 21st Chaitra to the 29th Chaitra, 2079.

    A total of 9,00,000 promoter shares will be auctioned off. Individual investors, businesses, and institutions can all bid in an auction. The minimum bid is Rs. 130. The promoters’ shares have a minimum bid quantity of 1000 units. Although bidders may bid for the entire issue, they must follow the Nepal Rastra Bank’s rule of not exceeding the specified number of shares per entity.

     

  • Aviyan Laghubitta (AVYAN) shareholders will not receive a dividend in fiscal year 2078/79.

    Aviyan Laghubitta (AVYAN) shareholders will not receive a dividend in fiscal year 2078/79.


    Aviyan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (AVYAN) has announced that it will not pay dividends in fiscal year 2078/79.

    The AVYAN Board of Directors decided on Chaitra 06, 2079, that no dividends will be paid for fiscal year 2078/79. The financial statements, however, are subject to approval by Nepal Rastra Bank and the company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting.

    On Monday, the last trading price of AVYAN was Rs 65

     

  • The deadline for the auction of 296,000 Kumari Bank promoter shares has been extended to Chaitra 06

    The deadline for the auction of 296,000 Kumari Bank promoter shares has been extended to Chaitra 06


    The deadline for the sale of 2,96,000 units of promoter share has been extended till Chaitra 6, 2079, according to Kumari Bank Limited (KBL).

    KBL’s existing promoters have started auctioning off their 2,96,000 unit promoter stake. The auction began on the 16th of Falgun and was scheduled to end tomorrow, on the 30th of Falgun, 2079. Nevertheless, because the auction organizer received insufficient applications, the sale has been extended until Chaitra 6.

    Individual investors, businesses, and institutions can all bid in an auction. The minimum bid is Rs. 119. The promoters’ shares have a minimum bid quantity of 10,000 units. Although bidders may bid for the full issue, they must follow the Nepal Rastra Bank’s guideline not to bid more than once.

  • 7-Month Macroeconomic Highlights: Inflation is 7.88%.

    7-Month Macroeconomic Highlights: Inflation is 7.88%.


    According to the Nepal Rastra Bank, inflation remained at 7.88 percent year on year. During the mentioned period, the gross foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 10.50 billion, while total imports and exports decreased by 19.9 percent and 29 percent, respectively, and the trade deficit decreased by 18.7 percent.

    The outstanding concessional loan was Rs.210.96 billion as of mid-February 2023, with 148,295 borrowers. For selected commercial agriculture and livestock businesses, Rs.142.56 billion has been extended to 61,335 borrowers. Similarly, 84,105 women entrepreneurs have received loans totaling Rs.65.19 billion. A total of 2,855 borrowers have received concessional loans in other specified sector

     

  • Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Modifies the Dividend Rate for Fiscal Year 2078/79

    Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Modifies the Dividend Rate for Fiscal Year 2078/79


    Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (JBLB) has reduced the dividend rate for fiscal year 2078/79 from 37.3684% to 33.15%.

    The 72nd meeting of the board of directors, held on Falgun 06, resolved to give a dividend of Rs. 1.03 Arba on the paid-up capital. A cash dividend of 9.3684% and 28% bonus shares had been recommended.

    The dividend was to be paid only after clearance from Nepal Rastra Bank and approval from the company’s future AGM. The dividend has been changed in accordance with Nepal Rastra Bank’s directives. As a result, a new dividend rate of 26% Bonus dividend and 7.15% cash dividend has been recommended.

    Consequently, the bonus shares are valued at Rs. 26.89 crores, while the cash dividend is valued at Rs. 7.39 crores.

  • Starting today, Prabhu Bank will be selling 46,74,396 units of promoter shares to the general public and institutions.

    Starting today, Prabhu Bank will be selling 46,74,396 units of promoter shares to the general public and institutions.


    From now, that is, on 12 Falgun through 26 Falgun, 2079, the current promoters of Prabhu Bank Limited (PRVU) are selling its 46,74,396 unit promoter share at an auction.

    There will be an auction for 46,74,396 units of promoter shares. In an auction, bids may be submitted by institutions, businesses, or individual investors. The minimum bid is Rs. 123. 10,000 units are the required minimum bid amount for promoter shares. Bidders are allowed to offer for the full issue, but they must adhere to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s guideline that they cannot offer for more shares per entity than what is allowed.

    The auction manager is Prabhu Capital Ltd. On Falgun 27, at the auction manager’s location, bids will begin to be accepted at 11 a.m.

  • JBLB proposes a 37.368% dividend for fiscal year 2078/79.

    JBLB proposes a 37.368% dividend for fiscal year 2078/79.


    For the fiscal year 2078/79, Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (JBLB) has proposed a dividend of 37.3684%.

    The 72nd meeting of the board of directors, held on Falgun 06, decided to distribute a dividend of Rs. 1.03 Arba on the paid-up capital. A cash dividend of 9.3684% and 28% bonus shares have been proposed. Thus, the bonus shares are valued at Rs. 28.95 crores, while the cash dividend is valued at Rs. 9.68 crores. For the tax amount on bonus shares, a cash dividend has been proposed.

    The dividend will be paid only after approval from Nepal Rastra Bank and approval from the company’s upcoming AGM. Last week, JBLB closed at Rs. 2,711.

    Last year, the company paid a 73.68% dividend, including 70% bonus shares, for fiscal year 2077/78.

  • NEPSE has two government bonds listed.

    NEPSE has two government bonds listed.


    Issuing a new notice today, NEPSE has notified of three new government bonds being listed today. The government bonds were issued via Nepal Rastra Bank.

    The securities listed are:

    9.50% Development Bond 2084 ‘Jha’
    8.98% Development Bond 2084 ‘Nya’

     

  • 615,104.47 Unit Shares of Best Finance Company in Falgun 01 Auction

    615,104.47 Unit Shares of Best Finance Company in Falgun 01 Auction


    From the 1st through the 15th of Falgun, 2079, Best Finance Company Limited (BFC) will auction 58,429.90 units of ordinary shares and 556,674.57 units of promoter shares.

    A total of 615,104.47 unit shares will be auctioned, including 58,429.90 ordinary shares and 556,674.57 promoter shares.Previously, from Bhadra 27 to Kartik 14, 2074, the corporation issued 1:1.3 ratio right shares, i.e. 1,652,850.00 units, to its qualified shareholders. The remaining unclaimed right shares will now be auctioned off beginning January 1st.

    The auction is open to all existing promoters, the general public, and institutions. The auction’s minimum bid price is Rs. 100. The minimum bid quantity for promoter shares is 1000 units, whereas the minimum bid quantity for ordinary shares is 100 units. Although bidders may bid for the full issue, they must follow Nepal Rastra Bank’s guideline of not exceeding the specified number of shares per organization.Prabhu Capital has been named auction manager.

  • Is bitcoin banned in Nepal?

    Is bitcoin banned in Nepal?


    Ban of Transaction of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Nepal.

    The central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank (“NRB”) published a notice pursuant to Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2001 (“NRB Act”) and Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act 1962 (“FERA”) prohibiting the usage of Bitcoin in Nepal. NRB has not recognized Bitcoins as a valid currency in Nepal.

    A few highlights on the ban:

    1. Laws of Nepal: The Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal’s central bank, highlighted two laws in its statement banning Bitcoin and its transactions: the foreign exchange statute of 2019 BS and the Nepal Rastra Bank Act of 2058 BS. It basically means that you can’t do bitcoin transactions or use bitcoin to swap foreign or Nepali currency in Nepal because bitcoin isn’t classified as a currency by the Nepali government, therefore utilizing the internet for bitcoin transactions or exchange is unlawful.
    2. Lack of regulations: NRB and Nepal govt is unable to have proper regulation over bitcoin transactions, as it’s mostly done over internet and Nepal doesn’t yet have the technology needed to regulate it, and hence it may be banned.
    3. Use in illegal activities: Reports of bitcoin being used for money laundering or making black money into white by converting into Bitcoin, among other cases is another reason.
    4. Damage to Nepali economy: Bitcoin transactions unlike other banking transactions can’t be taxed, so there will be loss of revenue, plus if more Nepalis use bitcoins, the monetary system of Nepal may be affected, Bitcoin is also a very volatile currency with lots of ups and downs and long term it can cause severe problems. NRB is tasked with maintaining the financial stability of Nepal and maybe it felt, bitcoin was a threat.

    These are only a few of the reasons, in my opinion, why bitcoin is prohibited in Nepal. The existing Nepali laws prohibit it, and the central bank believes that bitcoin cannot be effectively regulated, that it can be used for unlawful purposes, and that it will harm the Nepali economy in the long run. The Nepalese government has recently taken tough measures against bitcoin transactions, including arresting people who were mining bitcoin or had large amounts of bitcoin, shutting down Nepal’s largest bitcoin exchange operator Bitsewa and arresting its owners, and even arresting a Nepali politician from a minor party for bitcoin trading.