This post is about banking in Nepal, a history of banking system in Nepal. In the context of Nepal, it is very difficult to trace the correct chorological history of the Banking systems in Nepal because there are no sufficient historical records and data about Banking in Nepal.
Nepal bank Ltd. is the first modern bank of Nepal. It is taken as the milestone of modern banking of the country. Nepal bank marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the modern banking in Nepal. This was established in 1937 A.D. Nepal Bank has been inaugurated by King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev on 30thKartik 1994 B.S. Nepal bank was established as a semi government bank with the authorized capital of Rs.10 million and the paid -up capital of Rs. 892 thousand. Until mid-1940s, only metallic coins were used as medium of exchange. So the Nepal Government (His Majesty Government on that time) felt the need of separate institution or body to issue national currencies and promote financial organization in the country.
Banking in Nepal
Nepal Bank Ltd. remained the only financial institution of the country until the foundation of Nepal Rastra Bank is 1956 A.D. Due to the absence of the central bank, Nepal Bank has to play the role of central bank and operate the function of central bank. Hence, the Nepal Rastra Bank Act 1955 was formulated, which was approved by Nepal Government accordingly, the Nepal Rastra Bank was established in 1956 A.D. as the central bank of Nepal. Nepal Rastra Bank makes various guidelines for the banking sector of the country.
A sound banking system is important for smooth development of banking system. It can play a key role in the economy. It gathers savings from all over the country and provides liquidity for industry and trade. In 1957 A.D. Industrial Development Bank was established to promote the industrialization in Nepal, which was later converted into Nepal Industrial Development Corporation