NEPSE3 min readRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance LevelsRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance Levels By Dipesh Ghimire Kathmandu — The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is currently witnessing a tactical migration of capital, as retail investors increasingly shift their focus toward low-priced hydropower stocks. This shift, led by a speculative surge in Ankhu Khola Hydropower (AKJCL), suggests that despite a broader market correction, there is a strong "bottom-fishing" appetite for stocks trading near the NPR 200 threshold.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top3 min readAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality StabilizesAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality Stabilizes KATHMANDU – Siddhartha Bank Limited (SBL) has staged a dramatic financial turnaround in the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). Emerging from a period of heavy provisioning that stifled its growth last year, the bank has reported a staggering 150.20% jump in net profit, reaching NPR 1.33 billion—up from NPR 530.2 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This surge is a clear indicator of the bank's successful transition from "crisis management" to "earnings acceleration," driven primarily by a significant cooling of bad loan provisions.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
NEPSE3 min readRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance LevelsRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance Levels By Dipesh Ghimire Kathmandu — The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is currently witnessing a tactical migration of capital, as retail investors increasingly shift their focus toward low-priced hydropower stocks. This shift, led by a speculative surge in Ankhu Khola Hydropower (AKJCL), suggests that despite a broader market correction, there is a strong "bottom-fishing" appetite for stocks trading near the NPR 200 threshold.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top3 min readAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality StabilizesAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality Stabilizes KATHMANDU – Siddhartha Bank Limited (SBL) has staged a dramatic financial turnaround in the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). Emerging from a period of heavy provisioning that stifled its growth last year, the bank has reported a staggering 150.20% jump in net profit, reaching NPR 1.33 billion—up from NPR 530.2 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This surge is a clear indicator of the bank's successful transition from "crisis management" to "earnings acceleration," driven primarily by a significant cooling of bad loan provisions.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Miteri Development Bank’s Q2: A 120% Profit Surge Driven by Efficiency Gains and Asset QualityAnalyzing Miteri Development Bank’s Q2: A 120% Profit Surge Driven by Efficiency Gains and Asset Quality KATHMANDU – Miteri Development Bank Limited (MDB) has emerged as a top performer among regional lenders, reporting a spectacular 120.25% jump in net profit for the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). In an era where mid-sized banks are struggling with thin margins, Miteri’s net profit reached NPR 5.70 crore, compared to NPR 2.58 crore in the same period last year. The bank’s performance is a testament to aggressive deposit mobilization and a significant reduction in the cost of funds, which has transformed its bottom line despite broader economic headwinds.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Himalayan Bank’s Q2: A Post-Merger Struggle as Bad Loans Hit 7.96%Analyzing Himalayan Bank’s Q2: A Post-Merger Struggle as Bad Loans Hit 7.96% KATHMANDU – Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL), which significantly scaled its operations following the acquisition of Civil Bank, is now facing a severe test of its asset quality. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year (2082/83) reveal a double-digit decline in profitability and a sharp spike in toxic loans, signaling that the "merger synergy" is being overshadowed by a "recovery crisis."Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Nepal’s New Financial Roadmap: A Digital-First Shift to Stabilize a Strained EconomyAnalyzing Nepal’s New Financial Roadmap: A Digital-First Shift to Stabilize a Strained Economy KATHMANDU – The Government of Nepal has unveiled its Second Financial Sector Development Strategy (2025/26–2029/30), a comprehensive five-year manifesto aimed at pulling the financial sector out of its post-pandemic lethargy and thrusting it into a high-tech future. This isn't just a policy update; it is a calculated pivot toward Green Finance, Artificial Intelligence, and Neo-banking, designed to raise the financial sector's contribution to the national GDP to 7.5% by 2030.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing NMB Bank’s Q2: Core Business Resilience Overshadowed by Sharp Provisioning SpikeAnalyzing NMB Bank’s Q2: Core Business Resilience Overshadowed by Sharp Provisioning Spike KATHMANDU – NMB Bank Limited (NMB) has reported a complex set of second-quarter (Q2) results for the current fiscal year (2082/83), presenting a classic case of operational strength versus macroeconomic headwinds. While the bank successfully accelerated its core revenue streams, a significant surge in bad loan provisions has resulted in a 17.71% decline in net profit. The bank’s net profit for the first six months of the fiscal year stood at NPR 1.64 billion, down from the NPR 2.00 billion recorded during the same period last year. The Revenue Engine: Growing Against the Tide A detailed look at the numbers shows that NMB’s core banking business remains robust.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top3 min readAnalyzing NIC Asia’s Q2: Strategic Retreat or a Deepening Crisis as Distributable Deficit Hits NPR 7.39 Billion?Analyzing NIC Asia’s Q2: Strategic Retreat or a Deepening Crisis as Distributable Deficit Hits NPR 7.39 Billion? KATHMANDU – NIC Asia Bank (NICA), which for years set a high-octane pace for Nepal’s banking sector through aggressive expansion, is now facing its most significant period of cooling. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year (2082/83) reflect a stark reversal, marked by shrinking net profits and a massive distributable deficit that effectively locks the bank out of dividend distribution for the foreseeable future. The bank reported a net profit of NPR 131.1 million for the first half of the fiscal year—a 13.54% contraction compared to the NPR 151.7 million it earned during the same period last year. While the drop in net profit is concerning, the real story lies in the "cleaning" of its massive balance sheet. The Weight of Provisions The decline in profit is a direct consequence of the bank's rising risk profile.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readNabil Bank Defies Market Odds: Profits Leap 47% to NPR 4.75 BillionNabil Bank Defies Market Odds: Profits Leap 47% to NPR 4.75 Billion KATHMANDU – In an economy where most commercial banks are struggling to stay afloat, Nabil Bank Limited (NABIL) has emerged as a powerhouse of recovery. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year have sent a strong signal to the market, showing a massive 46.71% surge in net profit, totaling NPR 4.75 billion. This double-digit growth marks a dramatic shift from the NPR 3.24 billion reported in the previous year’s mid-term report, cementing Nabil’s status as a market leader in asset management.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readLaxmi Sunrise Bank Slips into NPR 273 Million Loss as Bad Loan Provisions SurgeLaxmi Sunrise Bank Slips into NPR 273 Million Loss as Bad Loan Provisions Surge KATHMANDU – Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited (LSL), formed through a high-profile merger to become one of Nepal’s largest private lenders, has reported a surprising net loss for the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The unaudited financial statement reveals a stark reversal of fortune, moving from a healthy profit last year to a deficit in the first six months of the current period. The bank recorded a net loss of NPR 273.6 million as of mid-January (Poush end). This stands in sharp contrast to the NPR 1.16 billion net profit the bank earned during the same period in the previous fiscal year.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Standard Chartered Nepal’s Q2: Strategic Caution or a Profitability Crisis?Analyzing Standard Chartered Nepal’s Q2: Strategic Caution or a Profitability Crisis? KATHMANDU – For years, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal (SCB) has been the gold standard for banking efficiency in Nepal. However, its second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year suggest that even the most seasoned international players are not immune to the domestic economic slowdown. The bank reported a 16.29% drop in net profit, falling to NPR 1.37 billion. While on the surface this looks like a setback, a deeper look at the data reveals a bank prioritizing "Safety over Scale." The Net Interest Income Squeeze The most telling figure in SCB’s report is the 9.13% decline in net interest income. Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
NEPSE3 min readRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance LevelsRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance Levels By Dipesh Ghimire Kathmandu — The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is currently witnessing a tactical migration of capital, as retail investors increasingly shift their focus toward low-priced hydropower stocks. This shift, led by a speculative surge in Ankhu Khola Hydropower (AKJCL), suggests that despite a broader market correction, there is a strong "bottom-fishing" appetite for stocks trading near the NPR 200 threshold.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top3 min readAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality StabilizesAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality Stabilizes KATHMANDU – Siddhartha Bank Limited (SBL) has staged a dramatic financial turnaround in the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). Emerging from a period of heavy provisioning that stifled its growth last year, the bank has reported a staggering 150.20% jump in net profit, reaching NPR 1.33 billion—up from NPR 530.2 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This surge is a clear indicator of the bank's successful transition from "crisis management" to "earnings acceleration," driven primarily by a significant cooling of bad loan provisions.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Miteri Development Bank’s Q2: A 120% Profit Surge Driven by Efficiency Gains and Asset QualityAnalyzing Miteri Development Bank’s Q2: A 120% Profit Surge Driven by Efficiency Gains and Asset Quality KATHMANDU – Miteri Development Bank Limited (MDB) has emerged as a top performer among regional lenders, reporting a spectacular 120.25% jump in net profit for the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). In an era where mid-sized banks are struggling with thin margins, Miteri’s net profit reached NPR 5.70 crore, compared to NPR 2.58 crore in the same period last year. The bank’s performance is a testament to aggressive deposit mobilization and a significant reduction in the cost of funds, which has transformed its bottom line despite broader economic headwinds.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Himalayan Bank’s Q2: A Post-Merger Struggle as Bad Loans Hit 7.96%Analyzing Himalayan Bank’s Q2: A Post-Merger Struggle as Bad Loans Hit 7.96% KATHMANDU – Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL), which significantly scaled its operations following the acquisition of Civil Bank, is now facing a severe test of its asset quality. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year (2082/83) reveal a double-digit decline in profitability and a sharp spike in toxic loans, signaling that the "merger synergy" is being overshadowed by a "recovery crisis."Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Nepal’s New Financial Roadmap: A Digital-First Shift to Stabilize a Strained EconomyAnalyzing Nepal’s New Financial Roadmap: A Digital-First Shift to Stabilize a Strained Economy KATHMANDU – The Government of Nepal has unveiled its Second Financial Sector Development Strategy (2025/26–2029/30), a comprehensive five-year manifesto aimed at pulling the financial sector out of its post-pandemic lethargy and thrusting it into a high-tech future. This isn't just a policy update; it is a calculated pivot toward Green Finance, Artificial Intelligence, and Neo-banking, designed to raise the financial sector's contribution to the national GDP to 7.5% by 2030.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing NMB Bank’s Q2: Core Business Resilience Overshadowed by Sharp Provisioning SpikeAnalyzing NMB Bank’s Q2: Core Business Resilience Overshadowed by Sharp Provisioning Spike KATHMANDU – NMB Bank Limited (NMB) has reported a complex set of second-quarter (Q2) results for the current fiscal year (2082/83), presenting a classic case of operational strength versus macroeconomic headwinds. While the bank successfully accelerated its core revenue streams, a significant surge in bad loan provisions has resulted in a 17.71% decline in net profit. The bank’s net profit for the first six months of the fiscal year stood at NPR 1.64 billion, down from the NPR 2.00 billion recorded during the same period last year. The Revenue Engine: Growing Against the Tide A detailed look at the numbers shows that NMB’s core banking business remains robust.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top3 min readAnalyzing NIC Asia’s Q2: Strategic Retreat or a Deepening Crisis as Distributable Deficit Hits NPR 7.39 Billion?Analyzing NIC Asia’s Q2: Strategic Retreat or a Deepening Crisis as Distributable Deficit Hits NPR 7.39 Billion? KATHMANDU – NIC Asia Bank (NICA), which for years set a high-octane pace for Nepal’s banking sector through aggressive expansion, is now facing its most significant period of cooling. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year (2082/83) reflect a stark reversal, marked by shrinking net profits and a massive distributable deficit that effectively locks the bank out of dividend distribution for the foreseeable future. The bank reported a net profit of NPR 131.1 million for the first half of the fiscal year—a 13.54% contraction compared to the NPR 151.7 million it earned during the same period last year. While the drop in net profit is concerning, the real story lies in the "cleaning" of its massive balance sheet. The Weight of Provisions The decline in profit is a direct consequence of the bank's rising risk profile.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readNabil Bank Defies Market Odds: Profits Leap 47% to NPR 4.75 BillionNabil Bank Defies Market Odds: Profits Leap 47% to NPR 4.75 Billion KATHMANDU – In an economy where most commercial banks are struggling to stay afloat, Nabil Bank Limited (NABIL) has emerged as a powerhouse of recovery. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year have sent a strong signal to the market, showing a massive 46.71% surge in net profit, totaling NPR 4.75 billion. This double-digit growth marks a dramatic shift from the NPR 3.24 billion reported in the previous year’s mid-term report, cementing Nabil’s status as a market leader in asset management.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readLaxmi Sunrise Bank Slips into NPR 273 Million Loss as Bad Loan Provisions SurgeLaxmi Sunrise Bank Slips into NPR 273 Million Loss as Bad Loan Provisions Surge KATHMANDU – Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited (LSL), formed through a high-profile merger to become one of Nepal’s largest private lenders, has reported a surprising net loss for the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The unaudited financial statement reveals a stark reversal of fortune, moving from a healthy profit last year to a deficit in the first six months of the current period. The bank recorded a net loss of NPR 273.6 million as of mid-January (Poush end). This stands in sharp contrast to the NPR 1.16 billion net profit the bank earned during the same period in the previous fiscal year.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Top2 min readAnalyzing Standard Chartered Nepal’s Q2: Strategic Caution or a Profitability Crisis?Analyzing Standard Chartered Nepal’s Q2: Strategic Caution or a Profitability Crisis? KATHMANDU – For years, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal (SCB) has been the gold standard for banking efficiency in Nepal. However, its second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year suggest that even the most seasoned international players are not immune to the domestic economic slowdown. The bank reported a 16.29% drop in net profit, falling to NPR 1.37 billion. While on the surface this looks like a setback, a deeper look at the data reveals a bank prioritizing "Safety over Scale." The Net Interest Income Squeeze The most telling figure in SCB’s report is the 9.13% decline in net interest income. Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Retail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance LevelsRetail Investors Pivot to Low-price Hydros as NEPSE Tests Key Resistance Levels By Dipesh Ghimire Kathmandu — The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) is currently witnessing a tactical migration of capital, as retail investors increasingly shift their focus toward low-priced hydropower stocks. This shift, led by a speculative surge in Ankhu Khola Hydropower (AKJCL), suggests that despite a broader market correction, there is a strong "bottom-fishing" appetite for stocks trading near the NPR 200 threshold.NEPSE3 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality StabilizesAnalyzing Siddhartha Bank’s Q2: A 150% Profit Surge as Asset Quality Stabilizes KATHMANDU – Siddhartha Bank Limited (SBL) has staged a dramatic financial turnaround in the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). Emerging from a period of heavy provisioning that stifled its growth last year, the bank has reported a staggering 150.20% jump in net profit, reaching NPR 1.33 billion—up from NPR 530.2 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This surge is a clear indicator of the bank's successful transition from "crisis management" to "earnings acceleration," driven primarily by a significant cooling of bad loan provisions.Top3 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing Miteri Development Bank’s Q2: A 120% Profit Surge Driven by Efficiency Gains and Asset QualityAnalyzing Miteri Development Bank’s Q2: A 120% Profit Surge Driven by Efficiency Gains and Asset Quality KATHMANDU – Miteri Development Bank Limited (MDB) has emerged as a top performer among regional lenders, reporting a spectacular 120.25% jump in net profit for the second quarter (Q2) of the current fiscal year (2082/83). In an era where mid-sized banks are struggling with thin margins, Miteri’s net profit reached NPR 5.70 crore, compared to NPR 2.58 crore in the same period last year. The bank’s performance is a testament to aggressive deposit mobilization and a significant reduction in the cost of funds, which has transformed its bottom line despite broader economic headwinds.Top2 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing Himalayan Bank’s Q2: A Post-Merger Struggle as Bad Loans Hit 7.96%Analyzing Himalayan Bank’s Q2: A Post-Merger Struggle as Bad Loans Hit 7.96% KATHMANDU – Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL), which significantly scaled its operations following the acquisition of Civil Bank, is now facing a severe test of its asset quality. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year (2082/83) reveal a double-digit decline in profitability and a sharp spike in toxic loans, signaling that the "merger synergy" is being overshadowed by a "recovery crisis."Top2 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing Nepal’s New Financial Roadmap: A Digital-First Shift to Stabilize a Strained EconomyAnalyzing Nepal’s New Financial Roadmap: A Digital-First Shift to Stabilize a Strained Economy KATHMANDU – The Government of Nepal has unveiled its Second Financial Sector Development Strategy (2025/26–2029/30), a comprehensive five-year manifesto aimed at pulling the financial sector out of its post-pandemic lethargy and thrusting it into a high-tech future. This isn't just a policy update; it is a calculated pivot toward Green Finance, Artificial Intelligence, and Neo-banking, designed to raise the financial sector's contribution to the national GDP to 7.5% by 2030.Top2 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing NMB Bank’s Q2: Core Business Resilience Overshadowed by Sharp Provisioning SpikeAnalyzing NMB Bank’s Q2: Core Business Resilience Overshadowed by Sharp Provisioning Spike KATHMANDU – NMB Bank Limited (NMB) has reported a complex set of second-quarter (Q2) results for the current fiscal year (2082/83), presenting a classic case of operational strength versus macroeconomic headwinds. While the bank successfully accelerated its core revenue streams, a significant surge in bad loan provisions has resulted in a 17.71% decline in net profit. The bank’s net profit for the first six months of the fiscal year stood at NPR 1.64 billion, down from the NPR 2.00 billion recorded during the same period last year. The Revenue Engine: Growing Against the Tide A detailed look at the numbers shows that NMB’s core banking business remains robust.Top2 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing NIC Asia’s Q2: Strategic Retreat or a Deepening Crisis as Distributable Deficit Hits NPR 7.39 Billion?Analyzing NIC Asia’s Q2: Strategic Retreat or a Deepening Crisis as Distributable Deficit Hits NPR 7.39 Billion? KATHMANDU – NIC Asia Bank (NICA), which for years set a high-octane pace for Nepal’s banking sector through aggressive expansion, is now facing its most significant period of cooling. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year (2082/83) reflect a stark reversal, marked by shrinking net profits and a massive distributable deficit that effectively locks the bank out of dividend distribution for the foreseeable future. The bank reported a net profit of NPR 131.1 million for the first half of the fiscal year—a 13.54% contraction compared to the NPR 151.7 million it earned during the same period last year. While the drop in net profit is concerning, the real story lies in the "cleaning" of its massive balance sheet. The Weight of Provisions The decline in profit is a direct consequence of the bank's rising risk profile.Top3 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Nabil Bank Defies Market Odds: Profits Leap 47% to NPR 4.75 BillionNabil Bank Defies Market Odds: Profits Leap 47% to NPR 4.75 Billion KATHMANDU – In an economy where most commercial banks are struggling to stay afloat, Nabil Bank Limited (NABIL) has emerged as a powerhouse of recovery. The bank’s second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year have sent a strong signal to the market, showing a massive 46.71% surge in net profit, totaling NPR 4.75 billion. This double-digit growth marks a dramatic shift from the NPR 3.24 billion reported in the previous year’s mid-term report, cementing Nabil’s status as a market leader in asset management.Top2 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Laxmi Sunrise Bank Slips into NPR 273 Million Loss as Bad Loan Provisions SurgeLaxmi Sunrise Bank Slips into NPR 273 Million Loss as Bad Loan Provisions Surge KATHMANDU – Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited (LSL), formed through a high-profile merger to become one of Nepal’s largest private lenders, has reported a surprising net loss for the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The unaudited financial statement reveals a stark reversal of fortune, moving from a healthy profit last year to a deficit in the first six months of the current period. The bank recorded a net loss of NPR 273.6 million as of mid-January (Poush end). This stands in sharp contrast to the NPR 1.16 billion net profit the bank earned during the same period in the previous fiscal year.Top2 min read
Dipesh Ghimire·29 Jan, 2026Analyzing Standard Chartered Nepal’s Q2: Strategic Caution or a Profitability Crisis?Analyzing Standard Chartered Nepal’s Q2: Strategic Caution or a Profitability Crisis? KATHMANDU – For years, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal (SCB) has been the gold standard for banking efficiency in Nepal. However, its second-quarter (Q2) financial results for the current fiscal year suggest that even the most seasoned international players are not immune to the domestic economic slowdown. The bank reported a 16.29% drop in net profit, falling to NPR 1.37 billion. While on the surface this looks like a setback, a deeper look at the data reveals a bank prioritizing "Safety over Scale." The Net Interest Income Squeeze The most telling figure in SCB’s report is the 9.13% decline in net interest income. Top2 min read