Global IME Tops Profit Chart as Banking Sector Faces 19% Decline

Global IME Bank has emerged as the top earner among Nepal’s commercial banks, posting a first-quarter profit of Rs 1.85 billion, a 23% rise from last year even as the overall banking sector saw profits fall by 18.78%.

According to financial reports for the first quarter of FY 2025/26, total profits across 20 commercial banks stood at Rs 13.15 billion, down from Rs 16.18 billion in the same period last year. The decline is attributed to high liquidity and weak loan recovery, with 15 banks reporting reduced earnings.

Nabil Bank followed with Rs 1.75 billion in profit, while Prime Commercial Bank earned Rs 1.25 billion. Everest and Kumari Banks also crossed the Rs 1 billion mark.

Among other banks, Rastriya Banijya Bank posted a remarkable 295% profit surge, while Prabhu Bank saw a steep 46% drop. NIC Asia gained 10.53%, and Sanima Bank rose 13.86%, but Nepal Investment Mega Bank and Agricultural Development Bank suffered losses exceeding 96%.

Citizens Bank was the only one to post a loss, recording Rs 220.4 million in red against a profit of Rs 188.2 million last year.

Overall, five banks earned over Rs 1 billion, five saw profit growth, and one ended the quarter in loss.