Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has set new rules to limit the gap between personal fixed deposit interest rates and minimum savings account rates to a maximum of 5%. Similarly, institutional fixed deposits must have interest rates at least 1% lower than personal fixed deposits. However, banks can offer 1% higher interest rates on personal remittance fixed deposits.
Due to excess liquidity in the banking system, interest rates have remained stable. Experts believe this trend will continue in the coming months. Although loan disbursements are rising, banks are unable to lower interest rates further. From mid-July to mid-January of the current fiscal year, banks have issued loans worth Rs. 265.56 billion.
For the month of Falgun, commercial banks in Nepal have announced their updated interest rates, which mostly remain unchanged. However, Global IME Bank has raised its fixed deposit interest rates by 0.25%. Citizens Bank International has decreased its institutional fixed deposit rates by 0.40%, while Laxmi Sunrise Bank has lowered its individual fixed deposit rates by 0.25%. Other commercial banks have kept their rates the same.
Overall, Nepal’s banking sector continues to maintain steady interest rates, with minor changes by a few banks.
