Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL) is the largest commercial bank in Nepal in terms of branch network and public outreach. It is fully owned by the Government of Nepal and has played a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion, public banking services, and national development since its establishment in 1966 A.D. (2022 B.S.).

Introduction to Rastriya Banijya Bank

• Full Name: Rastriya Banijya Bank Limited (RBBL)

• Established: January 23, 1966 (Magh 10, 2022 B.S.)

• Head Office: Singha Durbar Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal

• Ownership: 100% Government of Nepal

• Regulator: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)

• SWIFT Code: RBBANPKA

• Website: https://www.rbb.com.np

History and Establishment

RBB was established under the Rastriya Banijya Bank Act 2021 B.S. as part of the government’s initiative to strengthen Nepal’s financial system. At the time of its inception, banking services were limited to a few private and foreign banks in Nepal.

RBB was tasked with:

• Expanding banking to rural and underserved areas

• Mobilizing domestic savings

• Supporting trade, agriculture, and industry through credit

• Serving as a financial intermediary for government operations

Over time, RBB has become synonymous with trust, reliability, and service to the nation.

Key Features of Rastriya Banijya Bank

• Operates 300+ branches across all 77 districts of Nepal

• Services over millions of customers

• Offers both traditional and digital banking services

• Key banker to the Government of Nepal

• Plays a central role in public sector banking and fiscal disbursement

Products and Services Offered by RBB

1. Personal and Retail Banking

• Savings Accounts (General, Minor, Women, Senior Citizens)

• Current Accounts for individuals and firms

• Fixed Deposit Accounts with competitive interest rates

• Loan Services:

  • Home Loans

  • Auto Loans

  • Education Loans

  • Personal Loans

• Card Services:

  • Debit Cards

  • Prepaid Cards

  • ATM and POS Services

2. Corporate and SME Banking

• Business Loans for SMEs and large enterprises

• Project Finance for infrastructure and industrial development

• Working Capital Loans

• Loan Syndication Services

• Trade Finance (LCs, Bank Guarantees, Remittances)

3. Government and Institutional Banking

• Revenue collection for Inland Revenue Department

• Pension and allowance distribution

• Budget release and treasury services

• Salary disbursement for government employees

• Fund management for various ministries and public offices

4. Digital and e-Banking Services

• RBB Mobile Banking App for Android and iOS

• RBB eBanking (internet banking for individuals and businesses)

• Online Account Opening and e-KYC system

• Utility Bill Payment (NEA, NTC, Khanepani, etc.)

• QR Payments via Fonepay and other payment networks

• Online fund transfers (ConnectIPS, interbank)

Branch Network and Coverage

RBB has the widest banking network among Nepali banks:

• Over 300 full-service branches

• Presence in all 77 districts

• ATMs and mobile banking support in urban and rural regions

• Inclusive banking through:

  • Community branches

  • Mobile banking vans

  • Financial literacy campaigns

RBB plays a major role in rural finance, delivering credit and deposit services to remote and previously unbanked areas.

Financial Performance and Strength

Rastriya Banijya Bank is among the most financially sound banks in Nepal. It consistently ranks in the top tier based on assets, profitability, and customer base.

Financial Highlights (as per FY 2080/81 B.S.):

• Total Assets: Exceeding NPR 400 billion

• Net Profit: Over NPR 3 billion

• Loan Portfolio: Balanced mix of retail, agriculture, industry, and trade

• Non-Performing Loans (NPL): Maintained under NRB thresholds

• Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR): Above regulatory minimum

• Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR): Well above benchmark

RBB’s strong financial base enables it to provide large-scale loans, handle national-level financial operations, and withstand economic volatility.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

RBB is committed to nation-building and social development through diverse CSR initiatives:

• Scholarship programs for underprivileged students

• Support for public hospitals and health camps

• Relief funds during natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods)

• Environmental awareness and green banking practices

• Community development programs in remote areas

Digital Transformation and Innovation

RBB is in the process of complete digital transformation to improve service delivery and compete with private banks.

Key Initiatives:

• Upgrade of Core Banking System (CBS)

• API integration with national ID system and fintech platforms

• Expansion of contactless and mobile banking services

• Introduction of digital loan application and tracking

• Use of AI for fraud detection and credit scoring (under development)

RBB aims to become Nepal’s leading digital government bank.

 

Challenges and Strategic Outlook

Challenges:

• Outdated IT systems in some rural branches

• Growing competition from tech-savvy private banks

• Cybersecurity threats and data management

Strategic Goals:

• Full-scale modernization of banking systems

• Enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure

• Expansion of digital literacy in rural areas

• Stronger support for government digital initiatives

• Roll-out of green financing and climate-resilient products

Conclusion

Rastriya Banijya Bank stands as a pillar of Nepal’s banking sector with its extensive reach, strong public trust, and commitment to national development. As the largest government-owned bank, it continues to modernize and adapt to the evolving financial landscape of Nepal.

Whether you are an individual looking for reliable banking, a business in need of financing, or a government body requiring efficient fund management, RBB offers dependable, secure, and comprehensive banking solutions.