Kathmandu: Banks and financial institutions in Nepal have started resuming limited operations, primarily in a few selected branches in the Kathmandu Valley as well as some areas outside the valley, depending on local administrative and security provisions.
This move follows directives from Nepal Rastra Bank and the coordination with local administrations to ensure secure provision of banking services.
Santosh Koirala, President of the Nepal Bankers’ Association, stated that from Thursday, banks have resumed services with front office staff physically present in offices while back office employees are working remotely from their homes.
Essential services like clearing and remittance, which had been halted for several days, have been reactivated. Bank services are available to customers visiting branches for urgent needs.
Some branches have reopened in the Kathmandu Valley, and outside the valley, banks will operate in collaboration with local administration and security forces ensuring safety. Staff have been instructed to arrive by 10 am and leave between 5 and 7 pm, with banking hours set from 10 am to 2 pm. Digital banking services remain unaffected and fully operational.
The Nepal Army has recognized banking as an essential service, allowing bank staff to commute to their offices using their identification cards. Nepal Rastra Bank has also mandated institutions to continue essential banking and digital payment services with limited staff, enabling remote access whenever feasible, and regularly update the public about operational branches, ATMs, and services through official websites and social media.
Nepal Rastra Bank’s notice emphasizes maintaining business continuity by operating sensitive systems with minimal staff to provide essential banking and digital payment services while mitigating risks during the ongoing situation.
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