Kathmandu. Kumari Bank Limited (KBL), reaffirming its commitment to sustainability across its products, people and strategic partnerships, has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Nepal (HELVETAS Nepal). The partnership seeks to expand access to finance and business development support for micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, youth-led enterprises and other key stakeholders operating within Nepal’s emerging green economy.
The MoU was formally signed by Mr. Chandan Karki, Chief Marketing and Investment Officer of Kumari Bank Limited and Mr. Maneesh Pradhan, Country Director of HELVETAS Nepal. The collaboration combines HELVETAS Nepal’s expertise in inclusive economic development, enterprise promotion and value-chain strengthening with Kumari Bank’s financial capabilities, extensive outreach and banking infrastructure. Together, the organizations will focus on strengthening value-chain financing and creating greater opportunities for enterprises contributing to Nepal’s transition toward a greener economy.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Arpan Paudel, Head of Sustainable Banking at Kumari Bank Limited, emphasized the importance of integrating financial access with enterprise development to accelerate the growth of Nepal’s green economy. He noted that the collaboration represents a significant step toward making sustainable finance more accessible to entrepreneurs and businesses developing solutions for a greener, more resilient Nepal. By combining Kumari Bank’s financial expertise with HELVETAS Nepal’s experience in enterprise development and inclusive value chains, the partnership is positioned to help promising green businesses evolve into sustainable drivers of employment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
The partnership is expected to foster stronger connections among financial institutions, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders across green value chains. Beyond improving access to finance, the initiative will emphasize strengthening enterprises’ capacity to effectively manage and utilize financial resources. This integrated approach is intended to promote more inclusive, resilient and sustainable enterprise development while supporting the broader growth of Nepal’s green economy.
With an extensive nationwide presence, Kumari Bank will leverage its established banking network to facilitate and scale these initiatives in the targeted communities. The bank’s infrastructure comprises 279 branches, 296 ATMs, 41 extension counters, 40 branchless banking units and more than 1,233 POS terminals, supported by digital banking platforms, mobile banking services and international Visa card solutions. Through its focus on customer-centric innovation, responsible banking and sustainable finance, Kumari Bank continues to strengthen its role in supporting Nepal’s long-term economic transformation. In collaboration with HELVETAS Nepal, the bank aims to contribute to the development of financially viable green enterprises, stronger value chains, increased employment opportunities and a more climate-resilient and sustainable economic future for Nepal.
