KATHMANDU: Everest Bank and Global IME Bank have aggressively expanded lending in the first month of fiscal year 2025/26, even as total loans across commercial banks fell by Rs 1.086 billion.

Everest Bank increased its loans by Rs 564 million, bringing its total to Rs 22.293 billion, while Global IME Bank added Rs 400 million.

NIC Asia and several other banks reported declines in lending during the same period. Deposit trends were mixed.

Global IME, Nabil, and Himalayan Bank recorded increases, while Siddhartha, Kumari, Nepal, and Prabhu Banks saw significant declines.

Analysts say some banks reduced deposits to manage liquidity and maintain credit-deposit ratios, while others expanded deposits strategically to support business growth.