Global IME Bank Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Chief Executive Officer Ratna Raj Bajracharya received the award and the certificate of merit at a ceremony held in London, according to the bank. The award was announced during The Banker’s annual award hosting ceremony on November 27. 

The Banker awarded Global IME based on its excellent balance sheet, success in merger within a short span of time, contribution to the financial sector despite a troubled political situation, modern banking service, contribution to the banking access. Global IME was selected from among Nepali banks. “Bank of the Year” is the world’s longest running international banking title and is a testament to strong management, sound business model and prudent risk approach of the winner bank.

Global IME, which has been in the forefront of the merger drive, has expanded its services from Tapalejung in the east to Baitadai in the west. It has 84 branches, as many ATM counters and 31 branchless banking services.

It has a customer base of more than 500,000. The bank’s deposit mobilisation stands at Rs 53.89 billion, while credit disbursement at Rs 45.53 billion as of the first quarter. It earned a net profit of Rs 222.78  million in the first quarter.

The bank is preparing to open a liaison office in Australia after getting approval from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the Nepal Rastra Bank.