Kathmandu - September 6, 2005. Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) has been awarded the prestigious "Bank of the Year 2005" by the London-based Financial Times Group's The Banker - making it the first Nepali Bank to win the award two times in three years. NIBL had also won the "Bank of the Year 2003" award.

Nepal Investment Bank was selected for this honour amongst the Nepali banks by meeting the stringent benchmark criteria set by The Banker. The Award is based on the growth and performance in terms of capital, assets, return on equity and management quality.

The net assets of the Bank has increased from NPR 5 billion to NPR 13 billion since the Nepali-management took over the Bank in July 2002. In the last fiscal year (2003-04), Nepal Investment Bank boosted its net profit about 32% and achieved the return on equity of 21%. The Bank's non-performing asset NPA (1.64%) is one of the lowest (when the national average is over 25%) in the banking industry in Nepal and well within the internationally acceptable standards.

Nepal Investment Bank is the first Bank to introduce Visa Electron Debit Card in Nepal and the first non-government bank to launch "Loan against Gold and Silver." The Bank has issued over 25,000 cards making it the leader in the industry within a span of over one and half years. The Bank has deployed the highest number, 600, of Point of Sales machines in the market. Nepal Investment Bank recently launched the "Premier Banking Cell" that caters to its high net worth clients and renders consultancy services in taxation, legal, insurance and travel and tours. The Bank plans to strengthen its position in products such as remittance and plastic money.

Customer satisfaction is the paramount driver at Nepal Investment Bank. The Bank constantly interacts with existing and potential customers to get feedback and suggestions that in turn help to design products and services to suit the requirements and expectations of customers. The Bank has started a concept of "15 Minute Banking" for the convenience of all its valued customers. Customers entering any of its twelve branches can carry their entire banking transaction within 15 minutes. A survey shows 8 to 10 minutes as the average transaction time per customer to carry their transaction and leave the bank.

The Bank is committed to continue striving to improve on all fronts to ensure it can respond to today's challenges in meeting the demands of its customers. NIBL understands that to be successful, we need to know our customers. It is this commitment to understanding our customer's particular needs and applying our expertise accordingly that's led us to being recognized as Nepal's Bank of the Year 2005.

Chairman and Chief Executive Director Mr. Prithivi Bahadur Pandé says "Nepal Investment Bank endeavors to demonstrate that a Nepali bank can constantly provide top quality customer service and be the best in Nepal."

Nepal Investment Bank Ltd.

Truly a Nepali Bank

Please feel free to call 977-1-4228229, fax 977-1-4228927 for additional information.