About Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SWBBL)
Advancing Financial Inclusion Through Sustainable Microfinance
Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SWBBL) is one of Nepal's pioneering microfinance financial institutions, dedicated to delivering sustainable, accessible, and community-focused financial services to disadvantaged and low-income households. The institution works to improve financial inclusion by bringing microfinance services directly to underserved rural and urban communities, empowering individuals to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their socio-economic well-being.
SWBBL was registered as a Public Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2053 on 19 Ashwin 2058 B.S. (5 October 2001) and received its operating license from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on 19 Poush 2058 B.S. (3 January 2002) under the Development Bank Act, 2052. The institution formally commenced operations on 1 Magh 2058 B.S. (14 January 2002).
Following the implementation of the Bank and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA), 2073, the institution adopted its current name, Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. Previously, it operated as Swabalamban Laghubitta Bikas Bank Ltd., following its restructuring under the Companies Act, 2062 and relicensing by Nepal Rastra Bank under the Bank and Financial Institutions Act, 2063.
A Legacy Rooted in Community Development
The origins of SWBBL trace back more than three decades to the establishment of the Centre for Self-help Development (CSD), a non-governmental organization founded in 1991 by a group of development practitioners committed to reducing poverty through community empowerment and capacity building.
In 1993, CSD launched the Self-help Banking Program (SBP), an innovative microfinance initiative that provided group-based microcredit and savings services to disadvantaged women at the grassroots level. The program became a significant milestone in Nepal's microfinance sector by promoting financial inclusion through group guarantees, community participation, and women's economic empowerment.
Recognizing the need for a regulated and sustainable financial institution, CSD collaborated with leading commercial banks and individual promoters to establish SWBBL, ensuring greater institutional credibility, financial sustainability, and expanded outreach.
Strong Institutional Foundation
SWBBL was established with the support of prominent financial institutions and development-oriented promoters, including:
The institution's registered office was originally located in Janakpur, Dhanusha. Following approval from the Office of the Company Registrar on 10 March 2014, the Central Office was relocated to Kathmandu, Nepal.
Delivering Inclusive Microfinance Services
SWBBL is committed to expanding access to responsible financial services for disadvantaged communities by providing affordable microfinance solutions that encourage entrepreneurship, productive investment, and financial independence.
The institution supports a wide range of income-generating activities by mobilizing local resources, traditional skills, and community participation, enabling low-income households to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their economic resilience.
Objectives
Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. is committed to achieving the following objectives:
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Expand access to affordable credit for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
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Promote income-generating activities through the mobilization of local capital, indigenous skills, and labor.
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Increase production and productivity by supporting productive enterprises.
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Encourage entrepreneurship through access to financial resources.
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Mobilize rural savings and strengthen community-based credit systems.
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Promote self-help principles, financial awareness, and community empowerment.
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Improve the socio-economic status of poor households through sustainable microfinance services.
Mission
To improve the socio-economic condition of disadvantaged rural and urban communities by providing easy, accessible, and sustainable microfinance services.
Vision
To contribute to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and poverty-free society through inclusive financial services and community empowerment.
Our Commitment
Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. remains committed to responsible microfinance, customer-focused services, and sustainable institutional growth. By promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, savings mobilization, and community development, the institution continues to support Nepal's long-term economic and social progress.
Why Choose Swabalamban Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd.?
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One of Nepal's established and trusted microfinance institutions
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Licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
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Registered under the Companies Act, 2053
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Officially commenced operations in January 2002
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Originated from the pioneering Self-help Banking Program (SBP) initiated by the Centre for Self-help Development (CSD) in 1993
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Promoted by leading commercial banks, including Nepal Investment Bank Ltd., Himalayan Bank Ltd., and Nabil Bank Ltd.
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Head Office located in Kathmandu, Nepal
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Focused on providing sustainable microfinance services to disadvantaged rural and urban communities
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Promotes entrepreneurship, savings mobilization, women's empowerment, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction
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Committed to building a self-reliant, financially empowered, and prosperous Nepal
