About Nirdhan Utthan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (NULBSL)
Empowering Low-Income Families Through Sustainable Microfinance Since 1999
Nirdhan Utthan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (NULBSL) is one of Nepal's pioneering microfinance institutions dedicated to improving the socio-economic status of low-income households through inclusive financial services and community development. Established in November 1998 under the Companies Act of Nepal, 1997 (currently the Companies Act, 2006), NULBSL received its operating license from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) in April 1999 under the Development Bank Act, 1996, and officially commenced banking operations in July 1999.
Today, the institution operates under the Bank and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA), 2017 as a regulated microfinance institution, providing accessible and sustainable financial services to underserved communities throughout Nepal.
A Legacy Rooted in Nepal's Microfinance Movement
Although NULBSL was formally established in 1998, its journey began much earlier through the pioneering work of NIRDHAN, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that introduced organized microfinance services in Nepal.
The foundation of NIRDHAN dates back to 1986, when Late Dr. Harihar Dev Pant, then a senior officer at Nepal Rastra Bank, visited the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. Inspired by its innovative approach to poverty alleviation through microfinance, he envisioned implementing a similar model in Nepal.
This vision led to the establishment of NIRDHAN, meaning "People Without Money," in 1991, with microfinance operations officially beginning in March 1993.
As demand for financial services expanded beyond the capacity of an NGO, Nirdhan Utthan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited was established to operate as a regulated financial institution. In July 1999, NIRDHAN transferred all of its microfinance operations to NULBSL, enabling the institution to expand its outreach under Nepal's formal banking and financial regulatory framework.
Comprehensive Microfinance Services
NULBSL provides a wide range of inclusive financial services designed to support low-income households and promote sustainable livelihoods. Its core services include:
Microfinance loans
Deposit and savings services
Micro-insurance services
Remittance services
The institution primarily follows the group lending methodology inspired by the Grameen Bank model of Bangladesh, while also implementing its own Self-Reliant Group (SRG) Model, developed to address the specific needs of Nepalese communities.
Today, NULBSL operates through a nationwide network of 185 branch offices, serving customers across all 77 districts of Nepal, making it one of the country's most extensive microfinance networks.
Beyond Banking: Community Development and Social Empowerment
Nirdhan Utthan believes that sustainable poverty reduction requires more than access to financial services. Alongside microfinance, the institution delivers a variety of non-financial programs aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of its members.
These initiatives include:
Financial literacy training
Skill development training
Entrepreneurship development programs
Center Chief workshops
Guardian workshops
Financial assistance for members facing critical illnesses
Maternity support for members
Financial assistance during natural disasters and emergencies
Scholarships for members' children
These community-focused programs help strengthen financial capability, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve long-term household resilience.
Vision
To be a socially responsible microfinance institution that empowers poor and underserved communities to build a prosperous, self-reliant rural society through self-employment, financial inclusion, and social awareness, while contributing to poverty reduction in Nepal.
Mission
To provide sustainable financial services and promote social awareness among poor households in underserved and unserved areas of Nepal, enabling inclusive economic development and long-term community empowerment.
Goals
Nirdhan Utthan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited is committed to achieving the following goals:
Expand access to microfinance services by reaching the maximum number of financially viable low-income households through proven and effective delivery mechanisms.
Build a professionally managed institution supported by motivated, ethical, and highly committed employees.
Empower women by strengthening self-respect, promoting financial literacy, encouraging regular savings, ensuring responsible loan utilization and timely repayment, and expanding access to quality microfinance services.
Why Choose Nirdhan Utthan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited?
One of Nepal's pioneering and most established microfinance institutions
Licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and operating under the Bank and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA), 2017
Officially operational since 1999, with roots in Nepal's microfinance movement dating back to 1993
Inspired by the internationally recognized Grameen Bank microfinance model
Operates through 185 branch offices covering all 77 districts of Nepal
Provides loans, savings, remittance, and micro-insurance services
Delivers extensive non-financial programs including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, skill development, scholarships, and social support initiatives
Dedicated to promoting financial inclusion, women's empowerment, rural development, and sustainable poverty reduction across Nepal