Q. Machhapuchhre Bank has successfully managed to pull its growth to a phenomenal success in a short span of time. What made to get such an astounding achievement?
A. Truthfully speaking, I honestly attribute it to good service. Had we not provided good service to our clients, the success would be as elusive as ever. This may sound ordinary to many, but its long-term effect is incredible.
Q. Over the last a couple of years, more banks have come into existence like never before. However, the fact remains the same that Nepal has not achieved economic success as expected. In fact, economic growth rate is rather appalling. In spite of this, how are these banks successful in business?A. Yes, there are flurry of banks across the country, and many of them are guided by profit motive. But in the end, they need to change their policy and attitude, or else they are certain to fizzle out.
Q. Nepal Rastra Bank has debarred banks to disburse loan for real estate. In fact, this was a very important investment sector for the banks. How has this decision affected the banking industry?
A. Our bank was not much interested in the real estate investment right from the beginning. Hence, our business has remained unaffected. We are rather more innovative in term of investment.
Q. Rumors abuzz that many banks have over stock of deposits, because they are unable to invest the capital in right sector. What is your opinion?
A. There is no excess stock of deposit, in fact there is lack of liquidity in the market. It was declared in the news too.
Q. The country is dotted with banks in the urban areas, whereas rural areas are devoid of banks. Has your bank given a thought about or planned anything for the rural population?
A. What many banks have failed to do but we have done it with resounding success. We went to rural sector of Nepal. We have been successfully operating our branches in Jomsom, Beni, Waling and Baglung. Let me remind you that today Machhapuchhre bank has 39 branches across the country.
Q. Do you plan to open more branches in near future?
A. No, not in this fiscal year. Right away, we do not have any of such plans to open new branches of the bank.
Q. Which bank(s) do you think is your potent competitor?
A. We don’t think in this manner. No one is the competitor in the banking sector. This is a service oriented sector, where only fittest can survive. Every bank should try to improve its services to win the confidence of the depositors. Or else they will remain in oblivion.
Q. What future do you see for the banking industry in Nepal, in the next 10 years?
A. Political stability in the country will play a crucial role to decide the future of banking in Nepal. It is yet to be seen that what is being cooked behind the curtain. Will our heavy weight politicians be able to deliver their best? This is a big question mark before every common Nepali today.
Mr. Arjun Thapa is the General Manager of Machhapuchhre Bank Limited. Today Machhapucchre bank has record thirty-nine branches across the country. Mr. Thapa has spent nearly 20 years in the banking sector. He is a part of the exceptional growth of the bank, where he is at the helm. After having completed schooling and undergraduate studies in India, he joined Tribhuvan University of Kirtipur and earned a degree in Master of Business Administration. He had worked for Grindlays Bank for a few years, before he joined MBL. The other day, FRONTLINE reporter Achala Sharma caught up with Mr. Thapa and asked him some questions, related with banking system in Nepal and financial management. Excerpts.
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