KATHMANDU: Laxmi Bank Ltd is stepping beyond traditional banking by introducing a new investment opportunity — portfolio management service (PMS) — for its customers. Laxmi Bank and Beed Invest Ltd, the first Nepali company registered to investment in capital market, tied-up in PMS by signing a channel partner agreement here today. Under PMS, clients of Laxmi Bank can invest in the Nepali capital market upon the recommendation of Beed Invest. “The service will be available at all branches of the bank,” said Suman Joshi, chief executive officer, “Now, people from outside Kathmandu Valley can also invest in the share market.” Investment through PMS will reduce the risk of investment in capital market. “This is because we are here to suggest to investors where they can get maximum benefit,” said Sujeev Shakya, chairman of Beed. We will analyse risks and benefits of investment in an individual company, he added. As per PMS rule, investment will be in the name of individual either as a person or an institution. In mutual funds, investment in capital market is listed in the name of the respective company which opened the fund. Beed Invest will take a certain percentage from the profit. “It is not decided yet,” Shakya said, assuring that it would be a small amount. According to Shakya, investors who want to take PMS service should deposit at least Rs 500,000 as slot money in their accounts. Beed Invest has assured investors of the safety of their capital. “PMS is based on extensive equity research using scientific tools and techniques, which helps investors minimize their investment risk and gain optimal returns,” explained Suman Rayamajhi, chief executive officer of Beed. According to the bank, PMS Service will be available from its 21 branches — nine in Kathmandu Valley and 12 outside — spread throughout the country. Laxmi Bank has been providing Bancassurance (insurance product) since 2006.