Kathmandu, January 10:

The deposits of the Himalayan Bank Ltd (HBL) has reached Rs 24,814 million during the fiscal year 2004-05 which is a rise by over 12 per cent compared to the previous fiscal, chairman of the bank, Manoj Bahadur Shrestha informed the 13th annual general meeting held today.

The deposits is an increase by 12.74 per cent over deposits of Rs 22,010 million during the previous year, says a press statement issued by the bank. Loans and advances reached Rs 13,451.2 million, recording an increase of 4.11 per cent over the figure of Rs 12,919.6 million during the previous year.

Tthese figures of total deposits and loans and advances represent 9.83 and 8.43 per cent respectively of the total deposits and loans and advances recorded in the overall banking sector. The bank has claimed that it is the top bank in terms of deposits and loans for the past several years.

According to Shrestha, the bank’s internet banking service whichhas come into full operation. Subidha loan for social activities has already been launched.

The bank has mad operating profit of Rs 742.75 million which was only Rs 664.52 million during the previous year. The net profit of the bank reached Rs 308.28 million, registering a growth of 17.19 per cent of the new profit of Rs 263.05 million during the previous year. Out of the net profit, the bank has declared a 20 per cent bonus share and 11.58 per cent cash dividends on the paid-up capital to shareholders.