Relaxation on Capital Adequacy for Crisis Loans (80:20 Ratio Exemption for 1 Year)

Published on September 27, 2025

In response to the financial stress caused by the Gen Z Movement and related crises, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)has introduced a temporary relaxation on capital adequacy requirements for loans issued to crisis-affected borrowers. Typically, businesses are required to maintain an 80:20 debt-to-equity ratio, meaning at least 20% equity contribution for every 80% borrowed. However, for loans provided under the crisis recovery framework, this rule has been exempted for one year.

This exemption ensures that businesses that lack adequate equity due to losses, damages, or cash flow disruptions can still access necessary financing to restart operations. Without this relaxation, many enterprises would struggle to qualify for loans, leaving them unable to recover from the crisis.

The policy applies to recovery loans issued until Poush 2082, enabling industries to access affordable credit at base rate + 0.5% premium while enjoying the ratio exemption. During this one-year grace period, such loans will not be automatically downgraded into stricter monitoring categories, giving businesses more flexibility to restore financial health.

By allowing this exemption, NRB aims to strike a balance between regulatory prudence and economic revival, supporting businesses in immediate recovery while maintaining long-term stability in the financial sector.

Loan Restructuring for Gen Z Movement-Affected Businesses

The NRB has announced targeted loan restructuring and rescheduling measures for businesses and borrowers directly impacted by the Gen Z Movement and trade disruptions. Relief measures include restructuring by Poush 2082, concessional interest rates (base +0.5%), higher LTV for vehicles, subsidized salary loans, and export-linked incentives. These initiatives aim to revive businesses, protect jobs, and stabilize Nepal’s economy.