Utsab Ghimire
Kathmandu
Summary
Strategic Banking and Development Finance Leader with 20+ years driving financial innovation across corporate and SME segments. Specialized expertise in architecting risk-sharing mechanisms, portfolio optimization, and digital-led transformations that unlock capital access for underserved communities. Demonstrated impact in scaling blended finance solutions, advancing sustainable and climate-resilient investments, and catalyzing institutional change toward inclusive growth. Proven ability to bridge development outcomes with commercial viability through strategic partnerships and innovative financing models.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Risk Sharing Lead
DAI Global UK Ltd
02.2024 - Current
- Lead activities within a bilateral project funded by the Governments of Switzerland and Nepal, leveraging strong public finance expertise to strengthen provincial financial frameworks.
- Spearheaded the establishment and rollout of the Provincial SME Guarantee Fund (PSRRM), capitalized at approx. $ 4.5 Mn.
- Engineered guarantee product structures and implemented partner bank onboarding frameworks.
- Facilitated USD 58.8M SME lending using blended finance tools.
- Led partnerships, capacity building, and policy facilitation.
Head – MSME & SME Banking
NMB Bank Ltd
08.2022 - 02.2024
- Managed USD 412M SME portfolio with 20% YoY growth.
- Introduced USD 20M Green & Digital Lending Line.
- Strengthened SME credit processes and portfolio quality.
Province Head
NMB Bank Ltd
08.2016 - 08.2022
- Oversaw USD 300M provincial portfolio with expansion in supply-chain finance.
- Achieved 5x non-interest income growth.
- Led credit structuring for corporate and SME clients.
Branch Manager
NMB Bank Ltd
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Drove branch growth through client acquisition, risk mitigation, and product diversification.
Branch Manager
Ace Development Bank
08.2011 - 09.2014
- Enhanced branch profitability through SME lending and strategic portfolio restructuring.
Trade Finance Officer
Siddhartha Bank Ltd
01.2010 - 04.2010
- Oversaw trade finance operations ensuring regulatory compliance and process efficiency.
Credit Risk Assistant
Nabil Bank Ltd
05.2007 - 01.2009
- Supported corporate credit analysis and enhanced loan quality monitoring.
Trade Finance Clerk
Doha Bank
05.2005 - 05.2007
- Managed trade documentation and gained hands-on experience in GCC banking practices.
Trade Finance Assistant
Nabil Bank Ltd
01.2003 - 05.2005
Education
Master of Business Studies - Finance
Tribhuvan University
NepalSkills
- Corporate & SME Banking
- Portfolio Management
- Credit Risk Management
- Digital Transformation
- Blended & Innovative Finance
- Sustainable Finance
- Credit Guarantee Mechanisms
- Stakeholder Engagement
Accomplishments
- Fund Design, Designed and operationalized NPR 600M Provincial SME Credit Guarantee Fund supporting USD 58.8M financing.
- Digital Innovation, Developed Nepal's first Digital SME Credit Scorecard, reducing loan processing time by 80%.
- Portfolio Growth, Managed USD 412M SME portfolio achieving 40% YoY growth with strong asset quality.
- Sustainable Finance, Introduced USD 20M Green & Digital Lending Line for climate-resilient SMEs.
- Revenue Growth, Generated 5x growth in non-interest income via supply-chain finance solutions.
Certification
- Building SME Banking Business, 2022
- Management Development Program, 2018
- Basel II Risk Management, 2012
Languages
English
Nepali
Hindi
Leadership And Community
- Mentor – Women-Led SME Accelerator
- Panelist – NYEF Forum
- Volunteer – Rural Financial Literacy Initiative
Personal Information
Title: Senior Banking & Development Finance Professional
Timeline
Risk Sharing Lead
DAI Global UK Ltd
02.2024 - Current
Head – MSME & SME Banking
NMB Bank Ltd
08.2022 - 02.2024
Province Head
NMB Bank Ltd
08.2016 - 08.2022
Branch Manager
NMB Bank Ltd
09.2014 - 08.2016
Branch Manager
Ace Development Bank
08.2011 - 09.2014
Trade Finance Officer
Siddhartha Bank Ltd
01.2010 - 04.2010
Credit Risk Assistant
Nabil Bank Ltd
05.2007 - 01.2009
Trade Finance Clerk
Doha Bank
05.2005 - 05.2007
Trade Finance Assistant
Nabil Bank Ltd
01.2003 - 05.2005
Master of Business Studies - Finance
Tribhuvan University