KATHMANDU, Oct. 2 -- Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited (SCBNL) has partnered with Chhimek Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (CLBSL), in collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB) under an unfunded risk participation agreement. This partnership is the first of its kind in Nepal and this loan is expected to help enable financial access in rural areas to provide credit for income generating endeavors and fostering economic growth in marginalized communities.

Arnaud Cauchois, ADB's country director for Nepal, expressed happiness about the launch of ADB's Microfinance Program (MFP) in Nepal, under the bank's private sector operations.

"I am convinced that the MFP will help promote financial inclusion and reduce gender disparities b...