Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has strengthened its regulatory framework by requiring banks and financial institutions to immediately freeze accounts suspected of being linked to financial crimes. The provision has been introduced through an amendment to the Unified Directive 2082 to enhance the country's anti-financial crime measures.

Under the revised directive, licensed financial institutions must maintain a 24-hour contact system capable of responding to requests from law enforcement and investigative agencies at any time. Banks are also required to publish dedicated contact numbers on their official websites for emergency account-freezing requests.

According to NRB, the new rule is intended to prevent fraudsters and criminals from transferring or withdrawing funds before investigators can take action. Previously, delays outside office hours or during public holidays often allowed suspicious transactions to continue, making investigations more difficult.

The amended directive also requires banks to promptly provide account information and transaction records whenever requested by authorized investigative agencies. This is expected to improve coordination between financial institutions and law enforcement authorities.

The latest regulatory changes are seen as an important step toward strengthening Nepal's banking security, combating cyber fraud, preventing money laundering, and improving the overall effectiveness of financial crime investigations.