Upper Hewakhola Hydropower Company Limited

Upakar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited is a “D-class” microfinance institution licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), operating primarily in the Lumbini Province of Nepal.The institution traces its formal establishment to Magh 17, 2075 B.S., when it was registered in Kohalpur, Banke; services commenced on 1 Chaitra 2075 B.S. under the regulation of the Company Act.Since then, ULBSL has expanded its reach as of its most recent disclosures it operates 36 branches across 12 districts in Lumbini Province, aiming to enhance financial inclusion by providing microfinance and related financial services to underserved, rural, or low-income communities. ULBSL offers a variety of financial products tailored to its clientele: micro-loans for livelihood, agriculture, small business and household needs; savings and deposit schemes; remittance services; and in some cases even insurance-linked microfinance solutions. The institution positions itself with a social mission promoting economic empowerment, livelihood improvement, and financial inclusion among marginalized communities, especially in areas with limited access to traditional banking. Financially, ULBSL has recently demonstrated a turnaround: in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2081/82, the company posted a net profit of NPR 3.42 Crore, a sharp recovery from a prior year loss with earnings-per-share (EPS) reported at Rs. 32.26 and improved net worth per share.The quarter also saw growth in deposits and loan-outstanding figures, indicating rising business activity and client engagement. At the same time, the institution has disclosed increased borrowing and some deterioration in capital-adequacy and non-performing-loan (NPL) metrics reflecting the balancing act many MFIs face between growth, financial stability, and credit risk. Overall, ULBSL exemplifies a mid-sized microfinance institution with roots in community-level financial services, gradually evolving to a broader footprint while striving for financial sustainability. Its growth path reflects both the opportunities and the challenges in Nepal’s microfinance sector namely, how to extend credit access to underserved populations without compromising sound financial management.