Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL) is one of the largest private banks in Nepal.[citation needed] The Bank was incorporated in 1992 by a few eminent individuals of Nepal in partnership with the Employees Provident Fund and Habib Bank Limited of Pakistan. The bank commenced its operations in January 1993. Himalayan Bank is also the first commercial bank of Nepal with most of its shares held by the private sector of Nepal. Besides commercial banking services, the bank also offers industrial and merchant banking service.