Macchapuchhare Bank, a new venture, began operations at Pokhara's Naya Bazaar on 3 October. It plans to open two more branches in the tourist city within three months. The bank's total capital is Rs 240 million and the issued capital is Rs 120 million. The bank presently has 36 promoter-shareholders and has plans to issue 25 percent of the shares to the general public.