Finance Minister Wagle Eyes Asia's Second-Best Stock Market for Nepal

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has expressed his ambition to see Nepal's stock market become the second-best and most competitive in Asia, urging the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to prioritize ethical governance and investor protection. During a visit to the board on Monday, Wagle said the appointment of SEBON's new leadership had already created positive momentum in the capital market. He instructed the board to move forward with long-term reforms, safeguard investors' assets, and develop regulatory frameworks through broad consultation with all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. Calling SEBON's responsibility as significant as that of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Wagle emphasized the need to strengthen confidence in the capital market by working closely with investors and market participants. He also urged the board to address stakeholders' concerns while pursuing reforms. On the occasion, SEBON Chairman Dr. Gopal Bhatta said the regulator has prepared a comprehensive capital market development blueprint and plans to finalize guidelines on IPO issuance, intraday trading, margin lending, and short selling within Shrawan, with implementation expected to begin after stakeholder consultations from Bhadra onward.