Ljubljana:Efforts to improve Nepal’s capital market management and transparency are underway, according to Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta, Chairman of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). During a recent meeting of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives, Dr. Bhatta emphasized the board’s commitment to organizing, regulating, and making the market investment-friendly.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr. Bhatta disclosed that discussions with relevant authorities and organizations are in progress. These discussions focus on the issuance, listing, market operation, securities regulation, and safeguarding investors’ interests. He also addressed questions from stakeholders and MPs, noting that policy and legal reforms are integral to these efforts. SEBON is working on policy improvements, including implementing checklists for issuing primary shares of new companies.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Mahesh Acharya, announced that the Ministry will regulate the capital market with a comprehensive 21-point action plan. MP Parshuram Tamang stressed the importance of keeping the capital market active alongside the broader economy. Meanwhile, MP Sushil Khadka highlighted that numerous investor associations might obscure the real issues within the market.
Hari Bahadur KC, President of the Nepal Share Market Investors Association, pointed out the need for timely updates to acts and regulations related to the Securities Board. Additionally, investor Ajay Kumar Shrestha suggested ending the practice of being both a stockbroker and an investor. Khagendra Raj Kandel, General Secretary of the same association, emphasized updating the Nepalese stock market according to global strategic plans.
Kanchan Sapkota, CEO of CDS and Clearing Limited, stated that efforts are being made to streamline operations using information technology. Liladhar Subedi, Officiating CEO of the Nepal Stock Exchange, mentioned recent efforts to address technical issues at NEPSE. Nitesh Kumar Agrawal from the Stock Brokers Association of Nepal advocated for timely updates to the provision of 10 unit shares in the primary market.