The saying “One must not defy the instructions of a superior” is often heard, but Pawan Regmi, Deputy Executive Officer (DEO) of Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB), is a living example of charting one’s own path, even if it means deviating from such advice. Regmi’s life story is a testament to making choices based on circumstances and personal aspirations.

Defying Expectations: Leaving the Dream of Medicine Behind

Regmi grew up in Syangja, the son of a civil servant, in a modest middle-class family. His father envisioned him as a doctor, and Regmi initially pursued science in higher education to align with this dream. However, health issues during his studies at Chitwan Medical College led him to realize that becoming a doctor was not his calling.

After convincing his father, Regmi shifted to management studies and completed a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) from Shanker Dev Campus. This decision marked the beginning of his journey into banking, a path that allowed him to stand out and fulfill his desire to do something different.

The Beginning of a Banking Career

Regmi’s entry into banking was not planned. While pursuing his Master’s in Business Studies (MBS), he applied for a job at Rastriya Banijya Bank after seeing an advertisement. To his surprise, he was selected on his first attempt, beginning his career with a modest salary of NPR 7,500. Alongside his job, he pursued higher education, earning an MPhil in Economics from Patan Campus to deepen his understanding of the economy.

From Teaching to Banking

Before becoming a banker, Regmi briefly worked as a teacher. Encouraged by friends who had already joined private banks, he considered banking as a viable career option. His interest in economics and his desire to serve the public drew him to the banking sector.

When Regmi entered the banking world, Nepal’s financial institutions were transitioning from manual to computerized systems. Public banks faced significant challenges, including high non-performing assets (NPA) and the need for restructuring under programs initiated by the World Bank. Despite these hurdles, Regmi embraced the opportunities and began his career with a focus on overcoming these challenges.

The Importance of Promotions and Training

For Regmi, career growth and promotions have been defining milestones. Starting as an assistant manager, he views each promotion as a recognition of his efforts and an opportunity to contribute further. He emphasizes that a successful banker requires not just willpower but also continuous learning. According to him, technical knowledge, training in stress management, and adherence to regulations are essential for excelling in the banking profession.

Reflections on the Banking Sector

Reflecting on his career, Regmi expresses satisfaction with his work but occasionally wonders about the creative freedom that entrepreneurship might have offered. Nevertheless, he encourages young professionals to consider banking as a rewarding field, citing the robust regulatory framework of Nepal Rastra Bank and the sector’s corporate culture as conducive for growth.

Challenges and Opportunities in Nepal’s Banking Landscape

Regmi views Nepal’s banking sector as strong compared to other developing nations. However, he acknowledges challenges, such as reduced credit demand, increasing NPAs, and the need to explore new markets. He highlights that the trust of customers has been a cornerstone of the sector’s resilience, even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Balanced Perspective

Despite the challenges, Regmi believes that honesty and dedication can lead to significant career growth in banking. He advises professionals to adhere to rules and regulations, noting that those who comply with standards find banking jobs relatively stress-free.

In his eyes, Nepal’s banking sector has made remarkable progress and continues to offer immense potential for growth and innovation.