Kathmandu – “Rather than compromising to please others, one must focus on their own satisfaction,” says Sudesh Upadhyay, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of NMB Bank. True to his words, he has never been dissatisfied with his career choices. Growing up, Upadhyay dreamed of becoming a doctor to heal and serve those in need.

Although he envisioned himself as a doctor, his career took an unexpected turn. Upadhyay worked as a cabin crew member for an airline, earning a monthly salary of NPR 25,000. This role took him to the skies, a far cry from his childhood dream of becoming a doctor. His journey illustrates that not all dreams align with reality, but new beginnings often arise from unexpected shifts.

Born and raised in a middle-class family in Kathmandu, Upadhyay excelled academically during his school years. After completing his ISC from Siddhartha Vanasthali, he pursued his master’s degree at Shanker Dev Campus. Initially aiming to become a doctor, he shifted his focus toward an MBA after facing challenges in achieving his medical aspirations.

“I pursued ISC with the dream of becoming a doctor,” recalls Upadhyay. “I even practiced dissecting frogs. But when my scores weren’t enough, I pivoted and began my MBA at Shanker Dev, which marked the start of my banking career.”

From Assistant to DCEO

While pursuing his MBA, Upadhyay observed the lifestyle of bankers and decided to explore this field. He began his banking career as an assistant at the then-Greenlays Bank, stepping away from his role as a cabin crew member. Despite a significant salary drop from NPR 25,000 to NPR 5,700, he embraced the opportunity to follow his new dream.

After gaining 10 years of experience, he worked in international banking, joining Standard Chartered and Masreq Bank in Qatar. He spent six years in the Middle East before returning to Nepal to join NMB Bank as a Senior Manager.

Upadhyay highlights the evolution of banking technology in Nepal, emphasizing that the field offers significant opportunities for career growth. He advises aspiring bankers to be diligent and eager to learn.

Training: The Key to Banking Excellence

According to Upadhyay, training and exposure are essential for becoming a successful banker. “Bankers need training that ranges from basic to advanced levels,” he says. “Practical experience is just as important as formal training, especially in areas like business skills.”

Nepal’s Banking Sector Through Upadhyay’s Eyes

Comparing Nepal’s banking sector with international standards, Upadhyay notes that Nepali banks perform well despite limited resources. However, he emphasizes the need to enhance cybersecurity and develop robust control structures for new products.

He also points out the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and banks to attract foreign investments and facilitate large-scale projects. Based on his experience working in senior management roles abroad, Upadhyay believes Nepali bankers can succeed internationally with hard work and adaptability.

“While working abroad requires greater effort, it also opens avenues for adopting global standards like those of the IMF, World Bank, and foreign banks,” he explains. “Nepal’s banking sector can achieve more by embracing international practices and building confidence among its professionals.”

Sudesh Upadhyay’s inspiring journey from dreaming of being a doctor to excelling in the banking sector showcases the power of adaptability and perseverance. His story is a testament to the fact that success lies in embracing change and making the most of new opportunities.