Kathmandu – Standard Chartered Bank successfully hosted the inaugural Regional Correspondent Banking Academy in Nepal. Organized in collaboration with regulatory authorities and leading financial institutions, the two-day program was held on April 24 and 25 in Kathmandu.

The academy witnessed participation from over 130 representatives, including central banks, regulatory bodies, and key players from the banking sector, spanning 15 countries across ASEAN and South Asia.

The event was officially inaugurated by Phanindra Gautam, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers of Nepal and Coordinator of the Money Laundering Coordination Committee. Highlighting the importance of hosting such a regional initiative in Nepal, he commended Standard Chartered Bank for bringing together regional experts and emphasized the need for strong collaboration between governments and the banking sector to combat financial crimes.

The program featured expert-led workshops, panel discussions, and case study sessions, exploring the evolving landscape of correspondent banking and the growing role of digital banking capabilities. Key topics included risk management, anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) protocols, cross-border transaction challenges, enforcement actions, innovations in financial messaging systems, and foreign exchange solutions.

Gorakh Rana, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, stated that the academy aimed to enhance knowledge on issues like terrorism financing and sanctions, while strengthening the safety and resilience of the financial system.