Banking News – A landmark financial summit, set to be inaugurated by Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Bishnu Prasad Paudel, will bring together Nepal’s top policymakers, bankers, and fintech innovators to chart the future of the country’s financial sector. The event, scheduled for 5th June, will feature high-level discussions on monetary policy, open banking, SME financing, and credit growth, with actionable insights for regulators and industry leaders.

Key Sessions and Expected Outcomes

1. Monetary Policy: Strategic Coordination to Revive Economic Growth
   Moderated by Mr. Nikesh Khatri, this session will explore how Nepal can break the recession cycle through synchronized fiscal and monetary measures. Experts, including Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha (Former Secretary, Ministry of Finance) and Mr. Ghanshyam Upadhyaya (Economist), will propose policy adjustments to stimulate investment and stabilize inflation. The discussion is expected to influence Nepal Rastra Bank’s upcoming monetary policy review.
2. Open Banking & Fintech: Regulation and Innovation for Neo-Banks
   With Mr. Pravash Ral moderating, this panel featuring Er. Krishna Ram Dhunju (NRB), Mr. Diwas Kumar Sapkota (CEO, Fonepay), and Mr. Suvash Jamarkattel (Fintech Strategist) will debate Nepal’s readiness for digital banking. Key focus areas will include:
   • Regulatory frameworks for neo-banks.
   • Collaboration between traditional banks and fintech firms.
   • Cybersecurity risks in open banking.
     The session is likely to set the stage for new fintech guidelines in 2025.
3. SME Financing: Bridging the Gap with Digital Solutions
   Ms. Smithu Ghising (Media Personality) will lead a discussion on unlocking credit access for small businesses. Dr. Satvendra Timilsina (NRB) and Mr. Kapil Dhakal (CEO, Jyoti Bikash Bank) will highlight:
   • Blockchain-based lending platforms.
   • Government incentives for high-growth sectors.
   • Role of credit guarantee schemes.
     The panel’s recommendations could shape Nepal’s SME lending policies in the coming year.
4. Credit Growth: Sustainable Strategies for Sectoral Resilience
   Mr. Tikaram Yatri will moderate a debate on balancing credit expansion with financial stability. Mr. Guru Prasad Poudel (Former CEO, IBN) and Mr. Manoj Kumar Gyawali (Habil Bank) will analyze:
   • Targeted lending to agriculture and renewable energy.
   • Risks of excessive real estate exposure.
   • Digital credit scoring models.
     Insights from this session may guide NRB’s sectoral lending caps.

High-Profile Participation

The summit will witness participation from:

• Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, Governor, Nepal Rastra Bank
• Mr. Bam Bahadur Mishra, Deputy Governor, NRB
• Mr. Chandra Dhakal, President, CNI
• Mr. Santosh Pandey, CEO, Machhapuchchhre Bank
• Mr. Raju Dhungel, Managing Director of Banking Samachar & Banking News

Future Implications

The event is expected to:
✅ Accelerate Nepal’s transition to digital banking.
✅ Influence the 2025 Monetary Policy with pro-growth measures.
✅ Foster public-private partnerships in fintech and SME financing.