Banking News– The credibility and long-term sustainability of Nepal’s capital market cannot be ensured through the efforts of regulators alone, as listed companies must also uphold high standards of transparency, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, according to a senior official.

Speaking at the Banking Discourse, the official said the forum extends beyond banking issues and serves as a broader platform for discussions on investment, entrepreneurship, employment, capital markets, digital finance, financial inclusion, and overall economic development.

Banking and Capital Markets Are Interconnected

The speaker noted that banking is only one component of the country’s broader economic system, emphasizing that discussions surrounding the financial sector inevitably influence investment, business growth, job creation, and national economic transformation.

As Nepal advances toward a digital economy, strengthening financial institutions and encouraging productive investment have become increasingly important, making platforms such as the Banking Discourse more relevant than ever.

He said no single institution possesses all the solutions to today’s economic challenges. However, when banks, financial institutions, capital market participants, regulators, and industry stakeholders come together, collective dialogue can generate practical solutions and new opportunities for growth.

Financial Sector Must Adapt to Rapid Technological Change

The speaker highlighted the rapid evolution of the global financial industry, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital currencies, cybersecurity, and data centers.

He stressed that Nepal’s financial sector must keep pace with these developments by embracing continuous learning, open dialogue, and knowledge sharing.

According to him, experience alone is no longer sufficient to navigate the changing financial landscape. Ongoing discussions and professional engagement are essential to prepare the industry for future challenges while evaluating current policies and practices.

Listed Companies Play a Critical Role

Addressing officials of listed companies, the speaker emphasized that maintaining investor confidence requires more than regulatory oversight.

Nepal currently has 7.84 million individual DEMAT accounts and 8,991 institutional DEMAT accounts, while the country’s capital market has a market capitalization of approximately NPR 5 trillion.

Given the growing size of the market, he said listed companies bear significant responsibility for preserving its credibility.

“The credibility of the capital market cannot be maintained solely through the efforts of regulatory bodies,” he said. “Investor confidence is strengthened through transparency, good corporate governance, timely disclosure of information, and full compliance with regulatory requirements.”

Investor Confidence Is the Market’s Greatest Asset

The speaker urged all listed companies to fully comply with directives and circulars issued by the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) and contribute to building a more transparent and accountable capital market.

He concluded by emphasizing that investor trust remains the capital market’s most valuable asset and that only the collective efforts of regulators, listed companies, and market participants can ensure a transparent, responsible, and sustainable investment environment.