Pokhara, Nepal — Hari Bahadur Budhathoki, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Green Development Bank, has defied traditional expectations and carved a unique career path transforming from a schoolteacher to a top banker in a remarkably short time.

Growing up in Pokhara, Budhathoki spent his childhood helping his parents with daily chores and playing with friends in the fields. Recalling those early years, he shares, “We didn’t even have real balls to play with we used to make them out of cloth and head out to the fields.”

Breaking Traditions

In many Nepali families, there’s a deeply rooted belief that children should follow in their parents’ footsteps, be it farming, medicine, or religious duties. However, Budhathoki chose to break away from that mold. While many of his relatives served in the army or police, he envisioned a different future.

After completing his early education at Ratnasova School in Pokhara, Budhathoki passed his SLC and pursued higher studies in commerce. He completed his I.Com and B.Com in Pokhara before moving to Kathmandu to join Shanker Dev Campus for his master’s degree. Around the same time, he got married and hoped to find work in the capital. But when employment opportunities didn’t pan out, he returned to Pokhara, now a father and a graduate.

Though his family was financially stable and supported his education, Budhathoki recalls the mental stress of not being able to contribute independently. “I didn’t face financial hardships, but I constantly felt the pressure to do something on my own,” he says.

From Teaching to Banking

Upon returning to Pokhara, Budhathoki began teaching, which opened doors to new connections and opportunities. “While teaching, I also worked with various companies and gathered experience,” he says. It was around this time that Kamana Development Bank was established with its head office in Pokhara. The buzz around banking reignited his childhood dream to be like his banker friends, dressed in suits and ties.

“I used to see my friends walking in suits and ties, working in banks. That really inspired me,” he shares.

In 2009 (2066 BS), Budhathoki joined the bank, initially continuing his teaching alongside. But as banking responsibilities increased, he gave up teaching to focus fully on his banking career. Starting at the officer level, he witnessed Kamana Bank’s merger and transition into a national-level development bank eventually moving its head office to Kathmandu.

Not interested in relocating to the capital again, Budhathoki resigned and joined Green Development Bank. This decision marked a turning point in his career.

A Strategic Leap

When Budhathoki joined Green Development Bank, he already had a plan in mind to become its CEO. Despite leaving behind an attractive salary and benefits at Kamana Bank, his move proved fruitful for both him and the institution. Under his leadership, the bank started showing exceptional performance across various metrics.

He expresses no regrets about shifting from a national to a regional-level bank. However, he has a bigger dream: to one day lead a national-level development bank. In fact, he’s already crafted a master plan to elevate Green Development Bank to that status.

“At least once in my life, I want to be the CEO of a national-level development bank,” he asserts.

Training: The Key to Excellence

According to Budhathoki, training is essential for any banker aspiring to excel. He credits various training programs for shaping his career and stresses their importance in enhancing skills. “Working in a bank demands more time compared to other sectors,” he says.

He acknowledges the increasing challenges of the profession, especially with the growing risk landscape in banking and the demand for effective time management. Despite these challenges, Budhathoki finds deep satisfaction in his work, citing both financial rewards and social recognition as key motivators.

While he recognizes the banking sector as promising, he also cautions that it comes with its own set of challenges. His message to the next generation? Develop a habit of continuous learning. “Banking offers strong career growth and is an excellent field for those who wish to stay in Nepal and make an impact,” he concludes.