Kathmandu – Chudamani Chapagain, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), has said that the banking sector is not merely one component of the economy but the foundation upon which all economic activities are built.

Addressing the Fourth Banking Discourse 2026, jointly organized by Banking Samachar and Banking News, Chapagain said Nepal is currently undergoing a process of economic transformation.

“We are moving toward a digital economy. We are striving to increase investment, expand production, create employment, and promote entrepreneurship. At such a time, the importance of platforms like these becomes even greater,” he said.

Chapagain emphasized that no single institution, regulator, or sector can provide solutions to all challenges. However, he noted that when the banking sector, capital market, and related institutions come together on a common platform, collective discussions and debates pave the way for new solutions.

“Today’s world is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, digital currencies, cybersecurity, data centers, and similar developments are reshaping the financial sector itself,” he said. “We, too, must adapt to changing times.”

According to the NEPSE chief, knowledge and experience alone may not be sufficient to address these transformations. He stressed that continuous dialogue, discussions, and exchanges of ideas are equally important.

“Such programs are not only useful for reviewing the present but are also essential for preparing for the future,” Chapagain added.

The Fourth Banking Discourse 2026 has brought together stakeholders from the banking and financial sectors, regulators, policymakers, capital market institutions, and technology experts to discuss contemporary issues and emerging opportunities in Nepal’s financial ecosystem.