Finance Minister Wagle Calls for Stronger Regulation to Support Sustainable Capital Market Growth

Kathmandu, July 28: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has underscored the need for stronger and more effective regulation to ensure the sustainable development of Nepal’s capital market, urging the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to uphold transparency and safeguard investors’ interests.

During an inspection visit to SEBON on Monday, the Finance Minister said the board’s leadership should work with integrity, high morale and transparency to strengthen investor confidence. He noted that the appointment of SEBON’s new leadership has already had a positive impact on the country’s capital market.

Dr Wagle described SEBON’s role as equally significant as that of the Nepal Rastra Bank and called on the regulator to engage all stakeholders while drafting laws and regulations. He stressed the importance of protecting investors’ assets to make the capital market more credible and competitive.

On the occasion, SEBON Chair Dr Gopal Bhatta said a comprehensive blueprint for capital market reform has been prepared, and its implementation is underway. He added that the board plans to introduce a new directive by mid-August covering IPO issuance in the primary and secondary markets, intra-day trading, margin lending and short selling after consultations with stakeholders.