Guheswori Merchant Banking CEO Jalaj Kumar Adhikari Appointed
22nd February 2026, Kathmandu
The financial sector in Nepal has reached a significant milestone in corporate governance as Guheswori Merchant Banking and Finance Limited (GMBFL) officially announces the appointment of Jalaj Kumar Adhikari as its new Chief Executive Officer. During the 289th meeting of the Board of Directors held on February 21, 2026 (Falgun 9, 2082), the board formally resolved to entrust the top executive leadership role to Adhikari. This appointment is scheduled to take official effect from February 23, 2026 (Falgun 11, 2082). As a national level Class C financial institution licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank, Guheswori Merchant Banking and Finance is positioning itself for a new era of growth and stability. The move comes at a time when finance companies in Nepal are facing a complex economic environment characterized by regulatory tightening and shifts in market liquidity, making the role of the Guheswori Merchant Banking CEO more critical than ever before.
Guheswori Merchant Banking CEO
Guheswori Merchant Banking and Finance Limited has been a prominent player in the Nepali financial landscape since its inception. Headquartered in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, the institution provides a wide array of services including term deposits, housing loans, hire purchase financing, and specialized merchant banking activities such as issue management and share registrar services. The appointment of Jalaj Kumar Adhikari is expected to bring a fresh perspective to these core business areas. Adhikari is recognized in the banking fraternity for his extensive experience in credit risk management and operational scaling. His transition into the CEO role signals the board’s intent to prioritize the health of the bank’s loan portfolio and to enhance the efficiency of its branch network, which spans multiple provinces across the country.
The strategic importance of this appointment cannot be overstated. In the current fiscal year, Class C financial institutions in Nepal have been under intense pressure to maintain their Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) while simultaneously managing a rise in non performing loans (NPLs) that has affected the entire banking industry. Under the leadership of the new CEO, Guheswori Merchant Banking is expected to implement more rigorous risk assessment frameworks and more proactive recovery strategies. Adhikari’s primary mandate will involve balancing the pursuit of profitability with the stringent prudential norms set by Nepal Rastra Bank. This includes ensuring that the institution maintains adequate liquidity buffers and adheres to the latest directives regarding interest rate spreads and digital banking security protocols.
Advertisement
Digital transformation is another key area where the new Guheswori Merchant Banking CEO is expected to make a significant impact. As the financial sector moves away from traditional brick and mortar banking toward mobile first solutions, finance companies must innovate to retain their customer base. GMBFL has already made strides in digitalizing its services through mobile banking and online account opening features. The upcoming leadership is expected to accelerate these efforts, potentially integrating more sophisticated fintech solutions that allow for faster loan processing and a more seamless user experience for its retail and institutional clients. This focus on technology is not just about convenience; it is a vital strategy for reducing operational costs and improving the overall cost to income ratio of the institution.
Furthermore, the appointment of Jalaj Kumar Adhikari reflects a broader trend of professionalization within the boards and management teams of Nepal’s finance companies. The 289th board meeting was not just an administrative formality but a strategic session aimed at aligning the bank’s leadership with its long term goals of becoming a more resilient and customer centric organization. The effective date of Falgun 11 marks the start of a tenure where the focus will likely be on strengthening the internal audit functions and enhancing the transparency of the bank’s financial reporting. For the shareholders of Guheswori Merchant Banking, this leadership transition offers a sense of continuity and a promise of improved corporate governance, which is essential for maintaining investor confidence and supporting the bank’s share price in the secondary market.
In conclusion, the Guheswori Merchant Banking CEO appointment of Jalaj Kumar Adhikari is a landmark event that sets the tone for the institution’s future performance. As he prepares to assume his duties on Falgun 11, the expectations from the board, the employees, and the regulators are high. By focusing on credit quality, digital innovation, and administrative discipline, Adhikari has the opportunity to lead Guheswori Merchant Banking and Finance Limited through the current economic headwinds toward a path of sustainable growth. The successful integration of new leadership into the established culture of GMBFL will be a key determinant of its success in the competitive and highly regulated financial market of Nepal.
For More: Guheswori Merchant Banking CEO
