Santosh Koirala Honored with ‘Koshi Excellence Award 2026’ For Outstanding Contribution to Nepalese Banking
22nd March 2026, Kathmandu
In recognition of his significant impact on the development and expansion of the financial sector, Santosh Koirala, Chief Executive Officer of Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited, has been conferred with the prestigious Koshi Excellence Award 2026 in the Banking category.
Santosh Koirala Koshi Excellence Award 2026
The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Hikmat Kumar Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, during a grand ceremony held at Hotel Soalty Westend, Itahari. The event was organized by the Nayan Media Foundation to honor visionaries and leaders who have contributed to the socio-economic identity of the province.
A Remarkable Journey: From Junior Assistant to CEO
The recognition highlights Koirala’s inspiring career trajectory, which serves as a benchmark for aspiring professionals in the Nepalese banking industry.
Early Roots: Born on Poush 26, 2030 BS, in Bhojpur, Koirala completed his SLC from Birendra Secondary School, Jhapa, in 2045 BS.
Academic Excellence: Initially aiming for a career in engineering, he pivoted to management, eventually earning his MBA from Tribhuvan University.
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Career Milestone: His banking journey began in 2057 BS as a Junior Assistant at Bank of Kathmandu. Through sheer grit and leadership, he spent nearly a decade at Sanima Bank before joining Machhapuchchhre Bank, where he rose from Senior Manager to his current role as CEO.
Leadership and Industry Impact
Beyond his role at Machhapuchchhre Bank, Koirala currently serves as the President of the Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA), the umbrella organization for commercial banks in Nepal.
His leadership has been pivotal in navigating the industry through digital transformation and regulatory challenges.
During the ceremony, organizers noted that the award reflects Koirala’s long-term vision, institutional excellence, and his role in fostering a stable financial environment in Nepal.
“Success is inevitable if one accepts defeat as a learning opportunity and moves forward with a positive mindset,” Koirala remarked, attributing his achievements to the unwavering support of his family and spouse, Nisha Pokharel.
