Ram Bahadur Yadav Elected to Lead Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association

12th May 2026, Kathmandu

The microfinance sector in Nepal is entering a new phase of leadership following the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association.

Ram Bahadur Yadav Elected

Held on Baisakh 28, 2083, at the Hotel Everest in Kathmandu, the assembly brought together key stakeholders from across the nation to chart a path forward for rural banking. During the closed session, the assembly moved to unanimously elect a new executive committee, ensuring that Ram Bahadur Yadav Elected remains at the helm of the organization for the next two year term.

The New Leadership Structure of NMBA

The newly elected committee represents a broad coalition of some of the most prominent microfinance institutions in the country. This diverse leadership is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the table as the sector navigates the evolving financial landscape of Nepal.

The key positions in the newly formed executive committee are held by:

• President: Ram Bahadur Yadav (National Microfinance Financial Institution Limited)
• Vice President: Deepak Nidhi Tiwari (Chhimek Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited)
• General Secretary: Sanjay Kumar Mandal (Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited)
• Treasurer: Binod Acharya (Himalayan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited)
• Secretary: Shiva Prasad Ghimire (Aarambha Chautari Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited)

Supporting this core leadership group are elected members including Badri Prasad Dalal, Saugat Bir Chaudhary, Sharada Khatri, Hari Krishna Joshi, Saroj Kumar Singh, and Dilip Kumar Pokharel. Together, they are tasked with representing the interests of dozens of institutions that serve millions of clients in the most remote corners of the country.

Positive Outlook from Nepal Rastra Bank

The assembly featured significant insights from the central bank, providing a much needed boost of confidence to the sector. Naresh Shakya, Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank, addressed the gathering with a focus on the progress made over the last fiscal year. According to the data up to the end of Ashad 2082, microfinance institutions have demonstrated a gradual but steady improvement in their overall business performance.

Shakya reiterated the central bank’s recognition of microfinance as a vital tool for social change. He praised the sector for its undeniable contribution to:

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• Poverty reduction at the grassroots level.
• Empowerment of women through financial independence and entrepreneurship.
• The overall revitalization of the rural economy.

While acknowledging that challenges persist, particularly regarding asset quality and borrower discipline, the Executive Director expressed a strong commitment from Nepal Rastra Bank to work collaboratively with the newly elected committee to resolve these issues.

The Mission for the Next Two Years

Under the renewed leadership of Ram Bahadur Yadav, the Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association aims to strengthen the coordination between individual institutions and the regulator. The microfinance sector in Nepal has recently faced scrutiny regarding interest rates and collection practices. The new committee’s primary mission will be to implement more robust self regulatory mechanisms while ensuring that the cost of capital for rural borrowers remains affordable.

The association is also expected to focus on digital transformation. As mobile banking and digital payments become more common in urban areas, the NMBA is looking to bring these technologies to the rural poor, reducing the operational costs of micro lending and improving transparency.

Why This Election Matters for the Economy

Microfinance is often called the backbone of the rural economy in Nepal. By providing small, collateral free loans to groups and individuals, these institutions foster small businesses that might otherwise never receive funding. The election of a stable and experienced committee under Ram Bahadur Yadav suggests a continuity of policy and a focused approach to advocacy with the government and the central bank.

For investors in listed microfinance companies, this leadership news is a signal of stability. As the sector moves past recent hurdles, the collaborative approach promised by both the NMBA and Nepal Rastra Bank could lead to improved profitability and more sustainable growth patterns in the coming years.

Conclusion

The 19th Annual General Meeting has concluded with a clear mandate for the new executive committee. With Ram Bahadur Yadav Elected once again, the Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association is poised to lead the sector through its next chapter of growth. The positive stance taken by the central bank suggests a supportive regulatory environment that values the social impact of micro lending as much as its financial viability. As these leaders take their seats for the next two years, the focus will remain firmly on empowering the people of rural Nepal and building a more inclusive financial future for all.

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