Rajan Bikram Thapa Promoted as Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank
3rd November 2025, Kathmandu
Rajan Bikram Thapa has been promoted to the prestigious rank of Executive Director (ED), a Special Grade Officer position, at the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of Nepal.
Executive Director of NRB
This elevation from his previous role as Director is a testament to his long-standing service and adherence to the central bank’s internal promotion guidelines based on seniority. Mr. Thapa’s promotion fills a vacancy in the administrative services that arose following the mandatory retirement of the previous incumbent.
The Official Promotion and Regulatory Context
The promotion of an Executive Director at Nepal Rastra Bank is a significant event, as these officials hold key roles in formulating and executing the country’s monetary policy, supervising the financial sector, and managing the central bank’s operations.
Basis of the Promotion
Mr. Thapa was promoted based on seniority, as stipulated by the Nepal Rastra Bank Employee Service Regulations, 2068. Specifically, the promotion was executed under Regulation 65(2), which outlines the procedure for promoting serving officers to a potential Director position (which leads to the ED post) when a vacancy occurs. The vacancy in question was created due to the mandatory retirement of Dr. Gunakar Bhatt, who was an Executive Director in the administrative services. This adherence to internal regulations ensures a transparent and meritocratic career progression within the central bank.
New Assignment
Following his promotion to the Special Grade Officer level, Mr. Thapa has been assigned crucial responsibilities at the Governor’s Office. The Governor’s office is the nerve center of the central bank, where the most sensitive policy decisions are coordinated, making this posting a high-profile and influential role. Mr. Thapa’s expertise will now be used to directly support the Governor in his function of maintaining price stability and financial system stability in the nation.
A Long-Standing Career in Central Banking
Mr. Thapa’s promotion is the culmination of a career dedicated to the institutional development of the Nepal Rastra Bank, showcasing steady advancement through the ranks over more than two decades.
Career Trajectory
His journey began when he joined the bank in 2053 BS (around 1996/1997), starting as an Assistant Officer. A key career milestone occurred on 27 Shrawan 2059 BS (around August 2002), when he was promoted to Assistant Director alongside a large group of colleagues, including the current Deputy Governor, Bam Bahadur Mishra.
This particular promotion cohort has been highly successful, with 14 of the 20 officers who joined together now in the management level of the central bank. This demonstrates a high retention rate and strong talent development within the Nepal Rastra Bank’s administrative services.
Beyond Banking: A Public Intellect
In addition to his professional duties, Mr. Thapa is noted for his engagement with public life and intellectual pursuits. He is known for writing on contemporary issues, often providing insightful commentary on current affairs. His interests also extend to literature and music, showcasing a well-rounded personality. Furthermore, his active engagement in social work reflects a commitment to community welfare beyond his professional responsibilities at the central bank.
Mr. Thapa’s wealth of administrative experience and his deep understanding of the central bank’s inner workings, combined with his intellectual engagement in current affairs, make him a valuable addition to the central bank’s highest executive tier. His promotion strengthens the central bank’s leadership capacity to address the complex economic challenges facing Nepal.
For More: Executive Director of NRB
