Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment Officially Announced
1st February 2026, Kathmandu
Kalika Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited has officially announced the appointment of Phanindra Pandey as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move that signals a strategic focus on leadership stability and institutional continuity.
Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment
The decision was formalized during the 266th meeting of the Board of Directors held on Magh 15, 2082, where the board unanimously confirmed Pandey for the executive role for a four year term starting from Magh 18, 2082. Pandey, who previously served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary, takes the helm at a time when the microfinance sector in Nepal is undergoing significant regulatory and economic shifts.
Professional Background and Leadership Transition
The Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment follows a period where Phanindra Pandey managed the institution’s executive functions as the Acting CEO. His permanent appointment is a testament to his 18 years of diverse experience in the banking and financial sectors. Pandey’s journey in microfinance began in 2072 at Janasevi Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited, a company that eventually merged with Kalika Laghubitta to form the current entity.
A resident of Waling Municipality in Syangja, Pandey holds a Master’s degree in Management, providing him with the academic and practical foundation necessary to lead a “D” class financial institution. His deep understanding of the organizational culture at Kalika Laghubitta is expected to minimize the typical friction associated with leadership transitions, allowing the institution to remain focused on its mission of grassroots financial empowerment.
Financial Context of the Appointment
The leadership change comes as Kalika Laghubitta reports resilient financial figures for the early parts of the 2082 fiscal year. In the first quarter of 2082 2083, the institution reported a net profit of 2.90 crore rupees, representing a 19.63 percent growth compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a 31.23 percent surge in net interest income, which reached 10.87 crore rupees.
However, the new CEO faces immediate challenges related to asset quality. The non performing loan (NPL) ratio rose to 6.40 percent from 4.24 percent in the previous year. Under the Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment, Phanindra Pandey will be expected to prioritize credit risk management and enhance recovery mechanisms to stabilize the NPL ratio while maintaining a healthy capital adequacy ratio, which stood at 12.35 percent at the end of the first quarter.
Strategic Priorities and Grassroots Impact
The primary mission of Kalika Laghubitta, headquartered in Pokhara, is to provide inclusive financial services to deprived and low income populations across 48 districts in Nepal. With a network of 107 branch offices, the institution serves approximately one million targeted individuals by providing collateral free micro loans and savings products.
As part of the Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment, the new leadership is tasked with executing the “Branch Leaders of Tomorrow” and “Quality Assurance Training” initiatives launched recently. These programs are designed to build the capacity of branch managers and accountants, ensuring that the institution’s growth is supported by a technically capable and motivated human resource pool.
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Operational Goals for 2082/83
Under Pandey’s four year tenure, the institution aims to achieve both operational and financial self sufficiency. Key performance indicators for the upcoming quarters include:
Improving Earnings Per Share (EPS): As of the last report, the EPS stood at 28.51 rupees.
Expanding Digital Financial Services: Reducing the cost of funds, which recently decreased to 6.96 percent, through digital mobilization of deposits.
Enhancing Corporate Governance: Aligning with the rigorous standards set by Nepal Rastra Bank for microfinance transparency and client protection.
Market Sentiment and Shareholder Confidence
The news of the Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment has been met with positive sentiment in the capital market. Investors often favor internal promotions as they represent stability. The company recently completed its 16th Annual General Meeting and successfully distributed a 10 percent bonus share to its shareholders, adjusting its paid up capital to approximately 40.76 crore rupees.
Leadership certainty is particularly crucial for Kalika Laghubitta as it navigates the competitive microfinance landscape alongside other national level players. By appointing a CEO with specialized experience in planning and auditing, the board has signaled a commitment to long term sustainability over short term aggressive growth.
Conclusion
The formalization of Phanindra Pandey’s role through the Kalika Laghubitta CEO Appointment marks a new chapter for the Pokhara based microfinance leader. With a strong foundation in net interest income growth but a clear need for tighter NPL control, the institution is positioned for a period of disciplined expansion. As the CEO begins his four year term, stakeholders will be watching for the successful implementation of the 2082/83 business plan and the continued empowerment of marginalized communities across rural Nepal.
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