24th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Merchant Banking Association Nepal (MBAN) has successfully concluded its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kathmandu.
MBAN Holds 16th AGM
The Merchant Bankers’ Association Nepal (MBAN) has successfully concluded its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kathmandu. The event, originally scheduled for Pokhara, was strategically relocated to the capital to ensure the safety and full participation of all members amidst the recent nationwide tensions and Gen-Z protests. The AGM provided a platform for a comprehensive review of the past fiscal year, the approval of future plans, and a key focus on enhancing professionalism and market stability.
Review and Future Roadmap
The AGM presented a detailed report on the Association’s activities and achievements during the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25). This included a focus on strengthening professional standards, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting sustainable growth within the merchant banking industry. Key accomplishments highlighted were capacity-building programs, the introduction of standardized operational guidelines, and active collaboration with regulatory authorities to streamline processes.
Looking ahead, the AGM unanimously approved the annual program and budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26). The plans are centered on:
- Professional Development: The Association will expand opportunities for professional development, including advanced training workshops for its members.
- Digital Innovation: There is a strong focus on fostering digital innovation within the sector.
- Policy Advocacy: MBAN will advocate for policies that create a more investor-friendly environment.
The Association also discussed the vital role of merchant banks in stabilizing and growing Nepal’s capital market. Delegates deliberated on regulatory reforms to enhance transparency, protect investors, and encourage greater participation in the securities market. The importance of close coordination with the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and other regulators was a recurring theme.
Strategic Relocation and Industry Significance
The decision to move the AGM to Kathmandu was a proactive measure to address the sensitive national climate and ensure a secure environment for all stakeholders. This adaptability highlights MBAN’s commitment to the well-being of its members and its ability to maintain core objectives despite external challenges. A merchant bank is a financial institution that provides a range of professional services, including fundraising, financial advising, and underwriting to large corporations and high-net-worth individuals. In Nepal, merchant bankers, licensed by SEBON, are also heavily involved in issue management for public offerings and portfolio management services. The role of these institutions is critical in channeling public savings into productive investments and ensuring a well-functioning capital market.
The 16th AGM’s focus on professionalism and sustainable growth underscores MBAN’s mission to elevate the entire sector. The Association’s plans to intensify engagement with government bodies and market participants, support digital payment integration, and advocate for tax reforms and provincial outreach are designed to foster investor confidence and contribute to the national economy’s sustainable growth. This forward-thinking approach, especially in the wake of significant social unrest, sends a strong message of resilience and a clear roadmap for the future of Nepal’s merchant banking industry.
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