Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO Transition: Tara Manandhar Appointed for Four Year Term
17th April 2026, Kathmandu
Muktinath Bikas Bank Limited, one of the leading development banks in Nepal, has officially announced a significant change in its top executive leadership.
Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO
During the 371st meeting of the Board of Directors held on Baisakh 3, 2083, the bank confirmed the appointment of Tara Manandhar as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move is designed to ensure a seamless transition as the bank prepares to enter a new chapter of growth and innovation under fresh leadership.
A Strategic Leadership Change
The appointment of the new Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO follows a structured selection process aimed at bringing experienced and versatile leadership to the helm. According to the bank’s company secretary, Dandapani Dhakal, the board made the decision to entrust Manandhar with the bank’s top executive position for a full four-year term. This duration provides a solid window for the new leadership to implement long-term strategic visions and further strengthen the bank’s position in the retail and corporate banking space.
The transition is perfectly timed to ensure there is no vacuum in the executive office. The current CEO, Pradyuman Pokharel, is scheduled to complete his tenure at the end of Baisakh 2083. Following the completion of this term, Tara Manandhar will officially take charge on Jestha 1, 2083. This seamless handover is a hallmark of strong corporate governance, providing assurance to shareholders, employees, and customers alike.
Profile of the Incoming CEO: Tara Manandhar
The new Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO brings a unique blend of traditional banking expertise and modern corporate management experience. A permanent resident of Harinas Rural Municipality in the Syangja district, Manandhar currently resides in Tokha. His career trajectory reflects a deep understanding of both the financial services industry and the broader corporate landscape in Nepal.
Before joining Muktinath Bikas Bank, Manandhar served as the CEO of Dish Media Network, one of the country’s major media and service providers. His experience in leading a high-growth service industry company is expected to bring innovative perspectives to the bank’s digital and customer-centric initiatives.
However, his roots remain firmly planted in the banking sector. Manandhar spent two decades honing his financial skills at some of the most prestigious institutions in Nepal. His professional history includes significant roles at:
Standard Chartered Bank: Where he gained exposure to international banking standards and rigorous financial practices.
Prabhu Bank: Where he contributed to the growth of a leading local commercial bank.
This combined 20-year banking experience, coupled with his recent leadership in the media sector, makes him a well-rounded candidate to navigate the complexities of modern development banking.
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The Mandate for the New Term
As Tara Manandhar prepares to assume his role as the Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO, several key priorities lie ahead. The banking industry in Nepal is currently undergoing a rapid digital transformation, and the new leadership will be expected to accelerate this change.
Key areas of focus during his four-year tenure are likely to include:
Enhancing Digital Banking: Developing more robust and user-friendly mobile and internet banking services to cater to a younger, more tech-savvy demographic.
Strengthening Credit Quality: Managing the bank’s loan portfolio effectively to ensure sustainable growth and a healthy balance sheet.
Expanding Financial Inclusion: Leveraging the bank’s strong presence to provide better financial access to rural and semi-urban communities.
Corporate Governance: Maintaining high standards of transparency and regulatory compliance as mandated by Nepal Rastra Bank.
Customer-Centric Growth: Improving service delivery across the bank’s extensive branch network to retain and grow the customer base.
A Legacy of Growth and Stability
The outgoing CEO, Pradyuman Pokharel, leaves behind a legacy of stability. During his term, Muktinath Bikas Bank expanded its reach and solidified its reputation as a trusted financial partner for SMEs and individuals. The task for the incoming CEO will be to build upon this foundation while adapting to the new economic realities of the mid-2080s BS.
The board’s choice of an experienced banker with recent cross-industry leadership experience suggests a desire to be more agile and responsive to market changes. By bringing in a leader with Manandhar’s background, the bank signals its readiness to explore new avenues for service excellence and operational efficiency.
Conclusion: A New Era for Muktinath Bikas Bank
The announcement of Tara Manandhar as the next Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO marks the beginning of an exciting era for the institution. With a four-year term starting in Jestha 2083, the bank is poised for continued success under a leader who understands both the traditional values of banking and the modern needs of consumers. Shareholders and customers can look forward to a smooth transition and a continued commitment to the bank’s mission of providing accessible and reliable financial services. As the leadership change draws closer, the focus remains on ensuring that Muktinath Bikas Bank remains a pillar of the Nepalese banking sector, driven by professional excellence and a vision for a prosperous future.
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