National Insurance Discourse 2026 Begins in Kathmandu
21st January 2026, Kathmandu
The National Insurance Discourse 2026 has officially commenced in Kathmandu, marking a significant milestone for the insurance and financial sectors of Nepal. The third edition of this flagship insurance-focused forum was inaugurated on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by Finance Secretary Dr. Ghanashyam Upadhyaya at the prestigious Yak and Yeti Hotel. The event brought together regulators, policymakers, insurers, bankers, and industry experts to discuss the future of the sector under the central theme “Envisioning the Future.”
National Insurance Discourse 2026
Organized jointly by Banking News and News of Insurance, the National Insurance Discourse 2026 has emerged as the premier platform for high-level dialogue, policy reflection, and strategic planning in the evolving insurance landscape of the country. The event aims to address the structural challenges of the industry while outlining a roadmap aligned with modern economic transformation and shifting consumer needs.
Strong Participation from Key Financial Stakeholders
The opening session witnessed an impressive gathering of high-level representatives from the Nepal Insurance Authority, major life and non-life insurance companies, and leading commercial banks. Their presence underscores the growing realization that insurance is not just a secondary financial product but a fundamental pillar of national financial stability and social protection.
In his inaugural remarks, Finance Secretary Dr. Ghanashyam Upadhyay emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms and digital innovation. He highlighted that while the insurance business in Nepal has existed for over five decades, public misconception remains high. He noted that insurance must be viewed as a critical tool for risk mitigation and economic resilience, particularly in a country prone to natural disasters and economic shocks.
Four Thematic Sessions Addressing Core Industry Issues
Following the inauguration, the discourse was structured into four highly focused thematic sessions. Each session was designed to generate actionable insights for both regulators and market participants.
Bancassurance: Policy, Regulatory, and Market Realities This session examined the collaborative framework between banks and insurance companies. Experts discussed how to streamline the bancassurance model to prevent coercive selling while ensuring that insurance products reach the vast network of bank customers across the country.
The Future Roadmap: Restructuring and Transformation The second session focused on the modernization of insurance products to align them with the lifestyles of the younger generation. Discussions centered on how insurers can shift from a “compliance-first” mindset to a “competitiveness-first” approach to capture the interest of modern consumers.
Access to Healthcare: The Future of Health Insurance in Nepal With rising medical costs becoming a burden for many families, this session explored sustainable models for expanding health insurance penetration. Panelists discussed the role of private insurers in supporting the national health insurance goals and improving the overall financial protection for citizens.
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InsurTech Innovation: From Necessity to Lifestyle The final core session highlighted the role of technology in transforming the customer experience. From digital underwriting and mobile-first policy issuance to automated claims processing, the session showcased how technology like Fonepay is integrating insurance into the daily digital habits of Nepalis.
Special Session on the Economics of Insurance
A unique addition to this year’s discourse was a special session titled “Economics of Insurance,” featuring Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission. This session moved the conversation from operational issues to macroeconomic impact.
The discussion focused on how the insurance sector serves as a massive pool for capital formation and long-term investment. Dr. Shrestha noted that the sustainable growth of the insurance industry is directly linked to the economic stability of the nation, as it reduces the fiscal burden on the government during times of crisis.
Significance for the Insurance Ecosystem in 2026
The National Insurance Discourse 2026 comes at a critical time when the industry is undergoing rapid consolidation and digital transition. Despite steady growth, insurance penetration in Nepal remains relatively low compared to neighboring countries. This forum provides the necessary evidence-based environment to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and market innovation.
Organizers have emphasized that the recommendations generated during these sessions will be compiled into a comprehensive report and submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Nepal Insurance Authority. This ensure that the discourse results in tangible policy changes rather than just being a talk program.
Conclusion
The launch of the National Insurance Discourse 2026 reaffirms the status of the insurance sector as a cornerstone of the financial system of Nepal. With strong leadership from the Ministry of Finance and active participation from the “Face of the Event,” Sanisha Bhattarai, and other industry leaders, the forum is expected to influence the strategic direction of the industry for years to come.
As the sessions conclude, the focus will shift toward the implementation of the discussed digital and structural reforms, with the ultimate goal of increasing public confidence and making insurance a lifestyle choice for every Nepali.
For More: National Insurance Discourse 2026
