NBA Financial Literacy Program: Nepal Digital Banking & Current Issues
27th May 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Financial Literacy Nepal (FLN), hosted a high-level Interaction Program on Financial Literacy and Current Banking Issues. The program took place in Bharatpur (Bagmati Province) and Birgunj (Madhesh Province).
NBA Financial Literacy Program
The sessions focused on strengthening the skills of banking professionals. It aimed to promote a deeper understanding of digital financial services and the future of banking in Nepal.
Inauguration And Purpose
Mr. Anil Sharma, CEO of NBA, opened the program. He explained the key goals of the event. These included improving awareness of digital banking, addressing governance gaps, and encouraging better communication between banks and the public.
He said that with banking trends shifting rapidly, professionals need updated skills and insights. He added that promoting financial literacy is also essential to ensure inclusion across all communities.
Emphasis On Digital Inclusion
Ms. Rathnija Arandara, IFC’s newly appointed Resident Representative in Nepal, attended as the special guest. She stressed the importance of digitalization in countries like Nepal. According to her, many still lack access to formal financial services due to low digital literacy.
She said that digital tools can break barriers and connect more people, especially youth, women, and rural communities, to the banking ecosystem. She called for responsible innovation to drive financial inclusion and protect users.
Keynote: Nepal’s Banking Landscape
Dr. Chiranjibi Nepal, former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, delivered the keynote address. He reviewed the country’s banking journey, touching on past reforms, challenges, and opportunities. He warned that governance remains a major concern in the banking sector.
Dr. Nepal urged banks to rebuild trust through transparency and efficient services. He also noted that technology can help, but it must go hand in hand with sound regulation and customer education.
Insights On Sectoral Challenges
Mr. Bhuvan Dahal, former President of the NBA, gave a presentation on public perceptions and banking myths. He explained that many negative assumptions about banks are based on misinformation. These false beliefs often damage trust.
Mr. Dahal used data and examples to explain how banks are operating under strict regulatory frameworks. He emphasized that financial institutions need to improve communication to build public confidence.
Capital Market Perspectives
Mr. Niraj Giri, former Executive Director of SEBON, focused on Nepal’s capital markets. He said the market holds great potential but faces regulatory and structural obstacles.
He called for a better legal framework, improved investor education, and stronger enforcement. Mr. Giri also stressed the importance of digitalizing capital markets to attract a new generation of investors.
Digital Finance: Current Trends And Opportunities
Mr. Ashim Nepal, a representative from IFC, presented key findings from a recent IFC study on digital financial services in Nepal. He discussed user behavior, service gaps, and the role of fintech.
According to the study, users are slowly embracing mobile banking and digital wallets. However, many still hesitate due to a lack of trust, digital skills, and cybersecurity fears. He called for more user-friendly platforms and public awareness campaigns.
NBA’s Digital Focus
Mr. Kapil Gautam, Senior Officer at NBA, spoke on the broader digital finance landscape. He covered topics such as digital payments, lending platforms, cross-border transactions, and financial inclusion.
Mr. Gautam said that Nepal’s digital banking ecosystem is growing but remains fragile. He urged banks to invest in technology, staff training, and outreach to ensure sustainable progress.
He also stressed that financial products should be tailored for underserved groups. For example, women-led businesses and youth users need solutions that match their lifestyles and capabilities.
Provincial Contributions And Closing Remarks
In Bharatpur, Ms. Shangrila Shrestha, Coordinator of the NBA Bagmati Province Committee, gave her closing remarks. She thanked all the experts, panelists, and attendees for their active participation.
In Birgunj, Mr. Sulabh Shrestha, Coordinator of the NBA Madesh Province Committee, echoed similar sentiments. He said that such interactions help bridge gaps between policy and practice at the local level.
Both coordinators agreed that more localized training and workshops are needed. They committed to organizing follow-up programs and deeper engagement with provincial banks.
Driving Financial Change Together
The interaction program ended on a hopeful note. Participants shared their enthusiasm for collaborative growth, digital transformation, and stronger public engagement. Stakeholders emphasized that financial literacy and governance reform are essential for the future of Nepal’s banking sector.
The program showed how partnerships between the NBA, IFC, and FLN can create impact at the grassroots level. By bringing experts and local bankers together, it paved the way for smarter policies, better banking practices, and an empowered public.
As Nepal continues its journey toward a digitally enabled financial future, such programs will remain vital in driving inclusion, trust, and growth.
For more: NBA Financial Literacy Program
