Nepal Insurance Authority Chairperson Chandrakala Paudel Takes Charge
28th January 2026, Kathmandu
The Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), the country’s apex insurance regulator, has entered a historic chapter with the appointment of Chandrakala Paudel as its first female Chairperson. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Paudel officially assumed office at the Authority’s headquarters in Kathmandu, signaling a robust shift toward institutional reform and enhanced accountability. Her appointment by the Government of Nepal comes at a critical juncture for the insurance sector, which is navigating a landscape of mergers, digital transformation, and evolving regulatory demands.
Nepal Insurance Authority Chairperson
Chairperson Paudel’s transition into this high-level role was formalized through an oath of office and secrecy administered by Finance Minister Rameshwar Prasad Khanal. Having been endorsed by the Cabinet on Magh 12, 2082, she steps into the leadership position while concurrently serving as a Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. Her dual experience in high-level bureaucracy and previous involvement with the Ministry of Finance positions her as a uniquely qualified leader to bridge the gap between government policy and market regulation.
A Strategic Focus on Transparency and Efficiency
In her inaugural address to the staff, Chairperson Paudel laid out a clear vision centered on “Regulatory Excellence.” She emphasized that her primary goal is to foster a fair, competitive, and reliable insurance market. Drawing from her past experience as a board member under former Chairperson Fatta Bahadur Kshetri, Paudel acknowledged that she is well aware of the institutional gaps that have historically slowed down the sector’s growth.
Key priorities highlighted during her first day in office include:
Strengthening Internal Governance: Ensuring that all administrative actions within the NIA are conducted with the highest levels of transparency.
Timely Decision-Making: Paudel urged employees to move away from retrospective recommendations and instead focus on proactive, real-time solutions to industry challenges.
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Enhanced Monitoring: With a rising number of non-life and life insurance companies in Nepal, the Chairperson stressed the need for rigorous, law-based supervision to protect the interests of policyholders.
Continuity Amidst Administrative Transition
The appointment of Chandrakala Paudel follows the resignation of Janak Raj Sharma, providing much-needed administrative stability. The NIA has faced a series of leadership changes over the past year due to ongoing legal and investigative proceedings involving former officials. By appointing a seasoned Secretary-level official, the government has sent a strong message of stability to both domestic and international stakeholders, including reinsurers and global rating agencies.
Executive Director Sushil Dev Subedi, while welcoming the new Chairperson, noted that the Authority is ready to implement several pending reforms under her guidance. These include the full implementation of the Insurance Act 2079 and the integration of digital payment systems across the entire insurance value chain.
The Road Ahead for Nepal’s Insurance Sector
Chairperson Paudel’s tenure begins at a time when public trust in insurance is under scrutiny. From settling delayed claims in the agriculture and disaster sectors to managing the “fake helicopter rescue” scams that have made headlines in early 2026, the challenges are formidable. However, Paudel’s background in federal administration is expected to be an asset in decentralizing insurance services, making them more accessible to rural populations through local government coordination.
She has instructed all departments—ranging from Legal and Regulation to the Management Information System—to strictly adhere to professional conduct. “Regulatory authority must be exercised responsibly,” she stated, reminding staff that the credibility of the entire market rests on the Authority’s shoulders.
Conclusion
The assumption of office by Chandrakala Paudel as the Nepal Insurance Authority Chairperson is more than just a change in leadership; it is a commitment to a more transparent and disciplined insurance ecosystem. As the first woman to lead this vital institution, her success will likely be measured by how effectively she can modernize the regulatory framework while ensuring that insurance companies remain solvent and customer-centric.
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