NIC Asia Bank Director Ram Krishna Khatiwada Appointed as Independent Board Member

6th January 2026, Kathmandu

The governance structure of NIC Asia Bank Limited has received a significant boost with the official appointment of Ram Krishna Khatiwada as an independent director. The decision was formalized during a recent meeting of the bank’s Board of Directors, where Khatiwada was selected to serve a four-year term.

NIC Asia Bank Director

This high-level appointment is expected to enhance the bank’s strategic oversight and policy-level decision-making at a critical juncture for the Nepalese financial sector. As banks increasingly face pressure to refine their risk management frameworks and align with international regulatory standards, the addition of a seasoned finance professional like Khatiwada is a strategic move to ensure long-term institutional stability.

Expertise in Finance and Infrastructure Development

The appointment of a new NIC Asia Bank Director is grounded in the impressive professional and academic credentials that Ram Krishna Khatiwada brings to the table. He is a holder of the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is also a recognized Chartered Economist (ChE). These qualifications represent the gold standard in the global finance industry, emphasizing a deep commitment to ethical standards and rigorous financial analysis.

With more than two decades of professional experience, Khatiwada has built a career defined by diversity and depth. His expertise spans several critical sectors of the economy, including infrastructure development, project management, and energy regulation. He has also been a key figure in developing public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks, which are essential for mobilizing private capital toward national development goals. The bank has highlighted his status as a finance and management expert, noting that his specialized knowledge in large-scale development financing will be instrumental in guiding the bank’s investment strategies.

A Proven Track Record of Leadership

Before joining the board of NIC Asia Bank, Ram Krishna Khatiwada held a variety of influential leadership roles within the financial and regulatory landscape of Nepal. Most notably, he previously served as a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Infrastructure Bank Limited (NIFRA). During his tenure there, he played a central role in establishing the infrastructure financing ecosystem of the country, helping to bridge the gap between financial resources and large-scale development needs.

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In addition to his work in commercial and infrastructure banking, Khatiwada has significant experience in the regulatory sphere. He served as a member of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, where his contributions helped shape the economic and financial frameworks governing the energy sector of Nepal. His background also includes a stint as the General Manager and Company Secretary at NIBL Ace Capital Limited, providing him with a nuanced understanding of capital markets and merchant banking operations. Furthermore, his early career involved impactful roles at the Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Limited (HIDCL) and the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), where he worked on project evaluation and foreign direct investment initiatives.

Enhancing Corporate Governance and Strategic Oversight

The selection of an independent director with such an extensive background reflects the ongoing commitment of NIC Asia Bank to strengthening its corporate governance. In the modern banking environment, independent directors serve as a vital check and balance, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders—including minority shareholders and depositors—are protected. They provide an objective perspective that is free from the day-to-day operational pressures of the bank, focusing instead on transparency, accountability, and the long-term health of the institution.

Khatiwada is expected to leverage his background in energy and infrastructure to offer strategic guidance on the lending portfolio of the bank. Given the focus of the government on hydropower and infrastructure as drivers of economic growth, his insights into risk assessment and sustainable financing will be invaluable. This move also signals to the market and regulators that NIC Asia Bank is prioritizing professional excellence and board-level expertise to navigate the complexities of the current economic environment.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The inclusion of Ram Krishna Khatiwada on the Board of Directors marks a new chapter in the leadership journey of NIC Asia Bank. By integrating a professional with a deep understanding of banking, regulation, and infrastructure finance, the bank is positioning itself to be more resilient and innovative. This appointment not only reinforces the institutional capacity of the bank but also sets a benchmark for professional appointments within the Nepalese banking sector.

As NIC Asia Bank continues to expand its digital footprint and diversify its service offerings, the strategic oversight provided by the newly appointed director will be key to maintaining its competitive edge. Stakeholders can expect a continued focus on professional governance and a disciplined approach to growth as the bank moves forward with its mission to provide world-class financial services in Nepal.

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