25th June 2025, Kathmandu
Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, has officially disclosed his personal and family assets. The declaration complies with the law requiring all high-level public officials in Nepal to submit property details after assuming office.
NRB Governor Poudel Assets Revealed
His total asset disclosure exceeds NPR 170 million. These assets include investments in listed companies, bank savings, foreign currency accounts, gold and diamond jewelry, and real estate. The declaration signals a strong commitment to financial transparency and good governance in Nepal.
Major Investment In Promoter Shares
Governor Poudel has invested heavily in promoter shares of listed companies in Nepal. His shareholdings are mainly in the hydropower sector and commercial banking.
His share portfolio includes:
Sanima Bank: 244,976 promoter shares, valued at NPR 24.4 million.
Sanima Hydropower: 12,579 shares.
Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower: 188,000 shares.
Global Co. Pvt. Ltd.: 186,834 shares (in his name), and 75,000 shares in his wife’s name.
Samyukta Urja Hydropower: 500,000 shares.
Chitwan Energy: 250,000 shares.
In total, he holds over 2.13 million shares in various Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE)-listed companies. This indicates a preference for long-term equity investment over land or fixed assets. Unlike many past central bank governors, Poudel has chosen capital market investment as a key financial strategy.
Real Estate In Lalitpur And Nawalparasi
Governor Poudel’s wife, Pratibha Sharma, owns two properties. Both are legally registered under her name.
Bhaisepati, Lalitpur: A house built on 5 aana 2 dam land, with 2,775 sq. ft. built area. The total purchase value is NPR 15.5 million.
Gaindakot, Nawalparasi: Land valued at NPR 6 million.
He mentioned that the Lalitpur property was funded through a combination of ancestral property and self-earned income.
Savings And Dollar Account Holdings
Governor Poudel and his wife together have over NPR 2 million in savings across multiple banks. These include:
Sanima Bank
Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB)
Prabhu Bank
They also maintain foreign currency accounts. His dollar account holds USD 66, while his wife’s account holds USD 4,546, which is approximately NPR 622,000 based on the current exchange rate.
Gold And Diamond Assets
Dr. Poudel owns 45 tola of gold, identified as ancestral wealth. His diamond holdings are worth NPR 1.9 million, acquired through self-earned income. These assets reflect a blend of traditional and modern investments among Nepalese public officials.
Vehicle Purchase By Wife
Governor Poudel’s wife owns a Suzuki vehicle worth NPR 4.4 million. The car was purchased in Bhadra 2077 (August–September 2020). This is the only listed vehicle in their property records.
Equity Investment Focus Over Land
Dr. Poudel’s investment pattern sets him apart from past NRB governors. While his predecessors often invested in land, Poudel has focused on share market investment in Nepal. His strong presence in the hydropower and banking sectors reflects rising confidence in Nepal’s capital market.
His shareholding in Sanima Bank once made him eligible to serve on its board. His experience in the financial sector is supported by this longstanding investment.
Promoting Financial Transparency And Good Governance
Governor Poudel’s public asset declaration fulfills his ethical duty as a central bank governor. The move promotes transparency in public office, aligning with best practices in financial governance and public accountability in Nepal.
By declaring investments in listed companies and regulated institutions, Poudel has set an example of responsible leadership. His decision to disclose both personal and spousal assets builds public trust in the country’s financial leadership.
Conclusion
Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel has declared over NPR 170 million in total assets. His financial portfolio prioritizes share investments, especially in the hydropower and banking sectors. His real estate, gold, and foreign currency holdings add further diversity to his assets.
The declaration highlights a growing trend among Nepalese officials to invest in productive sectors. His focus on stock market investments, rather than land, represents a shift in asset management among senior officials. This move strengthens public confidence in Nepal Rastra Bank and promotes transparency in Nepal’s public financial system.
For more:- NRB Governor Poudel Assets Revealed