Reliance Finance CEO Appointment Update
9th February 2026, Kathmandu
The Board of Directors of Reliance Finance Limited has officially appointed Dr. Buddhi Kumar Malla as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Following a board meeting held on Magh 25, 2082, Dr. Malla is set to formally assume his leadership responsibilities on Falgun 1, 2082 (February 13, 2026). This transition occurs as the outgoing CEO, Samaj Prakash Shrestha, concludes his tenure after submitting his resignation.
Reliance Finance CEO Appointment Update
The appointment is seen as a strategic move by the board to bring in high-level academic expertise and deep-rooted operational experience during a period of significant regulatory shifts in Nepal’s financial landscape.
Leadership Transition and Board Mandate
The leadership change was handled as a coordinated transition to ensure institutional stability. During the Magh 25 meeting, the board simultaneously accepted the resignation of Samaj Prakash Shrestha and approved the four-year term for Dr. Malla.
Outgoing Leadership: Samaj Prakash Shrestha played a pivotal role in stabilizing the finance company’s digital footprint and expanding its branch network to 21 locations across the nation.
Incoming Leadership: Dr. Buddhi Kumar Malla is tasked with navigating the company through the current “merger and acquisition” era of the Nepalese financial sector, as emphasized in recent Annual General Meetings.
Profile of Dr. Buddhi Kumar Malla
Dr. Malla is a highly respected figure in Nepal’s banking community, known for his specialized knowledge in credit risk and portfolio management. He holds a PhD from Singhania University, India, with a research focus on credit portfolio management in Nepalese commercial banks.
Extensive Executive Experience
Prior to his appointment at Reliance Finance, Dr. Malla built a distinguished career spanning over two decades in various development banks and commercial institutions:
Om Development Bank: Served as the Deputy CEO, where he was instrumental in the institution’s growth before its eventual merger with NMB Bank.
Rising Development Bank: Previously served as the Chief Executive Officer.
Om Finance: Served as the CEO during its phase as a standalone finance company.
NMB Bank: Spent five years in high-level management following the NMB-Om merger.
His academic background is particularly relevant today; his published research often highlights the necessity of keeping non-performing loans (NPL) below the 5 percent threshold, a metric currently being closely monitored by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
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Strategic Objectives for Reliance Finance
With the entry of Dr. Malla, Reliance Finance is expected to pivot toward more conservative risk management while aggressively pursuing digital transformation. The company recently onboarded the NPS National Card Switch and NepalPay Card, indicating a readiness to modernize its service delivery.
Key Focus Areas under New Management
Credit Portfolio Optimization: Leveraging Dr. Malla’s expertise to improve asset quality and reduce potential impairment charges.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to the latest NRB Directives, particularly concerning capital adequacy and liquidity ratios.
Digital Integration: Expanding the use of the Reliance Finance Smart App to reduce operational costs and increase the deposit base.
Expansion & Mergers: Evaluating potential partners for mergers or acquisitions to meet the long-term capital goals of the institution.
Summary of the CEO Appointment
Appointee: Dr. Buddhi Kumar Malla
Effective Date: Falgun 1, 2082 (February 13, 2026)
Appointing Body: Board of Directors, Reliance Finance Limited
Education: PhD in Credit Portfolio Management
Predecessor: Samaj Prakash Shrestha
Conclusion
The Reliance Finance CEO Appointment marks a clear intent by the board to prioritize intellectual leadership and risk-averse management. Dr. Buddhi Kumar Malla’s transition from academia and deputy-level commercial banking back into the CEO chair of a finance company suggests a focus on technical excellence. For shareholders, this transition signals a period of “consolidation and compliance,” aiming to strengthen the company’s internal fundamentals before the next phase of market expansion.
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