Top2 min readCash Circulation Surges by Rs. 27.46 Billion During Festive Season — Slower Growth Compared to Last YearCash Circulation Surges by Rs. 27.46 Billion During Festive Season — Slower Growth Compared to Last Year Nepal’s festive season has once again fueled a surge in cash demand, with the amount of currency in circulation (CIC) rising by Rs. 27.46 billion compared to the same period last year, according to the latest financial position report for Ashwin (mid-October) published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). As of the end of Ashwin 2082 BS, the total cash in circulation stood at Rs. 788.78 billion, up from Rs. 761.31 billion during Ashwin 2081 BS. This increase reflects a typical seasonal spike in liquidity as households withdraw money for festival-related expenses such as consumer goods, travel, gifts, and household purchases during Dashain and Tihar.Dipesh Ghimire·31 Oct, 2025
Top3 min readNepal Tightens Startup Loan Criteria — Minimum 50 Marks Required for Eligibility Under Revised PolicyNepal Tightens Startup Loan Criteria — Minimum 50 Marks Required for Eligibility Under Revised Policy The Government of Nepal has introduced stricter evaluation standards for startups seeking concessional loans under the national Startup Enterprise Credit Program. According to the amended “Startup Enterprise Credit Operation Procedures, 2082,” entrepreneurs must now secure a minimum of 50 marks in the evaluation process to qualify for government-backed loans. The amendment, issued by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and quality in the selection process for startups receiving subsidized loans.Dipesh Ghimire·31 Oct, 2025
Top3 min readNepal’s Federal Consolidated Fund Still in Deficit — Signs of Fiscal Strain Despite Narrowed GapNepal’s Federal Consolidated Fund Still in Deficit — Signs of Fiscal Strain Despite Narrowed Gap Nepal’s fiscal deficit has slightly narrowed but remains deep, reflecting long-standing inefficiencies in expenditure control and fiscal management. While headline numbers show improvement, underlying data suggest liquidity stress and dependence on temporary fund balances rather than sustainable fiscal correction.Dipesh Ghimire·31 Oct, 2025
Popular News3 min readSecurities Board of Nepal Fails to Implement Capital Market Reform Roadmap Despite Set DeadlinesSecurities Board of Nepal Fails to Implement Capital Market Reform Roadmap Despite Set Deadlines The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has once again come under fire for its failure to implement the reform recommendations proposed by the Capital Market Reform Task Force. Despite preparing a detailed action plan with specific deadlines, SEBON has reportedly delayed or ignored most of the assigned tasks — frustrating investors and raising questions about its regulatory credibility.Dipesh Ghimire·31 Oct, 2025
Top2 min readNepal Rastra Bank’s Foreign Investments Cross NPR 1.8 Trillion MarkNepal Rastra Bank’s Foreign Investments Cross NPR 1.8 Trillion Mark Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the country’s central bank, has seen its foreign investment holdings exceed NPR 1.8 trillion, marking a record high. According to the latest data from NRB, as of Ashwin (mid-October 2025), the bank’s investments in foreign securities reached NPR 1.811 trillion, up sharply from NPR 1.506 trillion at the end of Asar (mid-July 2025). This represents an increase of over NPR 300 billion in just three months.Dipesh Ghimire·31 Oct, 2025
Top3 min readNepal’s Public Debt Rises by Rs 50.6 Billion in First Quarter, External Liabilities DominateNepal’s Public Debt Rises by Rs 50.6 Billion in First Quarter, External Liabilities Dominate Nepal’s public debt has increased by Rs 50.6 billion in just the first three months of the ongoing fiscal year 2082/83. According to the Public Debt Management Office, total outstanding public debt stood at Rs 27.24 trillion by the end of Ashoj, up from Rs 26.74 trillion at the beginning of the fiscal year in Shrawan. The rise in debt indicates the government’s growing dependence on borrowing to meet its fiscal needs amid weak revenue performance. The report shows that Nepal’s total public debt now amounts to 44.61 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Out of this, 20.93 percent of GDP is domestic debt, while 23.69 percent represents external borrowing. Economists have warned that while the figure is still below the critical 50 percent debt-to-GDP threshold, the trend points to a gradual build-up of fiscal stress, especially given Nepal’s sluggish growth and limited revenue mobilization capacity.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Oct, 2025
Top2 min readNEA Cuts Power to 25 Industries; 20 Shut Down, 16,000 Workers AffectedNEA Cuts Power to 25 Industries; 20 Shut Down, 16,000 Workers Affected The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has disconnected the power supply to 25 industries across the country that were operating through dedicated feeders and trunk lines, citing long-pending arrears of Rs 5.48 billion. Among them, 20 industries have been forced to halt operations completely, while five others remain partially functional. Two of those had already suspended production earlier, two have reconnected after starting installment payments, and Shivam Cement has managed to continue production by running its generators.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Oct, 2025
Top2 min readGovernment Unveils Comprehensive Reform Roadmap for Public Enterprises: Focus on Efficiency, Governance, and Financial DisciplineGovernment Unveils Comprehensive Reform Roadmap for Public Enterprises: Focus on Efficiency, Governance, and Financial Discipline The Government of Nepal has officially unveiled a broad reform framework aimed at enhancing the performance, governance, and financial discipline of the country’s public enterprises. The Ministry of Finance has released the “Public Enterprises Management and Governance Policy, 2082”, identifying critical challenges and outlining institutional reforms to improve efficiency, professionalism, and accountability.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Oct, 2025
Top3 min readNepal Sees NPR 35 Billion in FDI Commitments in First Quarter, But Actual Investment Still Trails BehindNepal Sees NPR 35 Billion in FDI Commitments in First Quarter, But Actual Investment Still Trails Behind In the first three months of the current fiscal year 2082/83, Nepal has received foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments amounting to NPR 35.13 billion, according to data released by the Department of Industry (DoI). Between mid-July and mid-October, a total of 311 projects were approved with foreign investment pledges, signaling a steady interest from international investors despite ongoing economic challenges. The month of Ashoj alone witnessed commitments of NPR 4.94 billion through 54 new projects. Among the total commitments, seven large-scale, four medium, and 300 small-scale enterprises were approved for investment. Officials from the DoI noted that Nepal continues to attract the highest number of small-scale ventures, showing the growing interest of small foreign entrepreneurs rather than large multinational companies. The tourism sector has emerged as the top recipient of FDI pledges this quarter. A total of 103 tourism-related projects received commitments worth NPR 1.46 billion, reflecting investors’ optimism in the post-pandemic revival of Nepal’s tourism industry. Many of these projects are focused on hotels, adventure tourism, eco-lodges, and hospitality-related services.Dipesh Ghimire·28 Oct, 2025
Nepal’s Banks Struggle with Lo3 min readNepal’s Banks Struggle with Loan Recovery Amid Festive Delays and Liquidity PressuresNepal’s Banks Struggle with Loan Recovery Amid Festive Delays and Liquidity Pressures Nepal’s banking and financial institutions (BFIs) are facing a critical period as they prepare to publish their first-quarter financial reports for FY 2082/83 (up to mid-October). The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has extended the reporting deadline to Kartik 21, citing the impact of the festive season and operational challenges. Previously, banks were required to publish within seven days of the quarter’s end. This extension provides some relief, especially as the central bank has also allowed income from collections made up to Kartik 15 to be counted in the first quarter’s earnings. However, despite these measures, banks are under mounting pressure due to sluggish loan recovery, weak credit demand, and excess liquidity.Dipesh Ghimire·28 Oct, 2025