Top2 min readLiquidity Improves as Banks Prioritize Loan Recovery Over Disbursement Amid Sluggish EconomyLiquidity Improves as Banks Prioritize Loan Recovery Over Disbursement Amid Sluggish Economy As the Nepali fiscal year approaches its close in Asar (mid-June to mid-July), banks and financial institutions in Nepal have shifted their focus more towards loan recovery than fresh loan disbursement. This strategic adjustment is starting to ease the liquidity crunch that the banking sector has grappled with in recent months. According to data published by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the average credit-to-deposit (CD) ratio of the banking sector has dropped to 78.05% as of last Thursday, reflecting a 0.08 percentage point decrease from the previous day. This downward trend in CD ratio indicates growing investable liquidity within the banking system.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readNepal’s Capital Market: Challenges, Reform Proposals, and the Path to Effective RegulationNepal’s Capital Market: Challenges, Reform Proposals, and the Path to Effective Regulation Nepal’s capital market, while showing signs of gradual maturity, continues to face persistent structural and operational challenges that mirror issues in other global markets. However, experts argue that the true differentiator lies not in the problems themselves—but in how effectively those problems are identified, addressed, and resolved. Referencing author Pierre Filion, who noted that “the real problem is in finding the solution to a problem,” this article explores how Nepal’s capital market can overcome its systemic weaknesses.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Jun, 2025
Popular News3 min readProvision for Loan Loss and Non-Performing Loans Surge in Microfinance SectorProvision for Loan Loss and Non-Performing Loans Surge in Microfinance Sector There has been a notable increase in both the total loan loss provisioning and provisioning for non-performing loans (NPLs) among microfinance institutions (MFIs), including both wholesale and retail lending MFIs, according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). This was highlighted in the third-quarter off-site supervision report for FY 2081/82 published by NRB’s Microfinance Supervision Department.Dipesh Ghimire·28 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readLoan Rates Drop as Commercial Banks Slash Base Rates Below 5%Loan Rates Drop as Commercial Banks Slash Base Rates Below 5% In a significant development in Nepal’s banking sector, several commercial banks have reduced their base lending rates, with Standard Chartered Bank and Rastriya Banijya Bank bringing their rates below 5 percent. This marks the lowest base rates seen in recent years and signals a major shift in the cost of borrowing across the economy. The base rate is a benchmark used by banks to determine loan interest rates. When the base rate falls, the cost of loans becomes cheaper for businesses and consumers. Banks generally add a fixed premium—up to 5 percent—on top of the base rate when setting final interest rates for borrowers. Therefore, a decline in the base rate means a directly proportional reduction in loan interest costs.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readStrengthening Financial Literacy in Nepal's Education SystemStrengthening Financial Literacy in Nepal's Education System Nepal’s evolving education system is gradually embracing the importance of financial literacy, especially at the secondary level. While basic mathematical skills have long been embedded in the foundational curriculum, financial education is now increasingly being recognized as essential for both personal and national economic development. Currently, Nepal’s curriculum incorporates financial concepts in the form of optional economics subjects for Grades 9 and 10, categorized under Social Science. These courses introduce students to key economic principles such as consumption, production, exchange, and distribution, helping them understand how economic units make rational decisions using limited resources. Moreover, the curriculum aims to equip students with the ability to analyze the country's current economic conditions, make sound personal and business decisions, forecast future trends, and develop respect for labor and responsible financial behavior.Dipesh Ghimire·25 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readHigh Contribution of Service Sector to Koshi Province's GDPHigh Contribution of Service Sector to Koshi Province's GDP The service sector holds the highest share in Koshi Province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a recent study by Nepal Rastra Bank. The service sector is estimated to contribute 49.85% to the province’s GDP for the fiscal year 2081/82. Agriculture is expected to contribute 34.05%, while the industrial sector will make up 16.09%.Dipesh Ghimire·25 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readAmazon’s $233 Million Investment in India: A Game-Changer for Digital Growth and EmploymentAmazon’s $233 Million Investment in India: A Game-Changer for Digital Growth and Employment Amazon has announced a fresh investment of $233 million in India, signaling its continued confidence in the country’s economic potential and digital ambitions. The investment is set to strengthen Amazon’s operational network, expand its technological capabilities, and contribute to social welfare measures—particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of India. According to the company’s official statement, the investment will be used to upgrade warehousing infrastructure, improve logistics, and develop new technologies aimed at enhancing delivery speed, efficiency, and safety. Amazon’s goal is to ensure that its services reach even the remotest parts of India, improving customer experience across the board.Dipesh Ghimire·20 Jun, 2025
Top3 min readNepal’s Economic Reality Diverges from Government Rhetoric: Revenue Deficit and Debt Raise ConcernsNepal’s Economic Reality Diverges from Government Rhetoric: Revenue Deficit and Debt Raise Concerns Despite government claims of an improving economic landscape, data from Nepal's fiscal management and revenue performance paints a different picture. Public statements from ruling party leaders and ministers suggest that the country is on the path to economic recovery. However, this narrative is increasingly being challenged by economic observers, who point to poor internal indicators such as stagnant revenue collection, rising public debt, and poor budget execution as signs that the proclaimed recovery may be more political spin than economic reality. Since assuming office, the current administration has continuously promoted the message that Nepal’s economy is stabilizing. Officials often cite improvements in foreign reserves, inflation control, and a narrowing trade deficit. While these indicators have indeed shown short-term gains, they do not fully represent the underlying health of the economy. Economic experts argue that internal structural issues—particularly those related to government income and expenditure—remain unresolved.Dipesh Ghimire·19 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readIsrael–Iran Conflict Pushes Oil Prices Up, Threatens Global StabilityIsrael–Iran Conflict Pushes Oil Prices Up, Threatens Global Stability The recent escalation between Israel and Iran has sent shockwaves through the global financial and energy markets. The missile strike by Israel on Iran’s nuclear facility, followed by Iran’s retaliation with drones and missiles, has heightened fears of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. With no signs of immediate de-escalation, the global oil market has responded swiftly, triggering volatility in stock markets and sparking inflationary concerns.Dipesh Ghimire·17 Jun, 2025
Top2 min readForeign Investment Commitments Cross Rs. 60 Billion in 11 Months, Over Rs. 3.5 Billion in Jestha AloneForeign Investment Commitments Cross Rs. 60 Billion in 11 Months, Over Rs. 3.5 Billion in Jestha Alone Nepal has received foreign investment commitments exceeding Rs. 60.60 billion in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. According to the Department of Industry, approvals through the certification system accounted for Rs. 56.74 billion, while the automated route contributed Rs. 3.86 billion. These investments were pledged for 717 industrial ventures. Of the total, 347 industries were approved under the certification process, and 370 industries received approvals through the automated system. Additionally, Share Purchase Agreements (SPA) and Share Subscription Agreements (SSA) led to commitments worth Rs. 1.96 billion across 32 industries. Technology Transfer Agreements (TTA) were approved for 66 industries.Dipesh Ghimire·16 Jun, 2025