SEBON Chairman Vacancy Halts Dozens of Tasks

Nepal Securities Board (SEBON), the regulatory authority of the capital market, has been without a chairman for over four months since Ramesh Kumar Hamal's tenure ended on January 4. The absence of a chairman has stalled dozens of tasks related to the capital market. Several files sent by Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) and CDS and Clearing Limited for approval have been stuck due to the lack of leadership at SEBON. The amendment to the Securities Listing Regulations, 2075, sent by NEPSE for approval during Hamal's tenure, remains uncertain.

NEPSE's efforts to streamline the listing companies through these regulations have been hampered. According to NEPSE spokesperson Murahari Parajuli, the Membership and Supervision Regulations are also pending. Additionally, the auction market procedure prepared by NEPSE has not been implemented due to a lack of approval. The issuance of IPOs, FPOs, mutual funds, rights shares, and debentures has been stalled for over four months. Shares worth NPR 45.38 billion from 63 companies are pending approval.

The delay in appointing a chairman has also affected the ability to provide inputs on government budgets and monetary policies. Senior executive director Dr. Navaraj Adhikari has been handling daily administrative operations, but significant policy decisions and purchases are on hold. The SME platform and other significant initiatives have also been delayed.