NRB Governor Paudel Reveals: 373 Individuals Hold Promoter Shares in BFIs

Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Dr. Bishwanath Paudel, revealed that 373 individuals currently hold promoter shares in banks and financial institutions (BFIs) across Nepal. He made this statement while addressing the parliamentary Finance Committee meeting on Thursday.

According to him, 72 individuals hold more than 1% promoter shares in commercial banks, while 130 individuals do so in development banks and 171 in finance companies.

Regarding the proposal to legally require NRB approval for the transfer of more than 2% of promoter shares, Governor Paudel suggested that the law could allow some flexibility. “Rather than locking the exact percentage in the Act, perhaps it would be more appropriate to leave the discretion to NRB, especially as the economy remains dynamic,” he remarked.

He emphasized that the NPR 7 trillion held in the banking system should not be viewed as private wealth, but rather as a collective economic resource. He argued that anyone with strong business acumen and entrepreneurial vision should have the right to access this resource. Furthermore, he stated that the goal is to enhance transparency, discipline, and accountability in transactions involving related parties and institutions.