Government Appoints Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta as New SEBON Chairman

The Government of Nepal has appointed Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta as the new Chairman of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), ending months of anticipation surrounding the leadership selection process at the country’s capital market regulator.

The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday, with Minister for Communications and Information Technology Bikram Timsina officially confirming the appointment.

Dr. Bhatta, a former Executive Director of Nepal Rastra Bank, brings extensive experience in financial regulation and monetary policy, making him one of the prominent figures in Nepal’s financial sector. His appointment is expected to play a key role in strengthening Nepal’s securities market and regulatory framework.

Earlier, four candidates had been shortlisted for the position, including former SEBON Executive Director Dr. Navaraj Adhikari, Executive Director Binayadev Acharya, former Nepal Rastra Bank Executive Director Mukunda Kumar Chhetri, and Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta.

According to reports, around 47 candidates had initially applied for the post, although the names of most applicants were kept confidential. The selection committee formed for the appointment process had recommended Dr. Bhatta, Mukunda Kumar Chhetri, and Binayadev Acharya as the final candidates for consideration.

With the appointment now finalized, market participants are closely watching the new leadership at SEBON, expecting reforms and stronger oversight in Nepal’s evolving capital market sector.