SEBON Chief Promises Direct Action and Law Updates to Fix Nepal Stock Market

Dr. Gopal Bhatta, Chairman of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), has promised to take direct steps to reform the stock market, expressing willingness to issue an executive order (ordinance) if updates to existing financial laws face delays. His commitments came during a meeting with a delegation from the Nepal Share Market Investors Association led by Vice President Bhagwan Bahadur Rawat, along with General Secretary Rabin Kandel and executive members Rishi Bhetwal and Vivek Shrestha.

The discussion took place following a steady drop in the NEPSE index, which fell near the 2,650 mark about 18% below its all-time peak of 3,227. During the meeting, representatives raised concerns over sluggish economic activity and elevated risks facing small investors.

In response, Chairman Bhatta stated that protecting investor rights and improving market transparency remain his top priorities. He committed to advancing key reforms, including introducing short selling (a mechanism allowing traders to sell borrowed shares to profit from falling prices) and addressing legal barriers to stabilize the market.