AMO Approved - You No Longer Have to Be Free Between 11 and 3

Investors in Nepal's stock market are set to gain a major new convenience, the ability to place buy and sell orders outside of regular trading hours, anytime they choose.

Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has officially approved an amendment to the securities trading regulations proposed by the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), clearing the legal path for the introduction of After Market Orders (AMO).

What changes for investors?

Currently, NEPSE operates only between 11 AM and 3 PM on trading days. Once AMO is live, investors will no longer be limited to that four-hour window. They can log in at night, early morning, or any time that suits them and set their orders in advance. Those orders will then be queued and executed automatically when the market opens the next trading day, based on priority. There is no fixed time slot for placing these orders yet.

SEBON's approval is not the final step. The NEPSE Board of Directors must formally pass the amended regulation before AMO goes live. Once that happens, the feature will be available to all investors.

Who benefits the most?

This change is particularly welcome for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) living abroad. Due to time zone differences, catching the Nepal market during its live hours has always been a challenge. AMO removes that barrier entirely.

Working professionals who are busy during office hours will also benefit - they can now plan and place their trades in the morning before work or in the evening at their convenience, without rushing to a screen during the trading window.

The bigger picture

By making the market more accessible to a wider range of investors, AMO is expected to bring more participation, a better balance between supply and demand, and increased overall trading volume on NEPSE, a step toward a more modern and investor-friendly stock market in Nepal.