SEBON Scraps 15-Minute Average Method; Restores Earlier Closing Price Practice

The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has decided to suspend the 15-minute average price calculation method after facing mounting criticism from market participants. In a meeting on Friday, the board resolved to discontinue the provision from Sunday onward, reverting to the earlier practice of recognizing the last traded price as the official closing price.

The rollback followed day-long demonstrations as investors gathered outside SEBON’s office, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the system. Their protests gained further momentum after Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal instructed SEBON a day earlier to scrap the rule, describing it as impractical. Analysts believe the minister’s intervention eased the path for the board’s decision.

With this decision, trading will revert to the earlier system effective from Sunday. Under the reinstated rule, the last traded price will once again serve as the official closing price, replacing the suspended average-based calculation method.