In association with the Banking, Finance Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN), the PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre organised the fourth edition of its annual flagship programme, the “Nepal BFSI Summit 2025”, on December 19, 2025 at Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu. The central theme of the summit was “Navigating Economic Transition for an Aspirational Nepal.”
In its fourth edition, the Nepal BFSI Summit 2025 deliberated on how Nepal can manage economic transition amid uncertainty while simultaneously preparing for future opportunities. The summit focused on economic reforms for inclusive development, the role of the BFSI sector in managing transitions, evolving financial landscapes, and the expansion of green and nature-based financing. It aimed to generate actionable insights for policymakers, regulators, and financial leaders to position the BFSI sector as a true catalyst for industrial competitiveness, employment generation, digital resilience, and sustainable prosperity.
In his keynote address, Chief Guest Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal, said, “Nepal’s aspirations, combined with further simplification of ease-of-doing-business processes, will help navigate the country’s economic transition with long-term advantages. The National Planning Commission is unwavering in its efforts to put in place progressive policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Chair, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI, and India’s former ambassador to Nepal, said, “PHDCCI and BFIN are hosting the fourth edition of the Nepal BFSI Summit to reaffirm the centrality of India-Nepal bilateral cooperation in navigating economic transition, while also providing a platform to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Nepal, reflected on ongoing efforts to strengthen the India-Nepal payment ecosystem, including wider use of the UPI interface and the acceptance of ₹200 and ₹500 Indian currency notes as legal tender up to a value of ₹25,000 for travel in Nepal. He identified the BFSI sector as a key frontier of India–Nepal economic cooperation.
Atul K. Thakur, Senior Secretary, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI, said, “To navigate economic transition effectively, Nepal must undertake deep and structural economic reforms. Such reforms will have multiplier effects across key sectors, including BFSI, while providing much-needed momentum for long-term, inclusive economic growth.”
Binod Chaudhary, President Emeritus, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said, “CNI and PHDCCI should work together to create a policy environment supportive of inclusive economic growth in Nepal. India’s economic rise presents significant opportunities for Nepal, and this is the right time to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.”
Bam Bahadur Mishra, Deputy Governor, Nepal Rastra Bank, said, “NRB remains committed to formulating policies that support the banking sector. Maintaining systemic balance through progressive policies will help the Nepalese economy emerge stronger.”
Other key speakers at the summit included: Dr Gunakar Bhatta, Former Executive Director, Nepal Rastra Bank; Ram Kumar Tiwari, Managing Director & CEO, Nepal SBI Bank Ltd; Pranav Gupta, Resident Representative (Nepal), International Monetary Fund; Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO, Nepal Clearing House Ltd; Rajesh Upadhyay, Vice President, CBFIN, and Chairman, Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank Ltd; Susil Dev Subedi, Executive Director, Nepal Insurance Authority; Ramesh Ghimire, CEO, Deposit & Credit Guarantee Fund; Ghulam Ali, Innovative Investment Specialist, ICIMOD; Birendra Raj Pandey, President, Confederation of Nepalese Industries; Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, President, Nepal Chamber of Commerce; Upendra Prasad Poudyal, President, CBFIN, and Chairman, Nabil Bank Ltd; Deepak Rauniar, CEO, Oorja World (Former Administrator, EPF–Nepal); Dr Rabindra Ghimire, PhD, Associate Professor of Risk Management, Insurance and Social Security, School of Business, Pokhara University; Atit Koirala, Director of Strategic Alliance, DPU; Dr Pankaj Varshney, Professor of Finance, LBSIM, Delhi; Dr Sriharsha Bhat, Founder, Nitte Education International Pvt Ltd; Nitika Bhardwaj, Dean, International College, DPU, Thailand; and Samant Shant Priya, Professor of Marketing, Area Chair-Marketing, and Chair-International Relations, LBSIM, India.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Binod Atreya, Managing Director, BFIN, said, “The Nepal BFSI Summit 2025 facilitated a series of dynamic panel discussions and technical sessions, enabling policymakers, environmental experts, and industry leaders to exchange critical insights. This flagship annual initiative will continue to advocate stronger institutional support for the BFSI sector through collaboration among key stakeholders, particularly with a trusted partner like India.”
