FATF Keeps Nepal on Grey List, Raising Pressure on Banking and Foreign Investment

Kathmandu – Nepal has once again come under heightened international financial scrutiny. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global intergovernmental body responsible for setting standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, has decided to keep Nepal on...


IME Life Upgraded to ‘A-’ Rating on Strong Claims Settlement and Risk Management

Kathmandu – IME Life Insurance Company Limited has received an upgraded credit rating. CARE Ratings Nepal Limited has raised the company’s issuer rating from ‘BBB+’ to ‘A-’, indicating that the insurer is considered adequately safe in meeting its financial...


ADB to Invest $115 Million in Nepal’s Urban Water and Sanitation Infrastructure

Kathmandu — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a concessional loan of $115 million to improve drinking water supply, sanitation services, and climate resilience in rapidly urbanizing municipalities across Nepal. The financing will be utilized under the Integrated Water...


Non-Life Insurers’ Catastrophe Funds Exceed NPR 2.20 Billion as Companies Strengthen Disaster Reserves

Kathmandu — Nepal’s non-life insurance companies have continued to strengthen their financial buffers against large-scale disasters, with the combined balance of catastrophe funds maintained by 14 insurers rising to more than NPR 2.20 billion by the May of FY...


Fintech and Banking Innovation Get a Boost as Nepal Rastra Bank Introduces Regulatory Sandbox Framework

Kathmandu — Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has issued a new Regulatory Sandbox Directive, allowing innovative financial products and services to be tested in a controlled environment with the aim of promoting innovation in the financial sector. The central bank...


Investigation into Surya Silwal Scandals at Insurance Authority Still Pending

Kathmandu — The insurance sector provides a stark example of how extensive political interference has weakened Nepal’s financial institutions. Investigations into alleged misconduct by former Insurance Authority Chairman Surya Prasad Silwal, widely criticized by some as one of the...


Preparations Underway to Amend the Health Insurance Act

Kathmandu — Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta has said that the government is preparing to amend the Health Insurance Act to make the national health insurance program more effective and sustainable. Responding to lawmakers’ questions during...


Bangladesh Embassy Strengthens Ties Through ‘Mango Diplomacy’ Initiative

Kathmandu — In a unique display of goodwill and friendship, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu has distributed more than 1,750 kilograms of premium Bangladeshi mangoes among distinguished personalities across Nepal under its annual “Season’s Best Compliments” initiative. The diplomatic...


Nepal Reinsurance Fails in Risk Management, Credit Rating Downgraded from ‘Double A Minus’ to ‘A’

Kathmandu — The credit rating of Nepal Reinsurance Company Limited has been downgraded. ICRA Nepal has lowered the company’s issuer rating from the earlier ‘Double A Minus’ level to ‘A’. At the same time, the company has been kept...


US and Iran Reach 14-Point Draft Agreement to End War, Launch Nuclear Talks and Lift Sanctions

International — The United States and Iran are expected to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in Switzerland on June 19 that would formally end hostilities between the two countries and open the door to comprehensive negotiations aimed at...