KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on Monday administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Chairman of the Nepal Securities Board (SEBON), Gopal Prasad Bhatta, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Bhatta was appointed as SEBON chairman following a Cabinet decision made on June 19.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, Finance Minister Wagle instructed the new chairman to work with integrity to safeguard the interests and investments of capital market investors.
He urged Bhatta to remain free from any form of undue influence, temptation, or external pressure while carrying out his responsibilities and stressed the importance of strengthening capital mobilisation to support Nepal’s economic growth.
“Protect investors’ investments without being influenced by any form of temptation or pressure,” Wagle told the newly appointed chairman. “You have my support, and the government will provide all necessary assistance. Create an environment where capital mobilisation contributes to economic growth.”
The finance minister also directed the new SEBON chief to submit clear daily, weekly, monthly, six-month, and annual action plans with defined timelines to accelerate capital market reforms.
Expressing concern over rumours and misinformation that create panic among small investors, Wagle called on the regulator to restore market confidence through effective oversight and timely reforms.
“The ministry will not interfere in your work. Let your performance and results speak for themselves, not words,” he said, adding that he expects a weekly briefing on developments in the capital market.
In response, Dr. Bhatta pledged to work honestly and diligently to develop Nepal’s capital market in line with the government’s priorities and the guidance provided by the finance minister.
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