Govt does not target small investors and has clear share market policy: Finance Minister

KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has said the government is not targeting small investors and has a clear policy for the share market.

Speaking to the Society of Economic Journalists — Nepal (SEJON) on Monday, Dr Wagle said the government “has not intended to unnecessarily target small investors” and called attempts to frighten the market inappropriate. He denied any policy of a market crackdown and said there was no basis for interrogating investors about the source of their funds.

Dr Wagle said Nepal’s share market was more systematic and transparent than other sectors, citing a paperless system, bank‑based transactions, direct dividend deposits, a clear tax regime and a trade‑tracking system. He said the stock market was a model for digitalisation that the government plans to extend to other areas.

The minister warned that authorities would act against insider trading, manipulation and other unethical practices. He urged investors not to panic over recent declines and promised measures to strengthen the sector.

Dr Wagle said removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list was a government priority to restore the country’s international image. He added that ongoing money‑laundering investigations were based on long‑term evidence and that the government preferred economic fines for white‑collar crimes.

He said the government did not intend to take selective action against individuals or institutions and stressed support for an open but controlled economic policy.

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