Preparation Underway to Extend NEPSE Trading Hours, Market May Open at 10 AM

Kathmandu — The Securities Board of Nepal is preparing to extend the trading hours of Nepal’s stock market. Currently, trading at the Nepal Stock Exchange operates from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, but the board has started internal preparations to open the market from 10:00 AM.According to a board official, consensus to extend the trading hours has already been reached in a meeting of the board. However, the final decision is expected to be taken after the formation of the new government. Extending the trading hours is expected to provide investors with more time for transactions and help make market activities more dynamic.At the same time, the regulator is also preparing to adopt stricter measures to control money laundering and improve market transparency, especially as Nepal remains on the international grey list. Authorities are expected to take tougher action to prevent insider trading and strengthen regulatory oversight in the capital market.In this context, the board recently took action against three brokerage firms and imposed a total fine of NPR 11 million for violating regulatory provisions. The regulator has indicated that it will continue tightening supervision to ensure a more transparent, disciplined, and trustworthy capital market.