A share market literacy initiative targeting local investors has been launched in Nepalgunj with the aim of enhancing awareness and understanding of the capital market. The program was organized by the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) as part of World Investor Week under the theme of capital market literacy and investor awareness.

Speaking at the program, SEBON Director Binod Paudel said the initiative was introduced to equip investors with practical knowledge about both the primary and secondary capital markets. He noted that while most investors are attracted to the secondary market with expectations of higher returns, long-term success in the market requires patience, discipline, and informed decision-making. He added that the regulatory body is committed to facilitating investor-friendly policies and awareness programs.

Director Paudel also informed participants that Nepal’s capital market is being regulated in accordance with existing laws, regulations, and guidelines. Emphasizing the inherent risks associated with stock market investments, he urged investors to be cautious and realistic in their expectations. He clarified that while SEBON oversees market regulation, it cannot guarantee returns on investments made in the stock market.

During the interaction session, investor Jhabindra Prasad Marasini raised concerns that some listed companies have failed to distribute dividends on time, which he described as detrimental to investor confidence. He stressed the need for stronger regulatory action against such practices and called on SEBON to take firm steps against the spread of rumors and misinformation in the capital market.

Another investor, Bikash Bhattarai, expressed concern over the risks faced by investors due to what he described as insufficient regulatory vigilance. He alleged that issues such as insider trading have not received adequate attention from the regulator and urged SEBON to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The program, chaired by Tank Dhami, President of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also featured remarks from Imperial Securities Pvt. Ltd. Nepalgunj Branch Head Uday Adhikari, investor Jivan Narayan Belbase, and Chamber Secretary Arjun Ranabhat. Speakers collectively emphasized that a transparent, disciplined, and well-regulated capital market can only be achieved through coordinated efforts from regulators, market intermediaries, and investors.

As part of the awareness campaign, SEBON has already conducted share literacy programs in Banke and Bardiya districts. A similar program is scheduled to be held on Wednesday at Mahendra Multiple Campus. According to Imperial Securities Pvt. Ltd., around 20,000 investors are currently active in share trading in Nepalgunj through three brokerage offices operating in the city.