Rabindra Bhakta Shrestha– Director, IJ Group
Mr. Rabindra Bhakta Shrestha is a Director in I.J. Group (formerly NE Group), a family business conglomerate based in Nepal with investments in Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Healthcare and Financial Services. I.J. Group is the JV partner in Nepal for several leading multinational companies including Unilever and Religare Group. I.J. Group is also one of the leading hospitality developers in Nepal with over 5-properties across the country with partnerships with international hospitality groups such as Marriott International and IHCL (Taj Group). Mr. Shrestha has served as a Director on the Board of several prominent companies including Unilever Nepal, United Insurance Co., and National Ice Cream Industries amongst others. Prior to joining I.J. Mr. Shrestha was a Financial Analyst at the Investment Banking Division of Citigroup in San Francisco, USA. Rabindra has a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Wharton Business School.
Sudarshan Chapagain–Vice President, Soaltee Hotel Ltd.
Mr. Chapagain is a respected finance professional renowned for his extensive experience in accountancy, finance, and hospitality management spanning over 15 years. He holds a Chartered Accountancy qualification from ICAN, Kathmandu, and a Diploma in IFRS from ACCA, London, complemented by academic achievements including an LLB and Masters in Business Studies from Tribhuvan University. Currently serving as Vice President at Soaltee Hotel Limited, Mr. Chapagain has been pivotal in the company’s strategic growth, successfully integrating four new hotels into its portfolio. His leadership has earned him accolades for overseeing award-winning finance teams and he serves on multiple company boards, illustrating his profound impact and expertise in the hospitality industry.
Anurag Goyal–President, CNIYEF
Anurag Goyal is a Nepali industrialist with expertise in trading and committed to improving living standards and national development. Active in various forums since school, he serves as an Executive Member of the Paint Manufacturers Association Nepal and CNIYEF. As Managing Director of Goyal Group Nepal, he oversees operations in banking, finance, and chemical manufacturing, and manages RCI Nerolac Paint and Reliable Wood House. He holds an MBA from William Carey University and a BBA from Symbiosis International University. His experience includes internships at Sunrise Bank and Pentasoft Computer Training Institute.
Manoj Gyawali–Dy. CEO, Nabil Bank Ltd.
Mr. Gyawali, a Chartered Accountant brings over 19 years of extensive experience in the financial sector. His career includes pivotal roles at NRB, Global IME Bank, Global IME Capital, and Jyoti Bikash Bank, where he served in senior management capacities. Currently, as Deputy CEO at Nabil Bank Ltd. for 3.8 years, he oversees HR, Finance, Recovery, Media, Contractor Business, and CSR. Alongside his corporate achievements, Manoj has taught BBA and MBA students for over 16 years at leading institutions like KUSOM, KCM, NCM, ACE, Global College, and British College. His contributions extend to leadership roles in professional associations and notable recognitions, including the Banking Leadership Award 2024 by Exito Award.
Pradyuman Pokharel– CEO, Muktinath Bikash Bank Ltd.
Pokharel is a visionary leader in the financial sector, known for his exceptional leadership and over three decades of banking experience. As the CEO of Muktinath Bikas Bank, he has driven the bank to achieve numerous awards, including the European Microfinance Award 2020. His career includes senior roles at Nabil Bank and Mega Bank, showcasing his expertise in credit, deposit, remittance, treasury, and operations. Additionally, Mr. Pokharel is the immediate past president of the Development Bankers Association Nepal and an executive member of the Management Association of Nepal. He also contributes articles on management, economics, banking, and agriculture to various publications.
Dr. Manish Thapa– CEO, Global Equity Fund
Dr. Thapa is the Founding Managing Partner and Managing Director of Global Equity Fund, Nepal’s first Private Equity and Venture Capital Fund. He is the Honorary Consul of Costa Rica in Nepal and serves on the boards of Laxmi Sunrise Bank, AITM, First Solar Developers Limited, and NIIF. He is a Visiting Research Professor at the University of Warsaw and has held prominent roles at UPEACE, Costa Rica. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Warsaw, the University of Tokyo, and the European Peace University.
Dr. Rupesh Krishna Shrestha, COO, Xuno; Professor of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Shrestha, a passionate fintech innovator, is the COO of Xuno, a US-based company specializing in cross-border payments and neo-banking. With over 20 years of experience in startup strategy and operations, he has been an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at Kathmandu University for 12 years and founded Nepal’s first business incubator. Co-founder of Idea Studio, he has mentored over 300 startups, resulting in over 100 successful businesses. Dr. Shrestha holds a PhD in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.
Deepak Raj Joshi–Former CEO, Tourism Board
Mr. Joshi is a trailblazer in global tourism leadership, renowned for his visionary initiatives and dedication to Nepal’s economic development. As a Founding Executive Member of the World Tourism Network, he fosters alternative voices in tourism across 133 countries. Deepak’s dynamic leadership as Director General of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and former CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has earned him international accolades, including the IIPT Champions in Challenge Award and recognition as the Best CEO in Asia. With academic credentials in MBA and Sociology, coupled with international training in project development and tourism promotion, Deepak is celebrated for his wit, humor, and unwavering commitment to advancing the tourism industry worldwide.
Mandip Luitel– CEO, Global IME Capital
Mr. Luitel holds an MBA in Finance from SIBM, Pune, and an Engineering degree from Kathmandu University and NTNU (Norway). Before joining Global IME Capital Limited, he was the Head of Investment Banking at Sanima Capital Limited for over 6 years. Prior to that, he was a Manager in the Structured Finance Group at ICICI Bank in Mumbai, focusing on corporate debt financing, deal structuring, and innovative financing for cross-border M&A. He also served as a Manager in the Capital Markets Group at ICICI Bank.
Subash Thapa– Dy. CEO, Private Equity, NIMB ACE Capital Ltd.
Mr. Thapa holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bath, UK. With over 15 years of experience in strategy, partnerships, economic and financial analysis, and program and operations management, he has worked in both public/development and private sectors. His roles include Management Consultant and Financial Advisor at Beed Management, Head of Business and Trade at the British Embassy Kathmandu, New Business Development at Chaudhary Group, General Manager at Moses Private Limited, and CEO at Silver Lining Private Limited.
Sachet Lal Shrestha– Director, Nilanjana Business Solutions
Mr. Shrestha is a Partner at P. L. Shrestha & Co., Chartered Accountants, and a Director at Nilanjana Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. With over 12 years of experience in consulting, taxation, auditing, and assurance across various industries, he is a qualified Chartered Accountant from ICAN and holds a Diploma in International Financial Reporting from ACCA, UK. He has deep expertise in IFRS/NFRS and has conducted numerous training on these standards and Nepalese taxation.
Ram Keshar Thapa– Asst. HR Manager, Laxmi Group
Mr. Thapa is a highly accomplished individual residing in Godawari 6, Lalitpur. He holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology, specializing in Genetic Engineering. With a passion for education, Ram completed a two-year fellowship with Teach For Nepal before joining their Recruitment and Selection team. He successfully led the team for almost six years while pursuing his Masters in Sustainable Development, focusing his research on soft skills from Kathmandu University. He was also awarded with a UGC Scholarship. Currently, as an Assistant Manager at Laxmi Group, Ram plays a vital role in leading Talent Management and Operations. He is a lifelong learner with a strong motivation to work with youths and help develop their skills, firmly believing in the profound impact it can have on their personal growth and future success.
Kripa Shrestha– CA, Kripa Shrestha and Associates
Ms. Shrestha, founder of Kripa Shrestha and Associates, Chartered Accountants. With a focus on startups, private companies, insurance, and education, she’s an expert in financial statement analysis, offering invaluable insights to her clients.
Bishaldeep Adhikari–Acting CEO, Federal Reinsurance Brokers Limited
Bishaldeep Adhikari, Acting CEO at Federal Reinsurance Brokers Limited in Kathmandu, is a distinguished professional with over six years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, and nearly three years in catastrophe modeling. Under his leadership, Federal has achieved significant milestones, including the Broker of the Year 2024 award and ISO 9001:2015 certification. With an MBA in Insurance & Banking from AMITY University, Bishaldeep has garnered several honors, such as the “Most Inquisitive Mind of the Session” at Amity and the “Pat on the Back” award from AIR Worldwide. His dedication to client relationships, quality results, and industry innovation drives his success in the field.
Bishal Kumar Agrawal– CEO, Online Securities Pvt Ltd
Mr. Agrawal is a seasoned finance professional who blends academic rigor with practical experience. A Chartered Accountant with an MBA from Symbiosis, Pune, he possesses a solid foundation in financial principles. Actively engaged in the stock market, Bishal excels in both technical and fundamental analysis, showcasing his dedication to understanding market dynamics and making informed investment decisions.
Shreyas Koirala– Founder, SMTM Capital
Mr. Koirala is the founder of SMTM Capital, a leading financial firm known for developing the widely utilized SYSTEM X and SYSTEM X LITE platforms. These innovative tools have transformed operations for investment banks and investors, showcasing Mr. Koirala’s visionary leadership in financial technology.
Sandeep Rana– Founder, Sharesansar.com
Sandeep Bikram Rana, with a Master’s in Business Studies (Finance) from Tribhuvan University, has extensive experience in academia and industry. He has taught Investment and Financial Analysis and is the Managing Director of IMS Investment Management Service (Sharesansar.com), Director at ADX Investment Services and Kasthamandap Commodity Broker, and an Executive Member of the Stock Broker Association of Nepal. He recently co-founded and became CEO of Sharepro Securities (Broker No. 65). Sandeep is known for his communication skills, creativity, analytical thinking, and interest in the financial market.
Sagun Shakya, COO, SharePro Securities Pvt. Ltd.
Sagun Shakya, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Sharepro Securities Pvt. Ltd., has a strong background in operations and management. He oversees the company’s daily activities, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Also known for his expertise in technical analysis, Sagun’s strategic vision and leadership have been key to driving the company’s growth and success in the competitive securities market.
Niraj Gorkhali, CEO – Smart Solution
Niraj Gorkhali is a seasoned leader and the driving force behind Smart Solutions Kathmandu. With over 15 years of experience, he has successfully led the company since its inception in 2005, steering it towards rapid national and international growth. His leadership is characterized by a comprehensive skill set, including deep technical expertise, innovative solution development, effective project management, and a strong focus on security and infrastructure. Niraj has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to changing market demands while specializing in IT project management, software development, insurance applications, regulatory systems, and banking applications. His solutions have been implemented by major organizations such as Metlife, Zurich Insurance, Nepal Rastra Bank, Bank of Zambia, Reserve Bank of Malawi, Standard Chartered Bank, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Bank, and other A-Class banks.