Kathmandu, Oct 26: Nepal’s stock market is attracting millions of investors, with the number of dematerialised (demat) accounts reaching 8.098 million amid economic uncertainty and rising risks in other sectors.
Political instability, floods, landslides and rising import costs have disrupted businesses, increased production expenses and created uncertainty for investors in agriculture, livestock trading, hydropower and other industries. The stock market has emerged as an alternative for people seeking investment opportunities.
According to CDS and Clearing Limited (CDSC), 7.19 million people have registered for Mero Share, the online platform used to apply for initial public offerings (IPOs) and transfer shares. Around 5.12 million are active users. A demat account is required to hold shares electronically and participate in stock trading.
Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) lists 348 companies, with total investment valued at Rs 4.53 trillion. Most listed shares have been converted into electronic form.
Women account for 42.67 percent of demat account holders, according to figures presented by Securities Board of Nepal Chairman Gopal Prasad Bhatt at a parliamentary Finance Committee meeting in September.
Young adults make up the largest age group of investors. People aged 19 to 30 account for 30.12 percent of demat account holders, followed by those aged 41 to 60 at 25.87 percent and those aged 31 to 40 at 23.24 percent. Investors aged 18 and below represent 12.31 percent, while those aged 61 to 70 account for 5.38 percent and people above 70 make up 3.04 percent.
Bagmati Province has the largest share of demat accounts at 33.85 percent, followed by Koshi at 18.94 percent. Madhes accounts for 12.81 percent, Gandaki 12.34 percent, Lumbini 12.20 percent and Sudurpashchim 6.74 percent. Karnali has the smallest share at 3.04 percent.
Ordinary shares account for 46.26 percent of capital raised by corporate entities, while institutional debentures make up 31.03 percent. Mutual funds account for 14.81 percent, specialised investment funds 5.17 percent and preference shares 2.17 percent.
The securities board has approved 20 specialised investment funds to mobilise Rs 48.25 billion. The government collected Rs 15.61 billion in revenue from the stock market in fiscal year 2025/26.
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