Kathmandu, Nepal - In a groundbreaking step toward promoting sustainable banking practices in Nepal, the Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA) successfully organized a pioneering Sustainable Finance Masterclass tailored exclusively for board members of its member banks. This first-of-its-kind initiative reflects the growing emphasis on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the highest levels of banking leadership.
Held against the backdrop of increasing global and national focus on sustainable finance, the Masterclass addressed the regulatory imperatives and strategic priorities that banks must embrace to ensure long-term sustainability.
In his opening remarks, NBA President Mr. Santosh Koirala underscored the association’s commitment to strengthening industry capacity through initiatives focused on sustainable finance. Highlighting the essential role of board members in steering their organizations toward responsible practices, Mr. Koirala reiterated the importance of aligning banking operations with national priorities and regulatory frameworks.
The event featured insights from two eminent professors of the Barcelona School of Management (BSM), UPF, who shared their expertise on critical aspects of sustainable finance.
Prof. Dr. Andrei Boar, Head of Business Strategy and Management at BSM, led a session on Managing Social Risk in Sustainable Finance. He emphasized the importance of identifying and mitigating social risks in banking, particularly in lending practices, and explored various frameworks banks can adopt to address these challenges.
Prof. Dr. Marcos Eguiguren Huerta, Associate Provost and Secretary General at BSM, delivered a session on Governance and Sustainable Finance. Dr. Eguiguren highlighted governance as a cornerstone of an ethically responsible financial sector. He emphasized the need for robust leadership, transparent decision-making, and accountability frameworks, noting their role in ensuring regulatory compliance, stakeholder trust, and long-term business sustainability.
The Masterclass attracted over 45 participants, including Chairpersons, Board Members, and CEOs of member banks, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s journey toward embedding sustainable finance practices at the leadership level.
This initiative sets a precedent for fostering responsible banking practices that contribute to Nepal’s sustainable development goals while ensuring the financial sector’s resilience in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
