Nepal’s Stock Market in Numbers: 81 Lakh Demat Accounts, but Only 35.62 Lakh Broker Accounts

Nepal’s Stock Market Has 81 Lakh Demat Accounts, but Only 35.62 Lakh Broker Accounts

Nepal’s capital market has expanded significantly in terms of investor participation, but the latest regulatory data highlights an important difference between opening a Demat account and actively participating in the secondary share market.

According to information presented by the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Nepal had approximately 80.95 lakh Demat accounts, while the number of broker trading accounts stood at 35.62 lakh at the end of fiscal year 2082/83.

The figures highlight the growing reach of Nepal’s stock market, alongside the challenges of expanding secondary-market participation, improving market infrastructure and strengthening investor confidence.

The data also provides insight into the changing structure of Nepal’s capital market, including the growth of debt instruments, specialized investment funds and the need for technological and regulatory reforms.

1. Nepal Has More Than 80 Lakh Demat Accounts

Nepal’s Demat account base has reached a substantial level compared with the country's population.

According to the figures presented by SEBON, the country had approximately 80.95 lakh Demat accounts as of Ashoj 13, 2083. Nepal’s 2021 national census recorded a population of 2,91,64,578.

Comparing these figures, the number of Demat accounts is equivalent to approximately 27.75% of the census population.

However, this percentage should not be interpreted as the proportion of individual citizens who invest in shares. One person may hold multiple Demat accounts, and an account does not necessarily indicate active investment.

The growth of Demat accounts nevertheless demonstrates the widespread reach of Nepal’s primary share market, particularly through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

2. The Gap Between Demat Accounts and Broker Trading Accounts

One of the most notable findings in the SEBON data is the difference between Demat accounts and broker trading accounts.

The reported figures show:

• Demat accounts: 80.95 lakh, as of Ashoj 13, 2083.

• Meroshare accounts: 51.22 lakh, as of Ashoj 13, 2083.

• Broker trading accounts: 35.62 lakh, as of the end of fiscal year 2082/83.

Based on these figures, broker accounts represent approximately 44% of the Demat account count. The numerical difference is 45.33 lakh accounts.

This does not necessarily mean that 45.33 lakh individual investors have never traded. The figures relate to accounts rather than verified, unique individuals, and the reporting dates are not identical.

Still, the gap highlights an important issue: participation in IPOs and participation in the secondary market are two different activities.

For Nepal’s capital market to deepen, investors need accessible trading systems, reliable information, financial literacy and confidence in market institutions.

3. Why Are Many Investors Still Outside the Secondary Market?

Opening a Demat account is often the first step for a new investor. Many people enter the market to apply for IPOs, but not everyone proceeds to buy and sell listed shares through a broker.

Several factors may influence this pattern.

Limited knowledge of secondary-market trading

New investors may understand how to apply for an IPO but have limited knowledge of TMS, order placement, market depth, settlement and risk management.

Concerns about market volatility

Share prices can rise or fall sharply. Investors without a clear strategy may hesitate to enter the secondary market, particularly during periods of uncertainty.

Lack of fundamental and technical analysis skills

Understanding company earnings, net worth, valuation, price trends, volume and support and resistance levels can help investors make more informed decisions.

Confidence in market infrastructure

Reliable trading systems, transparent regulation, effective supervision and timely disclosures are important for encouraging broader participation.

Investor education can help address knowledge gaps, but it cannot eliminate market risk or guarantee profits.

Those interested in learning the basics can explore share market training in Nepal  and develop a structured understanding of the NEPSE market.

4. Ordinary Shares Account for Less Than Half of Primary-Market Capital

The SEBON data also highlights the diversity of financial instruments used to raise capital in Nepal.

According to the reported breakdown, ordinary shares accounted for 46.26% of total capital raised through the primary market. Debentures, mutual funds, specialized investment funds and preference shares made up the remainder.

The figures indicate that Nepal’s capital market extends beyond ordinary equity shares.

Debentures provide a debt-based funding mechanism, while mutual funds and specialized investment funds offer different structures for pooling and managing investments.

The expansion of these instruments may provide companies with additional funding options and give investors access to a wider range of financial products. However, each instrument has its own risk, return and liquidity characteristics.

5. Rs. 79.73 Billion in Capital Mobilization Approved in FY 2082/83

SEBON’s presentation reported that 52 institutions received approval to mobilize approximately Rs. 79.73 billion through shares, debentures and rights shares during fiscal year 2082/83.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2083/84, through the end of Ashoj, four institutions received approval to mobilize approximately Rs. 4.60 billion.

These approvals illustrate the role of Nepal’s capital market in connecting businesses with investors.

Capital raised through the securities market can support business expansion, infrastructure development and other corporate funding requirements. The actual economic impact depends on how effectively the funds are used.

Specialized investment funds gain attention

The presentation also reported approval for 20 specialized investment funds, including private equity and venture capital structures, with a combined capital-mobilization amount of Rs. 48.25 billion.

Such funds can provide financing to businesses that may not rely exclusively on conventional bank loans.

Their long-term contribution will depend on investment quality, governance, transparency and the development of suitable exit opportunities.

6. NEPSE Market Capitalization Reaches Rs. 44.78 Trillion

As of Ashoj 13, 2083, the NEPSE Index stood at 2,603.71 points, while total stock-market capitalization was reported at approximately Rs. 44.78 trillion.

The presentation compared this market capitalization with Nepal’s reported GDP of approximately Rs. 67 trillion, producing a market-capitalization-to-GDP ratio of around 66.84%.

This comparison provides a broad indication of the stock market’s size relative to the national economy.

However, market capitalization is not the same as the amount of money invested in the market, the value of annual transactions or the amount of capital available to businesses. Share prices can change the market’s total valuation without an equivalent flow of new funds.

For investors, market capitalization is one measure of market scale—not a standalone indicator of whether share prices are undervalued or overvalued.

7. Capital Market Contributes Rs. 15.61 Billion in Government Revenue

The capital market also contributes to government revenue through capital gains tax and other related fees.

According to the reported figures, the government collected approximately Rs. 15.61 billion from the capital market during fiscal year 2082/83.

In the first two months of fiscal year 2083/84, collections were reported at approximately Rs. 1.54 billion through the end of Bhadra.

These figures demonstrate that securities-market activity can contribute to public revenue. However, tax collections fluctuate with transaction activity, realized gains, applicable tax rules and other factors.

The reported two-month collection should therefore not be directly compared with the full-year figure without accounting for the difference in reporting periods.

8. SEBON Highlights Regulatory and Technological Reforms

The Finance Committee presentation also addressed challenges involving trading technology, cybersecurity, market governance and the structure of market institutions.

The proposed reform measures described in the report include:

• Developing and refining regulatory policies and draft guidelines.

• Strengthening the institutional structure of stockbrokers.

• Improving NEPSE’s trading systems, order management and governance.

• Developing CDSC’s role as a Central Counterparty (CCP).

• Preparing infrastructure for potential products and mechanisms such as intraday trading, short selling and derivatives.

These measures were presented as part of a broader capital-market reform agenda. Their implementation, timing and final regulatory provisions will depend on the relevant approval and operational processes.

For investors, the practical implications will depend on how reforms affect market transparency, transaction costs, settlement reliability, liquidity and risk management.

9. What Does This Mean for NEPSE Investors?

The data presents two related developments: Nepal’s investor-account base has expanded, and the market is exploring a broader range of financial instruments and structural reforms.

At the same time, account numbers alone do not reveal how many investors trade regularly, how much capital they invest or how well their portfolios perform.

Investors should therefore focus on developing their own understanding of the market rather than treating account growth or market capitalization as automatic signals to buy shares.

A disciplined approach includes:

1. Studying company fundamentals, including earnings, net worth, debt and valuation.

2. Using technical analysis to understand price trends, volume and key levels.

3. Reviewing company disclosures and regulatory announcements.

4. Managing position sizes and avoiding excessive concentration.

5. Understanding liquidity, transaction costs and downside risk.

6. Separating long-term investment decisions from short-term trading strategies.

For practical learning, visit NEPSE analysis and technical training  or explore Sarbaguna’s complete share market learning course in Nepal .

10. Learn Stock Market and Forex Trading in Nepal with Sarbaguna

Understanding financial markets requires more than following daily price movements. Investors and aspiring traders need a working knowledge of market structure, analysis, trading discipline and risk management.

Sarbaguna provides learning resources for people interested in Nepal’s share market, NEPSE technical analysis and Forex trading.

Share market training in Nepal

Learn about IPOs, TMS, fundamental analysis, technical indicators, chart patterns, market trends and portfolio risk management.

Explore: Share Market Training Course in Nepal 

Forex trading course in Nepal

For learners interested in currency markets, Sarbaguna also offers a Forex Trading Course in Nepal .

Forex trading involves substantial risk, particularly when leverage is used. Before participating, learners should understand the applicable laws and regulations, trading costs, leverage and the possibility of losing their capital. Training does not guarantee trading profits.

For information about Sarbaguna’s educational services, contact Deep Thapa.

Conclusion: A Growing Market Still Needs Deeper Participation

SEBON’s presentation to the Parliamentary Finance Committee provides a snapshot of Nepal’s expanding capital market. The country has 80.95 lakh Demat accounts, while the reported number of broker trading accounts is 35.62 lakh.

The difference highlights why account growth should be considered alongside active participation, investor education, market infrastructure and regulatory development.

The figures on capital mobilization, financial instruments, market capitalization and government revenue also show the multiple roles played by Nepal’s securities market.

For investors, the central lesson is to understand how the market works, assess risks carefully and make decisions based on research rather than account statistics or market headlines alone.

Source: Merolagani — SEBON data presented to the Parliamentary Finance Committee, published October 1, 2026 . Figures and policy proposals are reported as presented in the source article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many Demat accounts are there in Nepal?

According to figures presented by SEBON to the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Nepal had approximately 80.95 lakh Demat accounts as of Ashoj 13, 2083.

2. How many broker trading accounts are there in Nepal?

The reported number of broker trading accounts was 35.62 lakh at the end of fiscal year 2082/83.

3. What is the difference between a Demat account and a broker account?

A Demat account holds securities electronically. A broker trading account allows an investor to place buy and sell orders in the secondary market through a licensed broker.

4. Does having a Demat account mean someone actively invests in NEPSE?

No. A Demat account does not necessarily indicate active trading. Some account holders may only apply for IPOs, hold securities or maintain an inactive account. Multiple accounts may also belong to one individual.

5. What was Nepal’s stock-market capitalization in October 2026?

The SEBON figures cited in the report put NEPSE’s total market capitalization at approximately Rs. 44.78 trillion as of Ashoj 13, 2083.

6. What is the role of SEBON in Nepal’s capital market?

The Securities Board of Nepal regulates the securities market, oversees market participants and works on investor protection, disclosure standards and capital-market development.

7. Where can I learn share market trading in Nepal?

You can explore Sarbaguna’s share market training course  for learning resources covering NEPSE, technical analysis and fundamental analysis.

8. Does Sarbaguna offer a Forex trading course in Nepal?

Yes. Visit the Professional Forex Trading Course in Nepal  page for course information. Forex trading carries significant risk, and education does not guarantee profits.