In the post-pandemic period, the Nepalese banking sector has seen a significant drop in interest rates. In September 2021, Nepal Bank Limited (Nepal’s oldest bank) offered a 3.05% interest rate on a Normal Savings account, which has dropped to 2.75% in January 2026. Literature review shows that people invest their money in banks to earn compound interests and beat inflation. While the Nepalese economy has seen a decrease in inflation year-on-year, the Nepal Rastra Bank reported Nepal’s inflation at 2.42% in a six-month analysis ending in mid-January 2026.
Paired with increased access to digital devices and connectivity, banks’ lower interest rates have offered the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) as an alternative investment platform to beat inflation. As of February 2026, NEPSE offers a platform to buy and sell multiple securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more).
If you are thinking of stepping in the world of Nepali Stock Market, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will learn how to start trading in NEPSE.
Before we start, we would like to emphasize, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Multiple beginners join the stock market to multiply their money, which is a good attitude. However, you should be aware of the risks associated with stock exchanges.
Note: Here on, we will assume that you want to join NEPSE for trading stocks.
If you have made this far, you must have understood the risk and reward of investing or trading in NEPSE. Now, we will guide you through starting trading in NEPSE.
- Bank Account
- DEMAT Account
- C-ASBA Number
- Mero Share Account (Primary Market)
- TMS Account (Secondary Market)
If you are a guardian looking to open a trading account for your minor, please read this blog.
Bank Account
The foundational step is to open a bank account. Individuals with citizenship certificates can apply for a banking account. This will be useful to load and receive money in/from the Trading Management System.
DEMAT Account
Buying a stock is simply more than exchange of fees. Legal paperworks and documentation go behind the process. When you receive ownership of a stock, your broker facilitates the legal procedures. A DEMAT account stores these physical records of ownership in the form of digital records.
You can visit your bank to open a DEMAT account.
C-ASBA Number
C-ASBA (Centralized Application Supported by Block Amount) is an important step in the process. When you apply for IPO (Initial Public Offerings), your bank usually blocks the equivalent amount from your account until the process is executed. This means you cannot use the money but it stays in your account until you receive the ownership of the stock.
You must fill a separate form after you have opened a DEMAT account. Some banks allow you to fill both of these forms at the same time.
Mero Share Account
Mero Share processed the primary market. Investors apply for IPOs through Mero Share.
You must fill a separate form after you have opened a DEMAT account. Some banks allow you to fill both of these forms at the same time.
TMS Account
After the shares are allocated in the individual investor’s DEMAT account. The listings can be traded in the secondary market. To buy and sell shares in this market, you must have a Trading Management System account. Many banks do not offer this service. Hence, you must research before you open a broker account.
To open a broker account, you can either visit the Broker’s office or fill an online form available on your broker’s login page.
Once you have fulfilled the abovementioned five steps, you have finished the foundational steps of investing in Nepal Stock Exchange. We strongly advise that you learn the fundamentals of stock markets before investing, however.