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Reclaiming the "Means": Financial Inclusion as a Catalyst for Holistic Empowerment in Rural Nepal – A Practice Case Study

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This paper presents a compelling practice case study from rural Nepal, illustrating how a targeted financial inclusion initiative, centered on providing access to micro-credit for electric auto-rickshaws, has served as a powerful "means" to holistic socio-economic empowerment for marginalized populations. Moving beyond a narrow focus on digital tools or microfinance as ends in themselves, our findings underscore the transformative potential of thoughtfully designed financial interventions in addressing multi-faceted exclusion and fostering sustainable development. Helping you enter the digital age. Handing over QRs to Riksaw Owners of Biratnagar. All city Riksaws are financed by SBL to promote micro,small & mediums scale entreprises (MSME), poor and economically marginalized peoples to upscale their economic life, to generate employment and we are trying to create access to finance to needy society Socioeconomic Impacts of Financial Inclusion: A Grassroots Perspective Our...

The Imperative of Digitalization in the Banking Sector: A Professional and Banker's In-depth Analysis

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  In the financial landscape of the 21st century, digitalization has become not just an option but a matter of survival for both banks and bankers. It is not merely about technological advancement but a revolutionary restructuring of overall banking operations, customer service, risk management, and business strategy. The leap from traditional physical banking systems to the cutting-edge digital era holds profound strategic importance, which is detailed in the following points: 1. Elimination of the Need for Physical Account Opening: There was a time when customers had to physically visit a bank branch, wait in long queues, and complete extensive paperwork to open an account. However, digitalization has completely transformed this practice. Now, customers can easily open an account from home or through any other digital medium. Banks have provided facilities to open new accounts via online portals or mobile banking apps, which saves significant customer time and leads to a substant...

🇨🇳 चीनका अँध्यारा कारखाना: एआईको प्रयोगले उत्पादनमा ल्याएको ठूलो क्रान्ति

🌑 अँध्यारा कारखाना भनेको के हो? अँध्यारा कारखाना (Dark Factory) भन्नाले त्यस्तो पूर्ण रूपमा स्वचालित कारखानालाई जनाइन्छ जसमा कुनै पनि मानव कामदार हुँदैन र उज्यालो प्रकाशको आवश्यकतासमेत पर्दैन। यस्ता कारखानाहरूमा कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (AI), रोबोटिक्स र इन्टरनेट अफ थिंग्स (IoT) प्रविधिको प्रयोग हुन्छ। 🎯 मुख्य विशेषता: मानव काम बिना उत्पादन बिजुलीको बत्ती नबले पनि चल्ने रोबोट र यन्त्रहरूले उत्पादनमा पूर्ण नियन्त्रण २४ सै घण्टा काम उदाहरण: चीनको ग्वाङ्झाउ क्षेत्रमा रहेको एउटा स्मार्टफोनको कम्पोनेन्ट बनाउने कारखानामा जम्मा ३ जना मानिस छन् — ती पनि प्रविधि हेर्ने प्राविधिक मात्र। बाँकी सबै काम रोबोटहरूले गर्छन्।   🤖 कसरी काम गर्छन् यस्ता कारखानाहरू? AI र रोबोटिक्स : उत्पादनको प्रत्येक चरण — डिजाइन, निर्माण, जाँच, प्याकेजिङ — सब रोबोटले गर्छ। IoT प्रणाली : हरेक मेसिन इन्टरनेटमार्फत जोडिएका हुन्छन्। एकअर्कासँग सिधै कुरा गरेर काम बाँडफाँट गर्छन्। २४/७ काम गर्ने क्षमता : रोबोट सुत्न, खाजा खान या शिफ्ट परिवर्तन गर्न पर्दैन। बिना रोकटोक काम हुन्छ। नेपाली सन्दर्भ: यदि नेप...

The Global Gold Rush: Is It a Safe Bet for Nepali Investors?

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By Surya Prasad Sharma – Experienced Banker & Financial Expert Posted: April 2025 Introduction As a banker with nearly two decades of experience in Nepal’s financial sector, I’ve witnessed how economic shifts influence investment choices. Recently, the world has seen an unprecedented surge in gold prices, capturing the attention of investors globally—and here in Nepal too. Last week, gold prices in Nepal hit a remarkable NPR 1,80,300 per tola, sparking debates about its value as a safe investment. Let’s dive into this trend, explore its implications, and assess whether gold remains a risk-free option for Nepalis like The Global Gold Boom Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, from ancient kingdoms to modern economies. Today, its price has soared to over $3,125 per ounce internationally, driven by global uncertainties—geopolitical tensions, trade wars, and inflationary pressures. Historical data shows gold’s value has climbed from a modest $4.25 per ounce in 1717 to this historic hi...

Situational Leadership Training in Malaysia: Insights from a Transformative Experience

I, along with four branch managers from Siddhartha Bank Limited, had the privilege of participating in a four-day Situational Leadership training program in Malaysia. Held from August 19 to August 22, 2024, at the Wyndham Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, this opportunity was a remarkable blend of knowledge-sharing and professional growth. The program, enriched by the trainer’s expertise in AI, data analytics, machine learning, big data, and the paradigm shift of technology in daily life, offered practical insights that resonate deeply with my role in banking. Below, I share my key takeaways and reflections, aiming to inspire fellow leaders navigating today’s dynamic landscape. The Setting: Kuala Lumpur and the Program Kuala Lumpur, with its vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, provided an ideal backdrop for this training. The Wyndham Hotel’s sophisticated ambiance set the stage for an immersive experience. Organized for Siddhartha Bank’s leadership team, the program stood out for its relevanc...