Nepal Faces Global Scrutiny on Money Laundering
Daily Monitor
September 22, 2026
Nepal Faces Global Scrutiny on Money Laundering
Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has revealed that the international community is closely monitoring the nation’s efforts to combat money laundering, as the government pushes for legal reforms to address this critical challenge.
Nepal finds itself under the microscope of the global community as concerns over money laundering and financial transparency intensify. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, addressing the House of Representatives, disclosed that international stakeholders are meticulously observing Nepal’s efforts to combat illicit financial activities. He emphasized the urgency of legal reforms, highlighting the government’s commitment to removing the ‘black mark’ that has tainted the nation’s reputation.
During the parliamentary discussion on the ‘Money Laundering Prevention (Third Amendment) Bill, 2083,’ Minister Wagle outlined the steps being taken to align Nepal’s financial practices with global standards. The bill, which was unanimously approved, aims to strengthen the legal framework to curb unlawful wealth accumulation and ensure impartial investigations. Minister Wagle assured lawmakers that investigations would not be conducted selectively or driven by political motives, underscoring the government’s dedication to fairness and transparency.
The minister also addressed Nepal’s aviation sector, which remains on the European Commission’s ‘blacklist.’ He noted that relevant authorities are actively working to rectify this situation, emphasizing the importance of effective implementation of existing laws and policies. This dual focus on financial and aviation reforms reflects Nepal’s broader strategy to rebuild international trust and credibility.
Lawmakers participating in the discussion, including Bishwaraj Pokharel, Bidushi Rana, and Parasmani Gelal, stressed the need for stringent legal measures to combat illegal wealth accumulation. They called for unbiased investigations into those amassing disproportionate assets and urged the government to expedite efforts to remove Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force’s ‘grey list.’
The unanimous approval of the amendment bill marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s fight against financial crimes. By addressing both domestic and international concerns, the government aims to position Nepal as a responsible and transparent member of the global financial community. However, the road ahead remains challenging, requiring sustained political will and robust enforcement mechanisms.
During the parliamentary discussion on the ‘Money Laundering Prevention (Third Amendment) Bill, 2083,’ Minister Wagle outlined the steps being taken to align Nepal’s financial practices with global standards. The bill, which was unanimously approved, aims to strengthen the legal framework to curb unlawful wealth accumulation and ensure impartial investigations. Minister Wagle assured lawmakers that investigations would not be conducted selectively or driven by political motives, underscoring the government’s dedication to fairness and transparency.
The minister also addressed Nepal’s aviation sector, which remains on the European Commission’s ‘blacklist.’ He noted that relevant authorities are actively working to rectify this situation, emphasizing the importance of effective implementation of existing laws and policies. This dual focus on financial and aviation reforms reflects Nepal’s broader strategy to rebuild international trust and credibility.
Lawmakers participating in the discussion, including Bishwaraj Pokharel, Bidushi Rana, and Parasmani Gelal, stressed the need for stringent legal measures to combat illegal wealth accumulation. They called for unbiased investigations into those amassing disproportionate assets and urged the government to expedite efforts to remove Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force’s ‘grey list.’
The unanimous approval of the amendment bill marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s fight against financial crimes. By addressing both domestic and international concerns, the government aims to position Nepal as a responsible and transparent member of the global financial community. However, the road ahead remains challenging, requiring sustained political will and robust enforcement mechanisms.
Drafted & Edited by Investigative Desk | AboMatrix