If you’ve felt overwhelmed by stock market jargon, IPO competition, or trying to figure out when to buy or sell shares — you’re not alone. But in 2025, investing doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Thanks to mutual funds, Nepalis can now grow their money consistently without trading daily or tracking market trends nonstop.
Whether you’re a student, salaried employee, entrepreneur, or housewife saving for the future — mutual funds offer accessible, diversified, and beginner-friendly investing options. This guide explains what they are, how they work in Nepal, and how you can start right away.
📘 What Is a Mutual Fund?
A mutual fund is a pooled investment — you and many others contribute money that’s managed by experts. These fund managers invest in stocks, bonds, or other securities based on clear strategies.
So instead of choosing individual stocks on your own, you’re investing in a ready-made basket — professionally managed and monitored.
Think of it like dhukuti — everyone contributes, and the money is used collectively to generate returns.
🧭 Types of Mutual Funds Available in Nepal
Nepal’s capital market offers several mutual fund categories, regulated by SEBON (Securities Board of Nepal):
1️⃣ Closed-End Mutual Funds
- Traded on NEPSE
- Has a fixed maturity (e.g., 5 or 10 years)
- NAV (Net Asset Value) updated weekly
- Examples: NIBL Pragati Fund, NIC Asia Growth Fund, NMB Sulav Fund
2️⃣ Open-End Mutual Funds
- Can be purchased or redeemed directly from the fund
- No maturity period
- NAV calculated daily
- Ideal for SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans)
While closed-end funds dominate Nepal’s mutual fund scene, open-end options are slowly growing with support from NRB’s latest monetary policy.
🧠 Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds
Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
📦 Diversification | Your money goes into a mix of stocks/bonds, reducing risk |
👩💼 Professional Management | Experts handle your investments based on market trends |
💰 Affordability | You can start with as little as Rs. 500 or Rs. 1,000 |
🔐 Safety & Regulation | Funds are regulated by SEBON and banks — adding trust |
📈 Passive Returns | No need to watch NEPSE daily or trade actively |
💵 How to Start Investing in Nepali Mutual Funds
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open a Demat account at your bank or Depository Participant (DP)
- Apply for mutual funds during initial offerings (via MeroShare or brokerage)
- For open-end funds, contact the fund manager or their bank for regular purchases
- Track fund performance via their NAV reports
- Optionally, invest monthly using SIPs — small, recurring contributions
🛑 Note: No CRN number is needed for mutual funds unless applying via MeroShare.
🔍 Key Players in Nepal’s Mutual Fund Scene (2025)
- NIBL Ace Capital — NIBL Pragati, Samriddhi Funds
- NIC Asia Capital — NIC Asia Balance & Growth Funds
- Global IME Capital — GIMES Balanced & Samriddhi Fund
- NMB Capital, Siddhartha Capital, Sunrise Capital — offer funds with varied strategies
Each fund has its investment objective, risk level, and sector focus. Choose based on your financial goal — saving for education, buying land, or retirement.
🛡️ Risks and Considerations
- Mutual funds are not risk-free — they follow market fluctuations
- Returns may vary based on economic conditions and fund type
- Read the fund prospectus before investing
- Don’t invest based on hype — choose funds that match your financial goals and risk comfort
🧠 Mutual Funds vs IPO Investing
Feature | Mutual Funds | IPO Investing |
|---|---|---|
Management | Professionally managed | You manage it yourself |
Risk Level | Lower (diversified) | Higher (individual stock) |
Effort Required | Passive | Active monitoring and decisions |
Entry Amount | Low (Rs. 500–1000) | Usually Rs. 1000+ per IPO |
Returns | Stable, long-term | Potentially high, but volatile |
For beginners, mutual funds offer a safer gateway into Nepal’s financial ecosystem.
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