Nepal’s demat accounts cross 8 million as younger investors lead participation

Kathmandu, October 26, 2026 — Nepal’s securities market has recorded 8.098 million demat accounts, with people aged 19 to 30 forming the largest age group among account holders, according to data from CDS and Clearing Limited (CDSC).

The figures show the scale of participation in Nepal’s securities market, where a demat account is required to apply for shares and trade in the secondary market. CDSC, established in 2010 under the ownership of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), provides central securities depository and settlement services.

Of the total demat accounts, 30.12 percent belong to people aged 19 to 30. Those aged 41 to 60 account for 25.87 percent, while the 31–40 age group represents 23.24 percent.

People aged up to 18 make up 12.31 percent of account holders. The shares of those aged 61 to 70 and above 70 stand at 5.38 percent and 3.04 percent, respectively.

Women account for 42.67 percent of demat account holders. Securities Board of Nepal Chairman Gopal Prasad Bhatt presented the same figure at a meeting of the Federal Parliament’s Finance Committee on the capital market in September.

Digital access to share-related services is also reflected in Mero Share registration figures. The platform has 7,188,998 registered users, of whom 5,123,000 are active. It is used to apply for initial public offerings (IPOs) and transfer shares. Investors without access to Mero Share must visit banks to submit IPO applications.