Big changes are brewing in Nepal’s stock market, and it’s not just about numbers on a screen. For the first time in years, the reign of Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) over the stock trading platform is being challenged by a new player in town—the shiny Trading Management System (TMS) from Broker No. 36: Secured Securities. Is this the beginning of the new online brokers like the ones in India? Companies like Share Khan in the decade of 2010 and then new startups like Zerodha, Groww have changed the share market landscape in India. However, very little development on that front had happened in Nepal and the brokers were kind of compelled to use the trading management system (TMS) developed and operated by NEPSE. Like every other government developed system, the NEPSE TMS had its fair share of issues. And the call for more sophisticated stock trading systems has been around for sometime. 

And finally, this seems to be the new beginning everyone has been waiting for. Let’s dive into what’s really going on and why it matters.

The New TMS: What’s the buzz?

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is this new TMS, and why is everyone buzzing about it? Developed by DG Hub and rolled out by Secured Securities , this trading platform is designed to make life easier for everyone from casual investors to seasoned pros. Think of it as the new and improved version of NEPSE’s older, clunkier system. It’s available across desktop, web, and mobile versions, though the desktop one might take a little longer to be fully functional.

But what really sets this system apart? For starters, you can manage family transactions under one login—no more juggling passwords for multiple accounts. This is a game-changer for families who’ve been frustrated by the old system. It also makes taking out loans against shares less of a nightmare. And get this: it offers free technical analysis charts, meaning no more paying extra to track market trends.

However, while this all sounds fantastic, we can’t ignore the potential hiccups. Even Secured Securities’ Executive Chairman Santosh Mainali admits that glitches could happen—it’s technology, after all. But with competition now in the mix, NEPSE will need to step up its game, and that’s a win-win for everyone.

The Perks of the New System

So, what’s in it for brokers, the market, and you—the investor?

For brokers, the new system comes with a lower price tag than NEPSE’s, which could mean slightly better margins. But it’s not just about the cost; it’s about efficiency. Brokers will likely have fewer system crashes to deal with, which means fewer angry phone calls from investors when things go wrong.

For the market, the introduction of competition is a breath of fresh air. For too long, NEPSE had a monopoly, and that led to a lot of meh moments—system errors, delays, you name it. With Secured Securities stepping in, the market is finally getting the shake-up it needs. More competition means better services, fewer errors, and more transparency.

For investors, life just got a whole lot easier. You’ll get better tools, like those free technical analysis charts, and the family account feature is a major win. Plus, fewer headaches when dealing with loans against shares? Yes, please. The new system promises a smoother, more transparent experience, which might just tempt some hesitant investors back into the game.

How Will It Shake Up the Stock Market?

Nepal’s stock market hasn’t exactly been on fire this year. The NEPSE index has been on a downward trend, and political and economic uncertainties haven’t helped. Investors have been cautious, waiting for a reason to jump back in. Could this new TMS be that reason?

It just might be. A more user-friendly, reliable system could restore confidence, leading to more activity in the market. If people start trusting the system again, they’ll likely trade more. And when trading volumes go up, it usually means good things for the market. In the long run, this new TMS could encourage more companies to list their shares, boosting the overall market.

The timing of this launch is also interesting. With the economy facing challenges—rising inflation, and political drama—a stronger stock market could be exactly what Nepal needs to steady the ship.

Bigger Picture: How This Impacts Nepal’s Economy

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. Why does this matter for Nepal’s economy? In simple terms, a thriving stock market isn’t just good for traders—it’s good for the whole country. More trading activity means more capital flowing into businesses, which helps them grow and create jobs.

With this new TMS, companies could find it easier to raise funds through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), which could lead to more innovation and expansion. And when businesses grow, so does the economy.

Plus, when people feel more confident about their investments, they’re more likely to spend money, and that can boost consumer demand across various sectors. In short, the new TMS could help kick-start a much-needed economic boost for Nepal during these uncertain times.

The Bottom Line: A Step in the Right Direction

In the grand scheme of things, the new TMS is a big deal. It challenges NEPSE’s long-standing monopoly, offers real benefits to brokers, investors, and the market, and could help revitalize Nepal’s sluggish stock market. While it’s not a magic solution, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Of course, no system is perfect. There will be hiccups, and only time will tell how well the new TMS performs under pressure, especially on high-volume trading days. But one thing is clear: the introduction of competition is a positive development. NEPSE has had it too easy for too long, and now with Secured Securities in the game, everyone is going to have to raise their standards.

In the end, the days of NEPSE’s monopoly are over, and that’s great news for Nepal’s stock market—and its economy.