Nepal Rastra Bank Takes Over Leadership of South Asia Region Financial Inclusion Initiative

Nepal Rastra Bank has taken over the leadership of the South Asia Region Financial Inclusion Initiative (SARFII). Governor Mahaprasad Adhikari has been elected as the new chairman of SARFII during the ongoing 'Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) Global Policy Forum in San Salvador. The transfer of leadership occurred during the '5th SARFII Leaders Roundtable,' with Adhikari participating virtually.

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been elected as the vice chairman. Previously, SARFII was led by the Maldives Monetary Authority, and Governor Adhikari served as vice-chairman. Established in September 2022, SARFII aims to facilitate regional knowledge sharing, capacity building, and implementation of best practices for financial inclusion among central banks in South Asia, including those from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.