Madan Shrestha
Gen-Z movement, which began on September 8, 2025 (Bhadra 23, 2082 BS), has emerged as one of the most transformative and disruptive socio-political events in the nation’s recent history. It began as a youth-led campaign demanding transparency, accountability, anti-corruption, and digital freedom have evolved into a large-scale uprising with profound implications.
I have examined the causes, consequences, and responses surrounding the Gen-Z movement, highlighting its effects on Nepal’s financial stability. Nepal’s financial system, already under pressure from slow economic recovery and political uncertainty, has faced unprecedented disruption due to the Gen-Z uprising. Initially a peaceful protest, against corruption, inequality, and digital restrictions. The movement soon escalated into widespread violence, causing significant damage to banks, businesses, and government offices. The unrest not only challenged the political establishment but also struck the very foundation of the country’s economic system.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and commercial banking data, approximately NPR 100.2 billion worth of loans were adversely affected, with over 90 percent concentrated in commercial banks. The destruction of infrastructure, including 52 branches, 73 counters, and 100 ATMs, along with the looting of NPR 50 million and 18 kilograms of gold, has paralyzed financial operations across the country.
In total, 873 projects were disrupted, causing estimated financial losses of NPR 37 billion, while around 600 borrowers faced defaults. Loan distortions due to the unrest. These disruptions reflect not only immediate physical and financial damage but also long-term challenges to investment confidence and economic stability.
Nepal’s youth, particularly Gen-Z (born after 1997) are increasingly frustrated with systemic corruption, unemployment, exploitation, and inequality. Over 22% of youth aged 15–24 remain unemployed, and 20% of the population still lives below the poverty line. The wealthiest 10% earn over three times more than the poorest 40%, intensifying the sense of exclusion.
The government’s decision to ban social media platforms triggered outrage among young citizens, who trust digital spaces for activism, employment, and self-expression. The subsequent parliamentary dissolution and leadership crisis deepened public anger, fueling the nationwide protests. Similar youth-led movements have been seen globally, for instance, in Kenya (2024) and Thailand (2022) where young people protested against corruption and digital censorship.
Impacts on the Banking Sector:
The consequences for Nepal’s banking sector have been both physical and structural. Various branches, counters, and ATMs are destroyed, halting key banking operations and cash withdrawals in many cities. High-value projects suffered disproportionately, as most affected borrowers are large-scale industries with loans exceeding NPR 10 million.
Likewise, both domestic and foreign investors have been discouraged, threatening future foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Banks must now allocate significant resources to rebuild infrastructure, increase insurance coverage, and enhance security measures. It is estimated that the total collateral and economic loss could reach NPR 3 trillion, including damages to tourism, retail, and private industries.
NRB’s Policy responded:
Nepal Rastra Bank introduced several relief and recovery measures. Borrowers directly affected by the unrest can restructure or reschedule their loans. Two percent interest rate subsidy has been provided for large-scale borrowers whose projects were fully damaged.
Owners of damaged vehicles can now obtain loans up to 80% of their vehicle’s appraised value. These actions represent NRB’s effort to stabilize the banking sector, support affected borrowers and rebuild financial trust to maintain balance.
Strategic Precautions for the Future:
The Gen-Z uprising revealed deep cracks in economic governance and financial resilience. To prevent similar disruptions, several strategic steps are essential. Must enhance physical and digital security, strengthen bank infrastructure and digital banking systems to withstand crises. Expand reliable mobile banking and online banking platforms, which were crucial lifelines during the unrest.
Financial institutions should build public trust, promote transparency, fair governance, and accountability in financial institutions. Bank should develop loan schemes for young entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs, emphasizing collateral-free financing. Each and every financial institution must encourage partnerships among the government, NRB, and private banks to support economic recovery and social stability.
Financial institutions must adopt a multi-layered strategy that addresses both immediate vulnerabilities and underlying systemic issues. Proactive and meaningful engagement with youth representatives, civil society, and business communities can help banks better understand emerging concerns. The banking sector has a crucial role to play in facilitating the development of a more diversified economic base by strategically allocating credit to productive sectors with strong employment potential and future growth prospects.
Gen-Z uprising in Nepal is more than a political movement. It represents a generational call for reform and accountability. While the immediate effects on the banking sector are severe, the crisis also provides an opportunity for introspection and systemic reform. Nepal’s path to recovery depends on rebuilding trust, ensuring transparency, and integrating its dynamic youth into the country’s economic and political framework.
If the government and financial institutions can engage constructively with Gen-Z demands, the same energy that once fueled unrest could become a powerful force for economic renewal and democratic strengthening.
Students at Nepal Open University
