Kathmandu, Aug. 16 -- Nepalis living abroad will soon be able to invest directly in Nepal-based companies through foreign-currency initial public offerings, as the government moves to create a new channel for mobilising diaspora capital.

The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has amended the Securities Registration and Issue Regulations, 2016, to allow companies jointly established by the government and non-resident Nepalis to raise up to 85 percent of their paid-up capital through public share issues.

The amended regulations have been forwarded to the finance ministry and are awaiting formal approval from the Cabinet, according to ministry officials.

Once endorsed, the provision will allow Nepalis living and working abroad to invest in...