What the lock-in rule means, how long it lasts, and real expiry announcements from the news.
When a company issues an IPO to the public in Nepal, the shares held by promoters are "locked" — restricted from being sold or transferred on NEPSE for a fixed period after allotment. This protects public investors by keeping major shareholders committed rather than letting them exit immediately after listing.
How long does it last?
- Most sectors (hydropower, investment, manufacturing & processing, hotels): 3 years from the date of IPO allotment to the general public.
- Hydropower companies specifically: many IPO prospectuses count the 3 years from the listing date instead of allotment — check the individual prospectus.
- Banks and financial institutions: the lock-in runs from the date the institution commences operations, not from allotment or listing.
The exact rule for any single company is set by its own SEBON-approved prospectus, which can override the general default.
How it's enforced
CDS and Clearing Limited (CDSC), the central depository, places a digital restriction flag on locked-in shares. Any attempted transfer — sale, gift, pledge, or otherwise — is automatically blocked while the flag is active, with SEBON penalties for violations.
What happens when it opens
Once the lock-in period ends, CDSC removes the restriction and the shares become freely tradable like any other share. Listed companies are required to publicly announce the expiry date at least 30 days in advance. A large block of shares becoming tradable at once can noticeably affect trading volume and price around the unlock date.
Mathillo Mailun Khola Jalvidhyut Announces Conclusion of Lock-in Period for Promoters Local Residents of the Project Affected Area And Employees Shares on Kartik 02[ShareSansar] 2026-09-09 11:30
Mathillo Mailun Khola Jalvidhyut announced that the lock‑in period for shares held by promoters, local residents of the project‑affected area, and employees ends on Kartik 02.
Sonapur Minerals and Oil Limited Announces Conclusion of Lock-in Period for Promoters and Employee Shares on Ashwin 23[ShareSansar] 2026-09-07 07:21
Sonapur Minerals and Oil Limited announced that the lock‑in period for its promoters' and employees' shares will end on Ashwin 23.
Lock-in Period of 1,11,000 Units of Shikhar Power Development Limited Shares Held by Mutual Funds to Expire on 2nd Ashwin[ShareSansar] 2026-09-01 10:10
Mutual funds' lock‑in period for 111,000 shares of Shikhar Power Development Limited will end on 2nd Ashwin.
Mid Solu Hydropower Announces Conclusion of Lock-in Period for Promoters Local Residents of the Project Affected Area And Employees Shares on Ashwin 10[ShareSansar] 2026-08-18 20:48
Mid Solu Hydropower announced that the lock‑in period for shares held by promoters, local residents of the project‑affected area, and employees has ended as of Ashwin 10.
Hathway Investment Nepal Limited Announces Conclusion of Lock-in Period for Promoters and Employee Shares on Ashwin 02[ShareSansar] 2026-08-16 16:36
Hathway Investment Nepal Limited has announced the end of the lock-in period for its promoters and employee shares, allowing them to sell their shares in the market. This move is expected to increase the liquidity of the company's shares.