Shark Hem Raj Dhakal is a first-generation serial entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on Nepal’s economic landscape. As the co-founder of the IME Conglomerate, alongside his brother Chandra Prasad Dhakal, he played a transformative role in institutionalizing Nepal’s remittance business—streamlining the way millions of Nepali migrant workers in the Middle East and Malaysia send money back home efficiently and affordably. The extensive network of IME payout locations has greatly enhanced financial access across the country.

With a sharp business acumen and forward-thinking mindset, Dhakal has been instrumental in driving the dynamic growth of the IME Group, which today encompasses companies in banking, remittance, digital finance, IT, trading, energy, tourism, automobiles, insurance, communications, and infotainment. The group has created over 13,850 jobs, including more than 3,850 direct and 10,000 indirect positions, significantly contributing to Nepal’s employment sector.

Dhakal spent over 15 years in Malaysia, expanding IME’s footprint across international markets. He successfully established financial institutions in Malaysia, the UK, the USA, and Japan, and led high-profile mergers and acquisitions, including partnerships with companies listed on the NASDAQ Fortune 500.

Born on November 24, 1975, in Baglung, Nepal, he completed his early education locally before moving to Kathmandu. He holds a Master’s in Business Studies from Tribhuvan University and completed the Entrepreneurial Master’s Program (EMP) at MIT. He also attended the London Business School Growth Forum and completed the Owner/President Management (OPM) program at Harvard Business School.

Beyond business, Dhakal is a passionate reader and tennis enthusiast. He is the President of the Nepal-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) National Council, and an executive member of Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI). For his contributions, he received the Suprabal Janasewashree (Third) from the Government of Nepal.

Committed to social entrepreneurship, Dhakal co-founded the IME Foundation in 2009 and has supported startups like SastoDeal and Fusemachines, aligning with IME’s slogan, Pioneering Spirit, to foster innovation and youth empowerment in Nepal.