Kathmandu, October 8, 2025 — Nepal’s rapid transition toward a cashless economy has been fueled by innovation, accessibility, and strong regulatory backing from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Over the past decade, platforms such as eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, Namaste Pay, and Hamro Pay have emerged as the driving forces behind the country’s digital payment transformation, reshaping how citizens transact, save, and engage with financial services.
eSewa: The Pioneer of Nepal’s Digital Payments
Founded in 2009, eSewa holds the distinction of being Nepal’s first licensed Payment Service Provider (PSP). With a vast network of agents and integrations with major banks, eSewa allows users to perform a wide range of transactions—from mobile top-ups and utility payments to government revenue transfers. Its early-mover advantage and robust ecosystem have made it a household name and the undisputed leader in Nepal’s fintech market.
Khalti: User Experience and Rewards
Launched in 2017 and now merged with IME Pay, Khalti has strengthened its market position through a blend of user-friendly design, loyalty rewards, and merchant diversity. The platform caters to both personal and business needs, offering QR-based payments, online transactions, and e-commerce API integrations. The merger has boosted its infrastructure and competitive edge in Nepal’s growing fintech landscape.
ConnectIPS: The Banking Backbone
Operated by Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL), ConnectIPS differs from wallet-based systems by linking users directly to their bank accounts. It supports real-time fund transfers, bill payments, and government transactions, providing seamless interoperability through NEPALPAY QR. ConnectIPS is widely recognized as the infrastructure backbone of Nepal’s payment ecosystem, promoting efficiency and transparency across financial institutions.
Namaste Pay: Inclusion Through Connectivity
A joint venture between Nepal Telecom and Rastriya Banijya Bank, Namaste Pay is designed to drive financial inclusion, especially in rural areas. It supports both online and offline (USSD) payments, allowing users without internet access to conduct transactions securely. The platform is part of Nepal’s national effort to bridge the digital divide and extend banking access to underserved populations.
Hamro Pay: Integrating Fintech with Everyday Life
The latest entrant, Hamro Pay, leverages the widespread reach of the Hamro Patro app to scale quickly. Its focus on accessibility, QR-based payments, and audio QR technology positions it as a user-friendly option for people of all ages and digital literacy levels. Hamro Pay is rapidly emerging as a key player in integrating fintech into everyday Nepali life.
Building a Cashless, Inclusive Future
Together, these platforms form the foundation of Nepal’s digital economy, reducing reliance on cash and enabling greater transparency and inclusion. Supported by the NRB’s regulatory framework, they are propelling the nation toward a future defined by secure, interoperable, and accessible digital payments—one transaction at a time.
