Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s digital payment sector is set for a historic transformation as IME Digital Solution Limited (IME Pay) and Khalti Private Limited (Khalti) announced their merger, effective July 20, 2025. The integrated entity, named IME Khalti Limited, will operate under the Khalti brand, marking the first-ever consolidation of two major digital wallet platforms in Nepal. The merger, approved by regulatory authorities, will see all assets, liabilities, and payment operations of both companies unified under the new entity, with its headquarters in Panipokhari, Kathmandu.
The merger aims to expand digital payment access, particularly in rural areas, aligning with the Nepal Rastra Bank’s financial inclusion goals. With a combined user base exceeding 5 million, IME Khalti Limited is poised to dominate Nepal’s digital payment market. The company plans to introduce innovative features, including global remittance services, bank account opening facilities, Visa card issuance, and loan services, enhancing convenience for users.
Currently, IME Pay has a paid-up capital of NPR 300 million, while Khalti’s stands at NPR 50 million. IME Pay, licensed on June 20, 2017, is backed by the IME Group, while Khalti, licensed on April 15, 2019, is supported by investors including Amit Agrawal, Dhruba Adhikari, Arvind Shah, and Manish Modi.
This strategic consolidation is expected to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery, positioning Nepal as a growing hub for digital finance in South Asia. With over 80% of transactions in Nepal still cash-based, according to NRB data, the merger could accelerate the shift toward a cashless economy, fostering economic growth and financial accessibility.
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