Praveen Regmi appointed new CEO of Khalti as Binay Khadka steps down after four-year tenure

KATHMANDU: In a major leadership transition within Nepal’s fintech industry, Vinay Khadka has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IME Khalti following the completion of his four-year tenure. At the same time, the company has appointed senior digital payments leader Praveen Regmi as the new CEO, marking a strategic shift as the mobile wallet aims for stronger operations, sharper priorities, and sustainable long-term growth.

Khadka, who became CEO at just 27, exits after leading Khalti through a rapid phase of expansion and transformation. His tenure saw one of Nepal’s biggest fintech consolidations—the merger of Khalti and IME Pay—after which the unified entity emerged as the country’s largest mobile wallet based on paid-up capital.

Confirming his departure, Khadka said he would continue contributing to the fintech sector.
“My tenure ended yesterday, so I have stepped down from Khalti,” he told Techpana. “I have some personal aspirations. I will continue working in the fintech sector. I am already preparing for the next phase.”

Praveen Regmi Takes Charge as New CEO

Khalti’s parent organization has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Praveen Regmi as its new Chief Executive Officer—an announcement that signals renewed focus on operational discipline, strategic clarity, and stability across Nepal’s evolving digital payments landscape.

In an official communication, the company stated, “We are pleased to share the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Praveen Regmi. This marks an important step for our organization as we focus on stronger operations, clear priorities, and steady growth.”

Regmi brings a substantial leadership portfolio to the role:

Former CEO of IME Digital Solution Ltd. where he helped shape the company’s vision and technical direction.

Board Member after the Khalti–IME Pay merger, playing a key role in harmonizing strategy and governance.

Founding President of the PSP Association Nepal, where he strengthened coordination among payment service providers and supported policy dialogues with regulators.

Industry insiders view Regmi’s appointment as a stabilizing move at a pivotal moment for Nepal’s digital payments sector, which is undergoing rapid expansion driven by QR adoption, e-commerce transactions, digital banking integration, and Nepal Rastra Bank’s increasing emphasis on secure and innovative payment infrastructure.

A Transition That Could Shape Nepal’s Fintech Trajectory

As competition intensifies among PSPs, PSOs, mobile wallets, and digital banking platforms, Khalti’s leadership change is expected to influence market dynamics—particularly in customer acquisition, merchant network growth, and product innovation.

Regmi’s arrival aligns with the company’s goal of strengthening governance and operational execution, while Khadka’s continued presence in the broader fintech ecosystem hints at new ventures, innovations, or collaborations ahead.

The organization added:
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With Nepal’s fintech sector entering a new phase driven by regulatory reforms, rising digital adoption, and increased investor interest, the dual developments—Khadka’s exit and Regmi’s elevation—represent the beginning of a new chapter for one of the country’s most influential digital payment companies.