IME Pay and Khalti merge to launch unified service ‘Khalti by IME’; becomes Nepal’s largest digital wallet

KATHMANDU: Two of Nepal’s leading digital payment platforms, IME Pay and Khalti, officially launched their merged unified service under the name “Khalti by IME” from Shrawan 1 (July 16, 2025). With a combined user base of over 12.7 million, this merger positions “Khalti by IME” as the largest digital wallet in Nepal, boasting a paid-up capital exceeding NPR 540 million.

The merger, executed through the establishment of IME Khalti Limited, marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s digital financial sector and is expected to accelerate the growth of Nepal’s digital economy. According to the company, the newly unified wallet combines the best features of both platforms, making digital transactions simpler, faster, and more secure for users across the country.

IME Pay, known for its interest-bearing wallet and remittance services, and Khalti, popular among youth for movie bookings, event ticketing, and innovative features, had independently served the market for nearly a decade. Their merger brings enhanced service delivery, streamlined integration, and broader financial reach under one umbrella.

Seamless Migration and Upgrades

Existing IME Pay users can migrate to the new Khalti by IME platform, transferring their wallet balances, interest, reward points, and full account details. Meanwhile, current Khalti users simply need to update their app to access the unified service experience.

Industry Leadership and Stakeholders

IME Pay operated under the IME Group, a prominent business house in Nepal. On the other hand, Khalti was originally established by four co-founders, and later attracted corporate investors such as WorldLink and Triveni Group.

Speaking at the launch, Krishna Prasad Sharma, Chairperson of IME Digital Solutions, said the formation of IME Khalti Limited is a transformative step and would help take the vision of Digital Nepal to new heights.

Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Chairperson of Khalti, called the merger a historic move for Nepal’s fintech sector, emphasizing that IME Khalti Limited will usher in a new era of nationwide financial access.

The company’s CEO, Binay Khadka, highlighted the firm’s upcoming plans to promote digital literacy, inclusive financial services, and nationwide expansion of digital access.

Recognized for Excellence in Digital Finance
Both companies have received national and international accolades for their contributions to fintech. IME Pay has won:

Digital Services ICT Award 2024

HRM Award for Corporate Excellence in the FinTech Category 2023

Visa Leadership Conclave Nepal 2023 – Excellence in Fintech Partnership Award

Khalti has been recognized with:

WITSA Global Innovation & Tech Excellence Awards (2022–2024)

Top digital payment service provider in Nepal by NCHL (for 2 consecutive years)

Honor by Nepal Rastra Bank for contribution to digital transactions

A formal announcement program was held today to celebrate the merger, drawing stakeholders, partners, and media representatives. The new platform is expected to further enhance the competitiveness of Nepal’s fintech landscape, while supporting the government’s goal of fostering a cashless economy.