Nepal Fintech Festival 2025 concludes, highlighting digital finance advancements

KATHMANDU: Nepal Fintech Festival 2025, a collaborative initiative by Kathmandu FinteK and Fintech Alliance Nepal, concluded in Kathmandu, on Thursday, marking a milestone in the country's digital finance journey.

The event, regarded as Nepal's premier fintech platform, showcased the nation's rapid advancements and potential in the sector amid South Asia's growing digital revolution.

Former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Maha Prasad Adhikari, inaugurated the festival, highlighting the central bank's commitment to fostering innovation and financial inclusion through technology-driven solutions.

The gathering brought together industry leaders, digital entrepreneurs, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, policymakers, investors, and international partners, facilitating discussions and collaboration.

The opening session included addresses from key figures in Nepal's fintech sector. Sanjib Subba, founder of Kathmandu Fintek, introduced the day's discussions. He was joined by Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Clearing House, who outlined the infrastructure supporting digital transactions.

Pradyuman Pokharel, CEO of Muktinath Bikas Bank, emphasised the role of development banks in the financial ecosystem, while Surendra Raj Regmi, Vice-President of Nepal Bankers' Association and CEO of Global IME Bank, spoke on the banking sector’s digital transformation. Former Governor Adhikari noted the increasing adoption of digital transactions and improvements in online government payment systems. He praised the central bank's digital foresight during the Covid 19 pandemic, which has since integrated into daily life in Nepal.

Nepal Bankers' Association Vice-President Regmi reaffirmed the banking sector’s commitment to mobile technology-driven digital transactions. He highlighted how digital tools are creating secure and user-friendly financial management systems. He also announced that Nepali banks have introduced AI-powered chatbots capable of responding to customer queries via text and voice.

Nepal Clearing House CEO Pradhan addressed Nepal’s progress in digital payments, citing the increasing number of users and market growth. He identified infrastructure development as the primary challenge in expanding digital payments, given Nepal’s largely rural geography.

Muktinath Bikas Bank CEO Pokharel stressed the essential role of development banks in financial intermediation and their contributions to Nepal’s economy.

With keynote speeches, expert panel discussions, networking sessions, live showcases, and product demonstrations, Nepal Fintech Festival 2025 highlighted Nepal’s fintech potential and facilitated critical conversations on challenges and opportunities ahead. The event positioned Nepal as a rising fintech hub in South Asia.