NIC ASIA Bank Partners NCHL to Launch NEPALPAY Card
NIC ASIA NEPALPAY Card
1st December 2025, Kathmandu
NIC ASIA Bank has cemented a strategic agreement with Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) to significantly reinforce its payment system.
NIC ASIA NEPALPAY Card
The core of this agreement involves the bank issuing the domestic payment instrument, the NEPALPAY Card, to its customers.
This pioneering move establishes NIC ASIA as a key partner in Nepal’s journey towards a unified digital payments ecosystem. The rollout of the NIC ASIA NEPALPAY Card is central to this major financial technology initiative.
Formalizing the Strategic Partnership
The strategic agreement was formally executed at a signing ceremony between the two entities. Sujit Kumar Shakya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), represented NIC ASIA Bank, while Nilesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO, signed on behalf of NCHL.
NCHL, licensed as a Payment System Operator (PSO) by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), operates the Domestic Card Scheme under which the NEPALPAY Card falls.
This partnership positions NIC ASIA Bank as a principal participant in NCHL’s National Card Switch (NPS-NCS).
This signifies the bank’s deep integration into the country’s national payment infrastructure. This integration is vital for promoting interoperability and securing transactions across the financial sector.
Unifying the National Card Switch
The agreement facilitates NIC ASIA Bank’s full integration into the National Payment Switch (NPS). This critical step enables the bank to issue the indigenous NEPALPAY Card, which is designed to meet national standards.
This integration ensures that all transactions conducted using the new cards—whether at Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals or through the vast ATM network across the nation—will be governed by a uniform national fee structure.
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This national approach aims to lower transaction costs and standardize service quality, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. The standardization actively reduces reliance on international card networks for domestic transactions.
Benefits for NIC ASIA Customers
Issuing the NEPALPAY Card is a strong affirmation of NIC ASIA Bank’s commitment to advancing digital banking services. Customers will gain access to a modern, reliable, and standardized card service that operates entirely on national infrastructure.
The bank is confident that the active participation of its vast customer base in the Domestic Card Scheme will significantly contribute to expanding financial access throughout the country. Furthermore, this initiative helps streamline banking services, making them more accessible and user-friendly for all.
Driving the Cashless Economy
NIC ASIA Bank views the widespread adoption of the NEPALPAY Card as a key driver for developing a cashless economy in Nepal. Every digital payment made through the card contributes to reducing the volume of cash transactions, which is critical for modernization.
The simplicity and ease of use associated with accessing this domestic card service are expected to encourage greater adoption of digital payment methods among the public.
This shift supports the nation’s long-term goal of achieving a fully digitized payment ecosystem. The bank believes this move is actively supporting the central bank’s vision for a resilient financial sector.
Commitment to Digital Banking Excellence
The partnership strategically enhances NIC ASIA’s position in the competitive digital banking market. By embracing the national card scheme, the bank demonstrates leadership in supporting indigenous financial technology.
This commitment ensures that the bank’s customers receive state-of-the-art services while contributing directly to national economic self-reliance. The bank is actively pursuing excellence in its digital offerings through these collaborations.
This move marks a major milestone in Nepal’s financial landscape, setting the stage for wider adoption of domestic payment solutions and bolstering the country’s payment infrastructure resilience.
For more: NIC ASIA NEPALPAY Card
