eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma Appointed: A New Era for Digital Payments
25th September 2026, Kathmandu
Discover how former Nabil Bank CBO Niraj Sharma is taking over as the new eSewa CEO to steer Nepal’s pioneering digital wallet through its next growth phase.
The digital financial landscape in Nepal is undergoing a major leadership shift. eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma has officially taken the helm, succeeding former CEO Jagdish Khadka. Stepping down from his high-ranking position as Chief Business Officer (CBO) at Nabil Bank, Sharma brings over two decades of robust financial and digital expertise to Nepal’s pioneer digital wallet.
As the fintech ecosystem faces intense competition from widespread mobile banking and QR payment adaptations, industry stakeholders are closely watching how the appointment of eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma will shape the future of online transactions in the country.
A Stellar 26-Year Banking Legacy
Transitioning from traditional commercial banking to fintech leadership, eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma carries a rich professional history spanning over 26 years.
Early Career Milestones: Sharma started his financial journey in May 1999 at Oriental Cooperative, moving into formal banking in 2001 with the Nepal Bangladesh Bank and later building core competencies in the Card Division at Himalayan Bank.
The Nabil Bank Era: Joining Nabil Bank in January 2008, Sharma spent more than 18 years driving diverse verticals. From managing the Card Division for a decade to leading retail banking, remittances, and bancassurance, he built a versatile operational foundation.
Pioneering Digital Transformation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharma served as the Gandaki Province Manager before rapidly scaling up to lead Digital Banking and Operations, and serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prior to his departure, he successfully managed both “Transactional Banking” and Nabil’s digital platform (“N-Bank”) as CBO.
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Academic Excellence and Global Insights
Equipped with a strong academic background, eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma combines local market intuition with global strategic frameworks:
Schooling & Graduation: An alumnus of St. Xavier’s School, Sharma completed his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi and earned his MBA from Kathmandu University (KU).
Executive Training: He holds specialized training credentials, including a course on “Disruptive Strategy” from Harvard Business School. His multi-disciplinary expertise spans cybersecurity, anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, and next-generation payment systems.
Challenges and Future Outlook for eSewa
While eSewa remains a household name and a pioneer of digital wallets in Nepal, the digital ecosystem has evolved rapidly. The rise of widespread mobile banking apps and aggressive QR-payment expansions has introduced new layers of market competition.
The eSewa Board of Directors has entrusted eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma with the critical mandate of converting these operational challenges into structural strengths. With his extensive background in steering digital channels, retail transformation, and strategic planning, his leadership is expected to drive the platform toward enhanced user security, service expansion, and deeper market penetration.
As eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma officially assumes office, the move marks a defining milestone not just for the company, but for the trajectory of Nepal’s broader digital economy and fintech roadmap.
For more: eSewa CEO Niraj Sharma
