July 4, 2026

Nepal’s First Real-Time API-Based INR Payment Solution: A New Era for Cross-Border Trade

ICT Frame API-Based INR Payment Solution 0

4th July 2026, Kathmandu

The landscape of cross-border banking between Nepal and India just took a massive leap forward. In a pioneering move for Nepal’s financial sector, Sanima Bank Limited has partnered with Standard Chartered Bank to introduce a state-of-the-art, Real-Time API-Based INR Payment Solution for outward transactions.

API-Based INR Payment Solution

With this integration, Sanima Bank officially becomes the first bank in Nepal to establish direct, real-time API connectivity with Standard Chartered Bank India.

Moving Beyond Traditional Banking: What Changes?

For years, cross-border settlements between Nepal and India relied heavily on traditional manual inputs or delayed batch-based processing. This new Real-Time API-Based INR Payment Solution completely replaces those legacy systems with a fully automated ecosystem.

Key Benefits of the API Integration

Instant Settlements: Transactions are processed in real-time, eliminating hours or days of waiting.

Reduced Costs & Time: Automation cuts down administrative friction, drastically lowering processing times and transaction costs.

Enhanced Security & Compliance: Direct API connectivity ensures higher transparency, robust security protocols, and stricter compliance standards for international transactions.

Seamless Customer Experience: Both individual and corporate clients will enjoy a smoother, hassle-free payment journey.

Expanding Horizons: USD API Payments Next

The collaboration between the two financial giants doesn’t stop at Indian Rupee (INR) settlements. Sanima Bank and Standard Chartered Bank have also initiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend this API-based payment ecosystem to US Dollar (USD) payments. This upcoming integration will mark yet another major milestone in international cross-border financial collaboration for Nepal.

Insights from Leadership

“This initiative is a natural extension of the Bank’s commitment to delivering innovative, simpler, faster, and more reliable cross-border banking.” Niraj Dhakal, CFO of Sanima Bank

“The partnership is a convergence of Standard Chartered Bank’s cross-border expertise and Sanima Bank’s endeavor to offer tech-backed API-based payment solutions for clients. The partnership will help reduce processing times and costs, increase transparency, and enhance the efficiency, security, and compliance of international transactions.” Rajkamal Basnet, Head of Financial Institutions at Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited

Conclusion

As digital transformation reshapes global finance, the introduction of the Real-Time API-Based INR Payment Solution sets a new benchmark for the Nepalese banking industry.

By bridging the technological gap in Indo-Nepal cross-border trade and remittances, Sanima Bank and Standard Chartered are paving the way for a faster, safer, and more transparent financial future.

For more: API-Based INR Payment Solution