28th August 2025, Kathmandu
In a landmark recognition, Smart Choice Technologies Ltd. (SCT) has been selected as a member of the first-ever PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) India–South Asia Regional Engagement Board (REB) for the 2025–2026 term.
Smart Choice Technologies PCI SSC India–South Asia Board
SCT is the only organization from Nepal to be appointed among the 27 leading organizations across the region, including payment giants like Google and NPCI, India.
The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is a global forum that develops and promotes international payment security standards, ensuring safer transactions and stronger protection against cyber threats worldwide. By forming its first REB in India–South Asia, PCI SSC is expanding its global collaboration to reflect the growing significance of this region in digital payments.
The 27-member board includes major banks, payment processors, technology providers, and financial service leaders from across India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian markets. SCT’s appointment highlights Nepal’s growing presence in the global payments landscape.
SCT’s Role in the Regional Engagement Board
As a member of the Regional Engagement Board, SCT will:
- Advise PCI SSC on regional payment security challenges and opportunities.
- Provide feedback on standards and program development.
- Act as an ambassador to increase education and awareness of PCI SSC standards and best practices across South Asia.
Leadership Statements
Mr. Manoj Ghimire, CEO of SCT, said: “We are honoured to represent Nepal on this prestigious global platform. This recognition underscores SCT’s commitment to advancing secure digital payments in Nepal and South Asia. We look forward to contributing our expertise and strengthening collaboration to build a more resilient payment ecosystem in the region.”
Nitin Bhatnagar, PCI SSC Regional Director, India, South Asia, and the Middle East, said:
“I am excited to welcome the new India–South Asia Regional Engagement Board members for their 2025–2026 tenure. This is indeed a proud moment for the region as payment industry stakeholders will be more involved in shaping a more secure payments ecosystem amid evolving cybersecurity challenges in a dynamic market like India and South Asia.”
Gina Gobeyn, Executive Director of PCI SSC, added: “The formation of a Regional Engagement Board in the India–South Asia region represents an important step in global collaboration with the Council and highlights the significance of the India–South Asia market in the world of payment security.”
About PCI SSC
The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) leads a global, cross-industry effort to increase payment security by providing industry-driven, flexible, and effective data security standards and programs that help businesses detect, mitigate, and prevent cyberattacks and breaches.
About SCT
Smart Choice Technologies Ltd. (SCT) is Nepal’s first domestic card network and a licensed Payment Service Operator enabling secure and innovative payment solutions across the country. With a strong focus on financial inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation, SCT continues to play a pivotal role in Nepal’s digital economy.
For more: Smart Choice Technologies PCI SSC India–South Asia Board