IME Pay and Khalti Merge: IME Khalti Begins Joint Operations

Smile Digital Solution

Kathmandu, July 15, 2025 — In a landmark move for Nepal’s fintech industry, two of the country’s leading digital payment platforms, IME Pay and Khalti, have officially completed their merger to form a unified entity named IME Khalti Limited. The newly merged company is set to begin joint operations starting Shrawan 1, 2082 (July 17, 2025)

This strategic merger received final approvals from key regulatory bodies, including Nepal Rastra Bank on June 19, 2025, and the Company Registrar’s Office on June 27, 2025, paving the way for this significant consolidation. Under the terms of the merger, IME Digital Solution Limited will assume all assets and liabilities of Khalti Private Limited, streamlining operations and fortifying their market position.

The central office of IME Khalti Limited will be located in Panipokhari, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 3. This merger marks a pivotal moment, promising enhanced services, broader reach, and a more robust digital payment ecosystem for users across Nepal.

Key Details of the IME Pay and Khalti Merger

The merger between IME Pay, backed by the IME Group, and Khalti, supported by investors like WorldLink, was finalized after receiving regulatory approvals from the NRB and the Office of the Company Registrar. The new entity, IME Khalti Limited, will have its headquarters in Panipokhari, Kathmandu, and is poised to become Nepal’s largest digital wallet provider with a combined user base exceeding 5 million.

• Regulatory Approval: The merger was greenlit under the NRB’s revised Payment and Settlement Bylaw, 2077, which allows digital wallet consolidations to foster efficiency and financial inclusion.
• Unified Platform: The Khalti app will serve as the primary platform, integrating all features from both IME Pay and Khalti, including bill payments, mobile recharges, remittances, and more.
• Transition Period: For the next three months, both apps will operate simultaneously to ensure a seamless user transition. IME Pay users will be migrated to the Khalti platform with their consent, with balances and reward points transferred effortlessly.

Benefits for Users

The merger promises a more seamless and user-friendly experience for digital wallet users in Nepal. Here are the key advantages:

1. Simplified Transactions: Users can access all services—bill payments, remittances, online shopping, and more—on a single platform, eliminating the need to switch between apps.
2. Improved Financial Inclusion: By leveraging IME Pay’s extensive network of 400+ physical centers and Khalti’s digital prowess, the unified platform aims to expand digital payment access to rural areas.
3. Innovative Features: The Khalti app will offer advanced services like international remittances, QR payments, cashback rewards, and loan access, catering to diverse user needs.
4. Enhanced Security: With Khalti’s ISO 27001:2013 certification for data security and IME Pay’s robust infrastructure, the platform ensures safe and reliable transactions.

Impact on Nepal’s Fintech Landscape

The merger is a significant step toward a cashless economy in Nepal, where over 80% of transactions remain cash-based. By combining resources, IME Khalti Limited is well-positioned to:

• Challenge eSewa’s Dominance: The merged entity’s larger user base and expanded services could disrupt eSewa’s market leadership, fostering healthy competition.
• Promote Financial Inclusion: Enhanced access in rural areas aligns with NRB’s goals to reduce cash dependency and improve transparency.
• Drive Innovation: Increased competition may push digital wallet providers to introduce cutting-edge features like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

What’s Next for IME Khalti Limited?

Starting July 17, 2025, IME Khalti Limited will roll out its unified operations under the Khalti brand. The company has committed to a smooth transition, with a three-month period to integrate user accounts and services. New users can directly download the Khalti app, while existing IME Pay users will be guided through a simple migration process.

The merger also sets a precedent for future consolidations in Nepal’s fintech sector, potentially encouraging other players to merge or innovate to stay competitive. Industry experts predict that this move could accelerate Nepal’s shift toward a digital economy, positioning the country as a growing fintech hub in South Asia.

Conclusion

The merger of IME Pay and Khalti into IME Khalti Limited is a landmark moment for Nepal’s digital payment industry. By combining Khalti’s user-friendly interface with IME Pay’s remittance expertise, the unified platform is set to offer unmatched convenience, security, and accessibility. As Nepal moves toward a cashless future, this merger not only strengthens the fintech ecosystem but also empowers millions of users with innovative financial solutions.

Stay tuned for updates as IME Khalti Limited begins its journey to redefine digital payments in Nepal!

Last updated on July 15, 2025 at 6:40 am