In a bold and game-changing move, Nepal’s digital finance sector just made history. IME Pay and Khalti, two of the country’s most trusted digital wallet giants, are coming together. Approved by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the merger marks a new beginning for mobile financial services in Nepal. The combined company will be known as IME Khalti Ltd., but users will continue to access all services through the Khalti app.
This is not just a merger of two apps—it’s a unification of two visions, two powerful ecosystems, and millions of users across Nepal. And it comes at a time when Nepal’s digital economy is growing faster than ever.
A Merger to Transform Digital Wallet Services
For years, IME Pay and Khalti have competed to offer better, faster, and smarter financial services. From utility payments and mobile top-ups to flight bookings and bank transfers, both apps revolutionized how Nepalis manage money digitally. Now, with this merger, their combined strengths promise to take user experience and digital innovation to the next level.
Nepal Rastra Bank officially granted its approval for the merger on June 17, 2025, signaling a new chapter in Nepal's fintech landscape. The merged entity, IME Khalti Ltd., will operate with the backing of NRB, ensuring financial security, regulatory oversight, and operational reliability.
What Happens to the Apps?
Over the next three months, both IME Pay and Khalti apps will function normally. Users don’t need to worry about immediate changes. During this period, behind the scenes, a gradual integration will take place. This includes:
- Merging user data
- Transferring wallet balances
- Combining reward points
- Aligning account information
After this integration, all IME Pay users will be seamlessly shifted to the Khalti platform. For users, this means no more switching between apps and one unified place to manage all your digital financial needs.
The App Name Stays the Same: Why Khalti?
Though the merged company will be named IME Khalti Ltd., the mobile application will continue to be called Khalti. This decision is based on brand recognition, user familiarity, and app performance. Khalti already holds a strong position in user engagement, design interface, and active app installs.
This move allows for a smoother transition for IME Pay users, and at the same time, builds upon the trust and reputation Khalti has earned over the years. New users can directly access all combined services via the Khalti app, making it the go-to digital wallet for everyone in Nepal.
What Does This Mean for Users?
1. More Features in One App
With the integration of IME Pay’s services into Khalti, users will enjoy more features and wider service options in one place. This includes expanded utility payment systems, domestic remittance capabilities, better cashback offers, and new partnerships.
2. Greater Accessibility
IME Pay has a massive network, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of Nepal. By combining this with Khalti’s digital-first approach and urban market strength, the merged app will reach more people than ever before.
3. Unified Customer Support
Both companies will merge their customer service teams to provide better, faster, and more consistent support to users. Whether you were an IME Pay or Khalti user before, your issues will now be handled under one support system.
4. Enhanced Security and Data Privacy
With the oversight of Nepal Rastra Bank, user data privacy and wallet security will remain a top priority. All existing security protocols will be maintained and strengthened.
5. Wallet and Reward Merging
No one loses out. Wallet balances from IME Pay will be added to users' Khalti wallets. Similarly, reward points and any other loyalty features will be merged and adjusted fairly. Everything will be preserved in the integration process.
Strategic Vision: Why This Merger Matters
Nepal’s digital payment scene is evolving quickly. With the government pushing for a cashless economy and more citizens going digital, this merger was both timely and strategic. Rather than competing in a fragmented market, the union of IME Pay and Khalti creates a stronger entity ready to lead Nepal’s fintech future.
The merger is not just about company growth. It’s about building the infrastructure Nepal needs for the next stage of digital transformation—from QR payments in local tea shops to seamless online government transactions. The move will help reduce duplication of resources, allow for deeper investments in innovation, and accelerate financial inclusion.
A Word from the Industry
In recent statements, fintech experts in Nepal have called this move “historic” and “visionary.” According to insiders, discussions for this merger had been in the works for months, with both companies focusing on long-term impact over short-term gain.
One digital analyst noted, “Nepal has too many small players competing for the same market. Consolidation like this helps everyone: companies, users, and the economy.”
What to Expect in the Coming Months
- IME Pay users will start receiving notifications and prompts guiding them to Khalti.
- Unified offers and deals will roll out, rewarding loyal users from both platforms.
- FAQs and Help Centers will be updated regularly to address all migration-related questions.
- No interruption in services during the integration process—users can keep paying bills, transferring money, and using the wallets as usual.
