NIC Asia Bank Limited has signed an agreement with Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) to become a principal member of the National Payment Switch – National Card Switch (NPS-NCS) and the NEPALPAY domestic card scheme. The agreement was signed by NIC Asia CEO Sujit Kumar Shakya and NCHL CEO Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan.

With NCHL confirming the operational readiness of the NEPALPAY infrastructure, banks and financial institutions have started the onboarding process. Following its commercial rollout, NIC Asia Bank will gain the capability to issue and acquire NEPALPAY domestic cards for its customers.

The NPS-NCS initiative aims to streamline domestic card routing and settlement, reduce reliance on international payment networks, support data localization, and accelerate innovation in Nepal’s digital payment ecosystem.

NCHL currently serves 54+ BFIs, major PSOs/PSPs, and over 100 indirect members. As one of Nepal’s leading commercial banks with a wide-reaching presence, NIC Asia Bank’s participation is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s domestic card infrastructure and promote the adoption of secure, efficient, and homegrown digital payment solutions.