A neutral, open-access network enabling secure, real-time interoperability for the next generation of financial services across Nepal.
OpenStandards
NeutralEcosystem
SecureRouting
NIFGovernance
Initiative
Identity & Mandate
Our Identity & Mandate
NIFN is a non-profit, non-commercial initiative under the Nepal Internet Foundation — dedicated to serving the public interest by promoting coordination and collaboration across the digital ecosystem, creating inclusive, transparent, and sustainable solutions that benefit society as a whole.
What NIFN Is
Neutral & Public-Interest Oriented
Fully Regulator-Aligned
Technology-Agnostic Standards Body
Capacity Building & Coordination Platform
What NIFN Is NOT
A Bank or Fund Custodian
A Payment System Operator (PSO/PSP)
A Currency or Crypto Issuer
Replacement for NCHL, RTGS, or connectIPS
Why We Exist
The Problem We Solve
Nepal's digital payment landscape is fragmented — wallets can't talk to banks, cooperatives are excluded, and remittance is costly. NIFN bridges these gaps using open, neutral, and universally accessible interoperability standards.
Facilitate Interoperability
Connect payment systems without replacing them — a neutral bridge layer for all institutions.
Financial Inclusion
Bring cooperatives, micro-finance, and unbanked communities into the digital economy.
Global Standards
Align Nepal's payment ecosystem with internationally recognized open standards like ILP.
Vision
Vision & Mission
Our Purpose & Direction
Vision
Our goal is to promote open interoperability standards with a particular focus on the Interledger Protocol (ILP). We aim to achieve this through active collaboration with regulators, financial institutions, and global bodies — fostering a transparent and inclusive framework that supports seamless connectivity across diverse payment systems.
Mission
Our mission is to support a secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital financial ecosystem in Nepal. We enable seamless value exchange across platforms while safeguarding regulatory sovereignty and building public trust — ensuring innovation aligns with national priorities.
Objectives
Core Objectives
Facilitate Interoperability Without Replacement
Connect existing systems through a neutral open layer — no disruption, only enhancement.
Drive Financial Inclusion & Affordability
Lower barriers for cooperatives, MSMEs, and citizens to access modern digital finance.
Align with Global Open Standards
Adopt internationally proven protocols to ensure Nepal's system is future-ready and globally interoperable.
Governance
Under Nepal Internet Foundation
NIFN operates under the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF), ensuring independent, non-commercial governance aligned with national digital policy goals. All activities are transparent, public-interest driven, and free from commercial conflicts.
Technology
Core Protocol
The Interledger Protocol (ILP)
ILP is an open standard designed to connect different payment networks the same way the Internet connects computers — enabling fast, low-cost, and secure transfers across diverse ledgers without compromising interoperability.
Cross-Border Remittances
Real-time, low-cost transfers from any country directly to any Nepali wallet or bank. By leveraging ILP, we reduce intermediary hops, lowering costs and increasing speed for millions of Nepali families.
Instant Settlement
Minimal Transaction Fees
Transparent Exchange Rates
Bank ↔ Wallet Ecosystem
Enabling seamless interoperability between commercial banks, micro-finance institutions, and digital wallets — our neutral routing layer eliminates complex bilateral integrations.
Unified Routing Protocol
Regulatory Compliance Built-in
Universal Connectivity
Government-to-Person (G2P)
Modernizing disbursement of social security, relief funds, and government benefits — funds reach the intended recipient's preferred account with full auditability and speed.
Direct-to-Recipient
Reduced Leakage & Overhead
Emergency Relief Readiness
MSME & Digital Trade
Empowering small businesses and freelancers to accept global payments locally. Instant micro-transactions for tourism and digital services, integrated with global interledger nodes.
Micropayment Support
Low Barrier to Entry
Global Market Integration
Technology Stack
Technologies We Use
NIFN leverages open-source, high-performance technologies to enable secure, interoperable, and scalable digital payments across Nepal.
Protocol
Interledger Protocol (ILP)
A packet-switched protocol routing value across ledgers like IP routes data — ensuring atomic, secure transfers without holding funds.
Stack
Rafiki — Open Payments Stack
The official ILP reference implementation providing Open Payments APIs, STREAM payment support, and connector routing.
Ledger
TigerBeetle Ledger
A high-performance financial ledger for double-entry accounting — tracking liquidity and ensuring atomicity at scale.
Transport
STREAM Protocol
Transports ILP payments in small packets for real-time or micropayment transactions with congestion control.
Security
HTLCs & Cryptographic Conditions
Hash-time locked contracts and fulfillment verification ensure atomicity — no partial losses across all nodes.
Infra
Cloud-Native Deployment
All components containerized via Docker/Kubernetes for scalability, high availability, and data sovereignty.
Roadmap
Implementation Plan
Phased Implementation Roadmap
A pragmatic, regulator-guided approach to achieving national and regional interoperability — beginning with controlled pilots and gradually expanding to full-scale integration.
1
Phase 01 — Active
Sandbox & Pilot
A controlled pilot involving one PSO, one PSP wallet, and one cooperative — domestic transfers only. Tests functionality, ensures compliance, and gathers insights before scaling.
2
Phase 02
National Interoperability
Achieving national interoperability by introducing the National Payment Switch (NPS) as a neutral connector — enabling seamless bank-to-wallet and wallet-to-wallet transactions.
3
Phase 03
Cross-Border Corridors
Establishing cross-border payment corridors starting with pilots for India and Gulf countries. Remittance partners will be onboarded for secure and efficient international transfers.
4
Phase 04
Regional Expansion & CBDC Readiness
Driving regional expansion across South Asia and preparing for Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) integration — future-proofing Nepal's payment infrastructure.
Contact
Get in Touch
Let's build Nepal's financial future together
Whether you're a financial institution, a regulator, or a developer we're here to collaborate.
Insights, field visits, technical updates, and stories from the frontlines of Nepal's digital financial transformation.
Featured
Field Report
Advancing Interoperable Finance in Nepal: NIFN Field Visit to Hetauda, Makawanpur
Our team conducted a two-day field visit to Ward No. 2, Hetauda, Makawanpur on 17–18 April 2026 to engage with local cooperatives and formalize partnerships through MoUs for onboarding into the NIFN ecosystem.
BS
Bikram Shrestha
17–18 April 2026
Read More
Training Program
NIFN Project Orientation & Digital Financial Training Program
Advancing digital financial inclusion and cooperative transformation — a landmark orientation at Chabahil, Kathmandu bringing together cooperative leaders, digital finance experts, and community stakeholders.
Field Experience
My Visit to Hetauda: A Milestone in the NIFN Journey
The first orientation program at Hotel Samana, bringing together local stakeholders for an engaging session on interoperable digital payments and cooperative transformation.
Technical Insight
Strengthening Cooperative Finance: Insights from the NIFN DRG Session in Hetauda
Around 20 participants representing 11 cooperatives gathered for a Detailed Requirement Gathering session exploring practical digital financial infrastructure needs.
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Field Report
Advancing Interoperable Finance in Nepal: NIFN Field Visit to Hetauda, Makawanpur
As part of the ongoing implementation of the Nepal Interledger Financial Network (NIFN), our team conducted a two-day field visit to Ward No. 2, Hetauda, Makawanpur on 17–18 April 2026.
The primary objective of this visit was to engage with local cooperatives and formalize partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for onboarding into the NIFN ecosystem.
NIFN is designed to enable interoperable, low-cost, and real-time financial transactions, connecting cooperatives, digital wallets, PSOs, PSPs, and BFIs through the Interledger Protocol (ILP).
Mission Objectives
Introduce the NIFN framework and vision to cooperative stakeholders
Present the technical architecture and interoperability model
Explore collaboration opportunities and readiness
Formalize partnerships through MoU signing
Identify early adopters for pilot implementation
The field delegation was led by Bikram Shrestha, Project Lead, supported by Subresh Thakulla, Technical Coordinator.
Field Engagement and Schedule Execution
1
Hatemalo Saving & Credit Cooperative
2
Pancharatna Saving & Credit Cooperative
3
Pratifal Saving & Credit Cooperative
4
Divya Tara Saving & Credit Cooperative
5
Ganapatibaba Saving & Credit Cooperative
6
Sairam Saving & Credit Cooperative
7
Yuwa Bachat Saving & Credit Cooperative
8
YWS Saving & Credit Cooperative
9
Matribhumi Saving & Credit Cooperative
10
Shikshakhit Saving & Credit Cooperative
Conclusion
The Hetauda field visit marks an important milestone in the rollout of the Nepal Interledger Financial Network.
Field VisitHetaudaCooperativesMoUILP
Training Program
NIFN Project Orientation & Digital Financial Training Program
Advancing Digital Financial Inclusion and Cooperative Transformation in Nepal
NIF
Nepal Internet Foundation
NIFN Initiative Team
17 May 2026 (Jestha 3, 2083 B.S.)
On Jestha 3, 2083 B.S. (17 May 2026), Nepal Internet Foundation successfully organized the "NIFN Project Orientation and Digital Financial Training Program" under the Nepal Interledger Financial Network (NIFN) initiative at Chabahil, Ward No. 07 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
The program marked an important step toward strengthening digital financial awareness, interoperable payment systems, and the digital transformation of Nepal's cooperative ecosystem.
The event brought together cooperative representatives, community leaders, digital finance stakeholders, and technical experts to discuss the future of Nepal's rapidly evolving digital financial landscape. The active participation and enthusiasm demonstrated by attendees reflected the increasing interest among cooperatives and local institutions in adopting secure, inclusive, and interoperable digital financial technologies.
Strengthening the Vision for Digital Financial Inclusion
The program was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Vimal Kumar Hoda and Special Guest Prabin Prakash Chhetri, who both emphasized the growing importance of digital transformation, financial literacy, and technology-driven inclusion for local communities and cooperative institutions.
During the orientation session, the vision and objectives of the Nepal Interledger Financial Network (NIFN) were presented, highlighting how open and interoperable technologies such as the Interledger Protocol can contribute to building a more connected, secure, and inclusive digital financial ecosystem in Nepal.
Digital Financial Literacy and Cooperative Transformation
The technical and digital financial literacy sessions were facilitated by Bhushan Ratna Bajracharya, who delivered insightful presentations and practical discussions on:
Digital Financial Literacy
Digital Payment Systems
Secure Online Transactions
Digital Transformation of Cooperatives
Awareness on Interoperable Financial Ecosystems
These sessions helped participants better understand the importance of adopting secure digital financial tools and modernizing cooperative operations for the future digital economy. The discussions also highlighted the need for trust, cybersecurity awareness, digital accessibility, and responsible technology adoption within Nepal's cooperative sector.
Interactive Engagement and Community Participation
One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the interactive discussion and question-answer session. Participants openly shared their experiences, operational challenges, expectations, and interest in joining the NIFN network. Many cooperative representatives expressed strong enthusiasm toward future pilot integrations, collaborative learning opportunities, and digital transformation initiatives.
The engagement demonstrated that Nepal's cooperative ecosystem is increasingly prepared to embrace interoperable digital financial infrastructure and participate in the country's broader digital transformation journey.
Teamwork, Collaboration, and Recognition
The successful execution of the event was made possible through the dedicated coordination and teamwork of the NIF team, including project management, technical setup, participant coordination, hospitality, media management, and documentation support.
Following the completion of the training sessions, certificates were distributed to participants in recognition of their active participation and commitment to advancing digital financial literacy. Networking sessions over tea, snacks, and lunch further strengthened collaboration and relationship-building among stakeholders, cooperative leaders, and technical experts.
Moving Toward an Inclusive Digital Financial Future
The event concluded with a shared commitment toward advancing digital financial inclusion and promoting responsible digital transformation across Nepal's cooperative sector. Through collaborative initiatives like NIFN, the Nepal Internet Foundation continues to work toward building an open, secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital financial future for Nepal.
The organization sincerely appreciates the valuable support and participation of:
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 07
Cooperative representatives and participants
Technical facilitators and volunteers
Community stakeholders and supporters
Supporting Team
Bikash Khatri
BalKishor Chaudhary
Joyel Joshi
Asmita Lamichhane
Bikash Kadayat
Ansuka Thapaliya
Dipendra Timilshina
Volunteers
Tanish Shrestha
Mira Tamang
Durga Pakhrin
Participants
The program brought together 21 cooperative representatives, reflecting strong engagement from the cooperative sector.
Overall Attendance
The total number of participants exceeded 40, showing broad interest and active participation in the training.
The session focused on the long-term goal of enabling seamless interoperability among cooperatives, financial institutions, Payment Service Providers (PSPs), and emerging digital payment platforms. Participants explored how interoperable infrastructure can reduce barriers, strengthen financial accessibility, and improve digital transaction efficiency across communities.
"Digital transformation is not only about technology — it is about empowering communities, building trust, and creating inclusive opportunities for everyone. Through NIFN, we are working together to shape the future of interoperable digital finance in Nepal."
Training ProgramDigital LiteracyCooperativesKathmanduFinancial InclusionILPNIFJestha 2083
Field Experience
My Visit to Hetauda: A Milestone in the NIFN Journey
BS
Bibek Shah
Program Officer, Nepal Interledger Financial Network (NIFN)
April 2026
My recent visit to Hetauda marked an important milestone in the journey of the Nepal Interledger Financial Network (NIFN). During this visit, we successfully conducted our first orientation program at Hotel Samana, bringing together local stakeholders and participants for an engaging and insightful session.
The primary objective of the orientation was to introduce the vision and mission of NIFN. We focused on explaining the importance of interoperable digital payments and how an open, secure financial infrastructure can transform the way financial services are delivered—especially at the cooperative level.
The session provided a valuable platform for discussion, where participants actively shared their perspectives, asked thoughtful questions, and explored the potential of adopting interoperable systems within their institutions.
A key highlight of the program was the discussion around how cooperatives can directly benefit from NIFN.
Hetauda's warm reception and active engagement made the orientation program both meaningful and encouraging.
This first orientation in Hetauda represents more than just an event—it marks the beginning of a broader journey toward building an inclusive, interoperable financial ecosystem in Nepal.
HetaudaOrientationCooperativesNIFN
Technical Insight
Strengthening Cooperative Finance: Insights from the NIFN DRG Session in Hetauda
ST
Subresh Thakulla
Program Officer, NIFN
April 2026
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Nepal Interledger Financial Network (NIFN) Detailed Requirement Gathering (DRG) session held at Hotel Samana in Hetauda.
The gathering brought together around 20 participants representing approximately 11 different cooperatives.
The core focus of the session was to explore the practical needs of cooperatives and identify how digital financial infrastructure can address existing challenges.
Participants actively asked questions, challenged ideas, and contributed insights, making it a collaborative learning space.
The concept of interoperable financial systems sparked significant interest among participants.
Overall, the DRG session in Hetauda was both productive and insightful.
As NIFN moves forward, engagements like this will remain essential in ensuring that the network evolves in a way that truly supports Nepal's cooperative ecosystem.
