Breaking Barriers for Small Businesses: Visa Accept Goes Live in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nov 26, 2025 — Global digital payments leader Visa (NYSE: V) has marked another major milestone in Nepal’s fintech evolution with the successful hosting of Visa Leadership Conclave Nepal 2025, affirming its long-term commitment to building a cash-lite and digitally empowered economy.
Held at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, the event brought together over 200 top-level industry leaders including bankers, fintech innovators, merchants, and payment infrastructure players. The conclave became the center of attention as Visa introduced Visa Accept—a breakthrough digital payment acceptance tool built specifically for micro-merchants and small businesses.
The prestigious gathering featured keynote participation from Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Mr. Bam Bahadur Mishra, Executive Director Dr. Satyendra Timilsina, and senior Visa leadership including Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager for Bangladesh, Nepal & Bhutan, Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head of Products for India & South Asia, and Manoj Thapa, Head of Visa Nepal.
Visa Accept: A Game-Changer for Micro-Entrepreneurs
The newly introduced Visa Accept feature allows any small business to accept digital payments using just a mobile phone—with no POS device requirement, lengthy paperwork, or high onboarding costs. Merchants can start receiving payments instantly through Tap-to-Phone and Pay-by-Link, opening new income opportunities for home-based sellers and women entrepreneurs, and boosting formal economy participation.
“Visa Accept is not just a payments feature—it is a step toward deeper financial inclusion,”
said Sabbir Ahmed, emphasizing Visa’s continued dedication to Nepal’s digital journey.
“This technology will accelerate digital commerce and support Nepal’s vision of a less-cash economy,”
added Ramakrishnan Gopalan, highlighting its transformative potential.
Nationwide Excellence Awarded at Conclave
The event concluded with an award ceremony honoring 13 winners across 20 categories for outstanding contributions to payment innovation, contactless solutions, commercial cards, merchant performance, debit/credit growth, fintech partnership, and cross-border payments.
The conclave not only celebrated industry achievements but also strengthened collaboration toward an inclusive financial future—one where digital payments become a universal standard across Nepal.
A Leap Forward for Digital Nepal
With Visa Accept now stepping into the Nepali market, the future of small business payment acceptance has never looked more accessible. Lowering barriers for digital participation, Visa is positioning Nepal for rapid fintech growth—empowering entrepreneurs, boosting digital commerce, and shaping an economy where innovation leads the way.
