KATHMANDU, AUGUST 28

Smart Choice Technologies Ltd. (SCT) has been selected to join the first-ever India–South Asia Regional Engagement Board (REB) of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) for the 2025–2026 term. SCT is the only organization from Nepal among the 27 leading members, which include global players such as Google and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The PCI SSC, a global body that develops and promotes international payment security standards, established the new regional board to strengthen collaboration in South Asia's rapidly expanding digital payments sector. The 27-member REB features banks, payment processors, technology providers, and financial service leaders from India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and across the region.

As a member of the board, SCT will advise PCI SSC on regional payment security challenges, provide feedback on standards and program development, and serve as an ambassador for increasing education and awareness of PCI standards and best practices in South Asia.

SCT CEO Manoj Ghimire said the recognition is a milestone for Nepal's digital economy. 'We are honoured to represent Nepal on this prestigious global platform. This underscores SCT's commitment to advancing secure digital payments in Nepal and South Asia. We look forward to contributing our expertise and strengthening collaboration to build a more resilient payment ecosystem,' he stated.

Welcoming the new members, PCI SSC Regional Director for India, South Asia and the Middle East, Nitin Bhatnagar, said: 'This is indeed a proud moment for the region as payment industry stakeholders will be more involved in shaping a more secure payments ecosystem amid evolving cybersecurity challenges.'

PCI SSC Executive Director Gina Gobeyn added that the creation of the India–South Asia board marked 'an important step in global collaboration' and reflected the region's growing importance in the world of payment security.

Founded as Nepal's first domestic card network, Smart Choice Technologies operates as a licensed Payment Service Operator, providing secure and innovative digital payment solutions. With its inclusion on the PCI SSC board, SCT's role in promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation in Nepal is expected to gain further global visibility.