Banking News – Nepali payment company Fonepay Payment Service Limited has been shortlisted for the “Best Digital Public Infrastructure” award at the 2026 Global Fintech Awards, placing it in competition with global tech giant WhatsApp. The Global Fintech Awards are part of the Global Fintech Fest 2026, a major international fintech gathering held in India that brings together policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and technology leaders.

Fonepay is competing in the same category alongside WhatsApp, Verismart.ai, National E-Governance Services Limited, Leegality, Protean eGov Technologies, and Protean CRA. The award recognizes innovation, efficiency, and impact in advancing digital public infrastructure, connectivity, and accessibility.

This nomination places a Nepali payment company on the same shortlist as one of the world’s largest tech platforms. Fonepay, regulated by Nepal Rastra Bank as a licensed payment system operator, has been a key player in Nepal’s digital payment ecosystem, facilitating inter-bank person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions through its interoperable network and mobile platforms.

The recognition highlights the growing global acknowledgment of Nepal’s digital public infrastructure and fintech capabilities. The company has also been expanding its international presence through cross-border payment partnerships with India’s NPCI and Sri Lanka’s LankaPay.