Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited has taken a major step in advancing Nepal’s digital payment ecosystem by partnering with Tenpay Payment Technology, the operator of WeChat Pay in China. Signed in mid-January 2026, this partnership positions the bank as a primary gateway for Chinese mobile wallet transactions in Nepal, making payments easier, secure, and reliable for incoming Chinese tourists.
Seamless Payment Experience for Tourists
With the integration of WeChat Pay, Chinese visitors can now make payments across supported merchants in Nepal using Chinese currency. This eliminates the need for exchanging cash or using international credit cards with high fees. The initiative is expected to enhance tourist satisfaction, encourage higher spending, and boost local markets, particularly in retail, hospitality, and cultural sectors.
Direct Benefits for Nepali Merchants
Nepali businesses will receive payments directly in Nepalese rupees, reducing foreign exchange handling issues and simplifying accounting and reconciliation. The bank has also extended its MBL Smart Loan service to QR merchants, enabling small and medium enterprises to access pre-approved loans based on their digital transaction history, strengthening the local business ecosystem.
Promoting Security and Transparency
The bank emphasizes that enabling direct digital transactions between Chinese tourists and Nepali merchants ensures secure, transparent, and traceable financial activity. Using a direct settlement model with Tenpay, all transactions comply with Nepal Rastra Bank regulations, reinforcing trust and efficiency in digital payments.
Supporting National Policy and Financial Inclusion
The partnership aligns with the Digital Nepal Framework and central bank initiatives to modernize payment systems, promote financial digitalization, and encourage a cashless economy. By providing access to globally recognized digital payment platforms, Machhapuchchhre Bank is driving financial inclusion and making Nepal’s banking system more adaptive to international users.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
China, a key source market for Nepalese tourism, has seen a steady rise in visitors following free visa entry policies. Simplified digital payments directly support tourism recovery and growth, benefiting hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, retail outlets, and other service providers.
Innovation and Technological Leadership
With its mobile banking platform MBL M Smart serving over 1.8 million customers, Machhapuchchhre Bank continues to lead in adopting innovative financial technologies. The WeChat Pay integration adds a global dimension to the bank’s digital offerings, enhancing convenience for international visitors while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The Machhapuchchhre Bank–WeChat Pay partnership marks a strategic milestone for Nepal’s payment infrastructure in 2026, enabling seamless cross-border digital payments, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting tourism and economic growth. This collaboration positions the bank as a key player bridging international payment systems with Nepal’s domestic financial ecosystem.
