Worldlink acquired 40 per cent stake in Khalti

Kathmandu, Dec. 12

Largest internet service provider, Worldlink Communication, has acquired 40 per cent stake in digital wallet Khalti.

It has invested in the digital payment wallet with the aim of expanding financial access in the rural areas of Nepal, said the company in a statement on Sunday. It has expressed belief that the partnership between the two companies will help bridge the gap in financial access in the rural and urban societies.

Chairman of Worldlink, Dileep Agrawal, said that his company was expanding internet services in the rural and remote areas as well and this partnership would be a milestone in strengthening the information technology in the country. "Our partnership is for taking the financial access to the remote areas along with the internet service," he said.

He also stated that this investment could be a symbol of hope for other start-ups as a domestic company has invested in another domestic startup to support in business development and service expansion.

Khalti was established five years ago and is licensed by the Nepal Rastra Bank to run digital payment and domestic remittance services.

Its users can recharge mobile phone, pay utility bills, insurance premium and government revenue, buy domestic air ticket and online payment.

Co-founder of Khalti Amit Agrawal said that the investment from Worldlink will help in enhancing financial access.

Khalti has about 2 million users across the country while Worldlink has 543,000 customers.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 December 2021.