SCT selected member of PCI Security Standards Council

Kathmandu, Aug. 27

Smart Choice Technologies Ltd. (SCT) is selected as a member of the first-ever PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) India–South Asia Regional Engagement Board (REB) for the 2025–2026 term.

SCT is the only organisation from Nepal to be appointed among the 27 leading organisations across the region including payment giants like Google and NPCI, India, the company informed in a statement on Thursday.

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) is a global forum that develops and promotes international payment security standards, ensuring safer transactions and stronger protection against cyber threats worldwide.

By forming its first REB in India–South Asia, PCI SSC is expanding its global collaboration to reflect the growing significance of this region in digital payments.

The 27-member board includes major banks, payment processors, technology providers, and financial service leaders from across India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian markets. SCT’s appointment highlights Nepal’s growing presence in the global payments landscape.

"As a member of the Reginal Engagement Board, SCT will advise PCI SSC on regional payment security challenges and opportunities, and provide feedback on standards and programme development," read the statement.

It will also act as an ambassador to increase education and awareness of PCI SSC standards and best practices across South Asia.

“We are honoured to represent Nepal on this prestigious global platform. This recognition 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 in the region,” said Manoj Ghimire, CEO of SCT.

SCT is Nepal’s first domestic card network and a licensed Payment Service Operator enabling secure and innovative payment solutions across the country. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 August 2025.