Embracing Digital Finance System Need Of Hour

Embracing Digital Finance System Need Of Hour

Financial inclusion can be defined as a state whereby Individuals and businesses have access to meaningful and affordable financial products and services. It means that customers regardless of their geographical location, ethnic, social-cultural, educational, or economic background have access to suitable financial products while ensuring fairness in service delivery at a reasonable cost.

The popularity of financial inclusion is because of the role it plays in reducing poverty and bringing prosperity. Financial inclusion is generally measured in terms of access of people and business to a bank account. Having a bank account means that people can save, send and receive payments as such people are connected with one of the important parts of life-- banking. Such an account serves as a starting point for the users to facilitate day to day living, make immediate and long-term financial plans, and make use of a wide variety of financial services.

Access to finance at present is not only limited to having a bank account in physical banks. With the use of modern technology in the field of banking and finance, financial services are offered through mobile phones, personal computers, the internet, or via linkage of the card to a digital payment platform known as digital financial services (DFS). For any product offerings to be called DFS, it should enable the users to perform basic banking functions like payments, savings, borrowings, etc making use of the internet, and without having to go to the physical branch location. DFS is a broad terminology and also includes Mobile Financial Services (MFS) which means the use of a mobile phone to access financial service and execute financial transactions.

Financial inclusiveness throughout the globe has been low. The World Bank estimates that around 1.7 billion adults worldwide do not have a basic transaction account. In Nepal, around 60 percent of the population is still said to be outside the coverage of the formal banking channel. Low financial literacy, complex KYC requirement, unequal access to infrastructure, convenience in using informal market tools, lack of trust, and inadequate financial awareness are the reasons for staying outside banking services.

Government of Nepal (GoN) has introduced measures to increase the access of people to financial services. It has planned to open a physical branch of commercial banks in all local levels of the government. With about 81 percent of Nepal's population living in rural areas, the increase in number of banks in local level will increase bankable population. Banking at doorsteps will create convenience for the users which were a matter of privilege some years back.  Similarly, the government has launched an opening bank accounts campaign targeting every citizen. To ensure its effectiveness the process of opening bank accounts has been simplified. Opening the bank account earlier required a copy of citizenship but now can be done just by presenting a copy of the driving license, national identity card. Similarly, such accounts will receive a deposit of Rs. 100 from the bank’s side.

The government has also introduced the 'Digital Nepal' campaign which highlights the role of digital financial services to promote digitization of financial transactions. It recommends increasing the limit of digital transactions, reduce the cost of digital financial transactions, issue of national biometric cards, and introduce telecommunication companies into the payment industry. The government, together with other stakeholders can create an enabling environment to promote digital financial services. For instance, recently Bangladesh introduced the 'Digital Bangladesh' campaign which largely increased financial inclusion. Bangladesh, in 2018 had 47 percent of adults in the financial channel, a 10 percent increase from 2017. Such progress was due to a larger portion of the population having access to MFS. Such stories can also be found in countries like Kenya (mPesa), China( Alipay, Wechat), etc. Our own homegrown MFS providers include e-Sewa, IME pay, sparrow pay, etc. that have been gaining momentum.  

A large unbanked population together with a predominantly cash-based economy has been a constant problem to the Nepali financial system for long. A solution can be the extension of digital financial services throughout the country. With mobile penetration rate greater than 100 percent, declining cost per unit of data, high-speed internet solutions, expansion of physical infrastructure, 50 percent internet penetration rate, the environment is conducive for the expansion of digital financial services. This context is more suitable to popularise mobile financial services. The population base with wide access to mobile and internet can be tapped to open digital wallets which would be game-changing to enhance financial inclusion in Nepal. Licensed mobile financial services providers from Nepal Rastra Bank in the form of PSP’s and PSO’s can tap the unbanked population across the country.

Digital finance is instrumental to ensure broader financial inclusion. Similarly, in contrast to the traditional brick and mortar banking, digital finance is more affordable and convenient.  The major advantage of digital finance comes from its ability to offer product offerings at an affordable price, ensuring interoperability across various service providers. It also enables regulators to easily check the flow of black money or undue financial transactions. Another advantage would be the efficiency factor. The use of innovative digital financial services can have a long-lasting positive impact on banking performance.  

Access to digital finance is likely to boost the gross domestic product of the economy by providing service users with a wide range of digital finance products and services. Under banked groups like SME’s, women, and the population on the bottom of the pyramid will have access to financial services. This will boost aggregate expenditure leading to a positive contribution to GDP and will also contribute to the reduction of the poverty level.

The government should build coordination with concerned stakeholders and create an enabling legal and physical infrastructure to promote digital finance in the country. Making use of the technology to offer existing banking solutions and leveraging the benefit of technology to offer mobile financial services across the country will significantly enhance financial inclusion in the country. Such measures will significantly add to the government’s mission of ‘Digital Nepal’.

(The author is an Assistant Director at Nepal Rastra Bank.)

Digital Finance Ensures Inclusion

Digital Finance Ensures Inclusion

Financial inclusion can be defined as a state whereby Individuals and businesses have access to meaningful and affordable financial products and services. It means that customers regardless of their geographical location, ethnic, social-cultural, educational, or economic background have access to suitable financial products while ensuring the fairness in service delivery and at a reasonable cost.

The popularity of financial inclusion is because of the role it plays in reducing poverty and boosting prosperity. Financial inclusion is generally measured in terms of access of people and business to a bank account. Having a bank account means that people can save, send and receive payments as such people are connected with one of the important parts of life - Banking. Such an account serves as a starting point for the users to facilitate day to day living, make immediate and long-term financial plans, make use of wide varieties of financial services, etc.

Access

Access to finance at present is not only limited to have a bank account in physical banks. With the use of modern technology in the field of banking and finance, financial services are offered through mobile phones, personal computers, the internet, or via linkage of the card to a digital payment platform is known as digital financial services(DFS). For any product offerings to be called DFS, it should enable the users to perform basic banking functions like payments, savings, borrowings, etc making use of the internet, and without having to go to the physical branch location. DFS is a broad terminology and also includes Mobile Financial Services(MFS) which means the use of a mobile phone to access financial service and execute financial transactions.

Historically financial inclusiveness throughout the globe has been low. The World Bank estimates that around 1.7 billion adults worldwide(or 31% of adults) do not have a basic transaction account. In the case of Nepal around 60% of the population is still said to be outside the coverage of formal banking channels. Low financial literacy, complex KYC requirement, unequal access to infrastructure, convenience in using informal market tools, lack of trust in financial service providers, inadequate financial awareness, etc has excluded a large portion of citizens from the ambit of Banking Industry.

Government of Nepal (GoN) having realized the importance of financial inclusion has introduced measures to increase the access of people to financial services. It has prioritized to open a physical branch of commercial banks at all local levels of the government. As of October, 2019, only 12 local levels out of 753 do not have a physical branch.  All these local levels are likely to have a branch by the end of the current fiscal year. With about 81% of Nepal's population living in rural areas, the increase in the number of banks at the local level will increase the bankable population. Banking at doorstep will create convenience for the users which was a matter of privilege some years back.  Similarly, GoN has launched an opening bank accounts campaign targeting every citizen. To ensure its effectiveness the process of opening bank accounts has been simplified. Opening the bank account earlier required a copy of citizenship but now can be done by presenting a copy of the driving license, national identity card, etc. Similarly, such accounts will receive a deposit of Rs. 100 from the bank's side.

GoN has also introduced 'Digital Nepal' campaign which highlights the role of the Digital Financial Services to promote digitization of financial transactions. It recommends to increase the limit of digital transactions, reduce the cost of digital financial transactions, issue of national biometric card, introduce Telecommunication Company (TelCo’s) into payment industry, etc As such,  Government of Nepal, together with other stakeholders can create an enabling environment to promote digital financial service. For instance, recently Bangladesh introduced 'Digital Bangladesh' campaign which largely increased the financial inclusion in the country. The country in 2018 had 47% of adults in the financial channel, which was a 10% increase from 2017. Such a number has soared up to 60.0% as per a recent study report from Nepal Rastra Bank. Such progress is because of a larger portion of the population having access to Mobile Financial Services(MFS). The growth was possible because of the Government’s financial inclusion strategy via ‘Digital Bangladesh’ that promoted Mobile Financial Services(MFS) like bKash, Rocket, iPay, etc . Such stories can also be found in countries like Kenya (mPesa), China(Alipay,Wechat),etc. Our own homegrown Mobile Financial Service providers like esewa, IME pay, sparrow pay, etc have been gaining momentum.  

A large unbanked population together with a predominantly cash-based economy has been a constant problem to the Nepalese financial system for a long period of time. A solution to both of these can be via an extension of digital financial services throughout the country. With mobile penetration rate greater than 100%, declining cost per unit of data, high-speed internet solutions, expansion of physical infrastructure, 50% of internet penetration rate, etc the environment is supportive for the establishment of a conducive ecosystem of digital financial services. This context is more suitable to popularize mobile financial services. This population base with wide access to mobile and internet can be tapped easily to open a digital wallet that would be game-changing to enhance financial inclusion in Nepal. Licensed mobile financial services providers from Nepal Rastra Bank in the form of PSP’s and PSO’s can tap virgin unbanked population across the country.

  

Digital finance is instrumental to ensure broader financial inclusion. Similarly, in contrast to the traditional brick and mortar banking, digital finance is more affordable and convenient.  The major advantage of digital finance comes from its ability to offer product offerings at an affordable price, ensuring interoperability across various service providers, etc.  It also enables the regulators to easily check/control the flow of black money, or undue financial transactions. Another advantage would be the efficiency factor. The use of innovative digital financial services can have a long-lasting positive impact on banking performance.  

Contribution

Access to digital finance is also more likely to boost the gross domestic product of the economy by providing service users with a wide range of digital finance products and services. Under banked groups like SME’s, women, and the population on the bottom of the pyramid will have access to financial services. This will boost aggregate expenditure leading to a positive contribution to GDP and will also contribute to the reduction of the poverty level. With this collection of government revenues, fees and charges will also increase. As such Government in coordination with other stakeholders should create an enabling legal and physical infrastructure to promote digital finance in the country. Making use of the technology to offer existing banking solutions and leveraging the benefit of technology to offer mobile financial services across the geographical areas will significantly enhance financial inclusion in the country. Such measures will significantly add to the government’s mission of ‘Digital Nepal’.

*Writer is an Assistant Director at Nepal Rastra Bank.

(The article was published in The Rising Nepal, a national English daily of Nepal. )

Positive Outlook for Digital Banking in Nepal

Positive Outlook for Digital Banking in Nepal

                                                                                                                        *Amish Dhungel        

The term bank is said to have been derived from the Italian word “banca”, meaning a bench, used by Italian merchants to make a deal to borrow and lend money. As such it is evident that the meaning of the bank has a connotation with the physical location/evidence. Making use of banking services meant that a customer should be present in the physical outlet of a bank to perform transactions. However, with the introduction of modern technology in the banking industry, the traditional notion of banking is changing. Customers can now avail banking services Any-Time, Any-Where without having to reach the physical branch location.

As Bill Gates announced in 2008, “banking is essential, banks are not”, the developments in the field of banking shows such directions. The use of computer and internet technology for offering banking services has changed the way traditional banking is done. And with digital banking/finance services offered via means of telephone, mobile phone, internet, etc. is popular the modus-operandi of banking evolving.

Nepalese banks and financial institutions followed the global band-wagon of introducing modern technology in the banking industry. It was as early as 1990 that Nepalese banks started to adopt means of digital banking. Then Nepal Arab Bank Limited introduced Credit Cards in 1990 AD. This was followed by Himalayan Bank Ltd by offering Tele-banking, Internet banking by Kumari Bank Limited in 2002, SMS banking by Laxmi Bank Limited in 2004 and so on.

The mediums of digital banking prevalent in Nepal are cards, internet banking, mobile banking, e-wallets(offered by non-bank institutions), Point of Sales (POS) machines, Point of Transactions (POT) machines, QR(Quick Response) Code, ATM (Automated Teller Machine), etc. Similarly Electronic Cheque Clearance (ECC), Interbank Payment System (IPS), SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), etc are digital banking tools that have been used for executing transactions of large volumes.

Though it has been quite some time that Nepal has been using various modern means of payments, the volume of such usage hasn’t increased in a significant manner. In spite of the slow pace, the numbers are increasing. The following table shows an increase in the usage of various channels of digital banking in Nepal for two consecutive years.

Tools	2nd Quarter 74/75	2nd Quarter 75/76
No. of Mobile Banking Customers	35,30,227	63,94,916
No. of Internet Banking Customers	8,42,431	8,56,695
No. of ATMs	2,638	3,049
No. of Debit Cards	57,69,128	59,62,838
No. of Credit Cards	94,716	1,00,527

Source: Monthly Statistics, NRB

Popularity of digital banking services has been a global trend. Thanks to the ease in connection, low cost of product offerings, its role in ensuring financial inclusion, and poverty alleviation, etc. Increase in use of digital banking will reduce the demand of cash; meaning reduced expenses in printing cash, less circulation cost, higher durability, increased the transparency of transactions, higher revenue collection for government, etc. Having realized immense importance of digital banking, both Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and Government of Nepal (GoN) has felt the urge to promote Digital Banking in Nepal. Recent move by both, the body shows such direction.

To discourage cash is to promote digital banking. For this the central regulatory authority, NRB has established a Payment Systems Department on 2nd July 2015, in accordance with the spirit of NRB Act and entrusted the department with the sole authority of regulation, supervision and oversight of the entire payment systems(including digital ones) in the country, including the non-bank financial institutions. At present NRB has been providing a license to both banks and non-banking financial institution as Payment Service Provider (PSP) and Payment Systems Operator (PSO). As of Mid May 2019, the department has issued a license to 5 non-bank PSP’s and 4 non-bank PSO’s. It has also provided the license to 45 BFI’s to offer digital financial services. The number of market players is likely increasing in the day to come.

NRB has been working thoughtfully to develop a secure, healthy and efficient system of payments. It has formulated and implemented a National Payment System Development Strategy, Licensing policy for Payment Related Institutions 2073, Payment Systems Oversight Framework 2018, Payment and Settlement Bylaws 2072, and has also issued various directives and circulars to guide and direct payment systems related activities in Nepal. Recently it has made an upward revision of limit for digital transactions which addressed one of the suggestions by Digital Nepal Framework 2018 developed by Ministry of Communication and Information Technology aims to harness the benefit of technology to accelerate economic growth.  

NRB aims to move towards cash-less economy gradually by passing through less-cash economy. To discourage the use of cash NRB has reduced the limit of cash-based transactions to NPR 1 million from the erstwhile limit of NPR 3 million. This has lead to an increase in the volume of electronic transactions via NRB promoted Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL). For eg in 17/18 the average daily transaction volume and average settlement values in NCHL-IPS were 8,003 and NPR 3.03 Billion as against 2,413 and NPR 1.29 Billion in the previous year.

Similarly NRB is about to add a milestone to the Nepalese payment systems domain by installing the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system within September 2019. The system will cater to the need for urgent payments, large-value payments, securities-related payments, and government transactions. This will add to the credibility and efficiency of the existing payment systems. Upcoming endeavors of NRB include study for establishing National Payment Switch. The switch will increase the usage of digital financial services by reducing hassle and the cost of using digital finance. Similarly, the bank has entered into a cooperation with The World Bank to formulate a National Retail Payment Strategy. All these initiatives will develop a strong infrastructure to promote digital banking in the country.

Likewise GoN has also formulated Digital Nepal Framework 2018. The framework plans to promote Digital Finance Services to attain the aim of Digital Nepal. Similarly Budget 2076/77 presented recently has also put forth various creative ideas to promote digital transactions in Nepal. One of its interesting announcements is to rebate back the customer with 10% of 13% Value Added Tax that is paid during the online purchase of goods and services. It also prioritizes the use of electronic cards for fare payments in the transport industry. Similarly, it has also announced for collection of government revenue and payment of expenditure through the electronic system from next year. The budget has also provided to popularize mobile, internet and branch-less banking, establish National Payment Gateway, decrease cash-based transactions by use of secured cards and internet payment options, ensure a mechanism for payment of electricity and drinking water bills via an electronic medium, etc. All these initiatives if implemented properly will increase digital transactions and digital banking in manifold times.

The overall ambiance is optimistic for popularizing digital banking in Nepal. With mobile penetration rate greater than 100% out of which  more than 70% of mobile phones being smart, declining cost per unit of data, high-speed internet solutions and 63% of internet penetration rate, expansion of physical infrastructure, etc the environment is more encouraging for the establishment of a conducive ecosystem of digital banking. Government of Nepal and Nepal Rastra Bank have also issued promising plans and policies to promote digital banking in the country. A coordinated approach with various stakeholders should be ensured to achieve intended results of thoughtfully formulated policies.

*Dhungel is Assistant Director in Nepal Rastra Bank.

This article was published by Nepal Financial Institutions Employees Association  in Arthik Mimansha, on October, 2019. 

Payment Systems in Nepal

Payment Systems in Nepal        

                    

Payment and Payment Systems

The action or process of paying someone in lieu of something is known as payment. It is one of the crucial functions executed by banks and financial institutions. Smooth operation of the payment functions not only helps the bank and financial institutions to ensure their swift operation but also that of the counterparties.

Besides accepting deposit, payment has been one of the crucial function that the banks and financial institutions have been carrying out since time immemorial. In the modern era, use of IT has been integral to simplify the complex mechanism of payment. As such the infusion of IT in Payment to make the whole process simple and swift is known as Payment Systems. More technically, a payment system is defined as an arrangement which allows transfer of funds between the payee and payer. It comprises of the institutions, instruments, people, rules, procedures, and technologies that enables the funds to move from accounts maintained in one financial institutions to another.

Rationale of Effective payment system

Payment systems is an integral part of every country’s financial system. The status of the payment system of the country can be taken as an indicator of the health/status of the economy of the country. 

A modern payment systems will not only reduce the cost of commerce but also help to improve the government budget balance by increasing tax revenue collection. As such there is an enormous role of payment system to ensure the smooth functioning of the economy. A modern payment system is beneficial for all concerned because of the following reasons:  

1.      An effective payment system ensures the soundness of monetary policy implementation and capital market development.

2.      It ensures that the cost of transfer of fund from one party to the other is minimized, thus reducing the cost of business transactions.

3.      It ensures quick realization of revenue by business firms and the government.

4.      A well developed and regulated payment system ensures transparency and also helps mitigate the money laundering process.

5.      Enhanced payments system also saves the users from risk of loss and theft.

6.      It also saves the central bank from the great deal of expenses required for circulating of the physical cash to various parts of the country, etc.

Current status of Payment Systems in Nepal

Payments institutions and mechanisms are integral component of payments landscape. The Payment System of Nepal is dominated by the banks and financial institutions However to develop and strengthen payment systems in Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank established a Payment Systems Department on 2^nd July 2015, in accordance with the spirit of NRB Act and entrusted the department with the sole authority of regulation, supervision and oversight of the entire payment system in the country, including the non-bank financial institutions also.

In Nepalese context payments tools like cards, internet banking, mobile banking, e-wallets etc. are popular tools for the payment of retail value amount. Similarly, the users are availing Electronic Cheque Clearance (ECC), Interbank Payment System (IPS), SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), etc for the payment of transactions of large value.

Though it has been quite some period of time that Nepal has been using the modern means of payment systems, the volume of such use isn’t in significant number. However, though slow, the number of such users is increasing.

One key player in the payment systems domain of Nepal is NCHL (Nepal Clearing House Limited) that was established under the leadership of NRB in 2008 to enable electronic cheque clearing thus eliminating the need of physical routine of paper cheques. NCHL as of now has been offering services such as Electronic Cheque Clearance (ECC), which earlier was being manually handled by NRB. The number of cheques being processed via NCHL has been increasing. It cleared 96,86,277 cheques in the FY 2074/75, with daily cheques of 40,756 being processed and the average value of such cheques being Rs 26.6 billion. NCHL has also been offering services such as IPS (Inter Bank Payment) and now with Connect IPS which acts as a single platform for the users to initiate their payment transactions via their bank accounts.

Nabil Bank introduced Credit Card for the first time in Nepal in 2044 BS. Similarly Automated Tailor Machine (ATM) was introduced by Himalayan Bank in the year 2047 BS. Likewise Internet Banking was introduced in Nepal by Kumari Bank in 2047 BS, and it was Laxmi Bank that started SMS Banking in the year 2061 BS.

The use of mobile banking service offered by banks and financial institutions has been increasing. Such services allows the customers to conduct financial transactions remotely using a mobile device such as smartphone or tablet. Similarly users are also availing internet banking, also known as online banking or simply e-banking, which is electronic payment that enables the customer of banks and financial institutions to conduct a range of financial transactions through the website of the service providers. Likewise there has also been significant increase in the number of users of the debit cards. The increase in the outlets of ATM (2791 as of FY 2074/75) terminals along with the convenience to use them in Point of Sales (POS) machine has increased the popularity of the use of debit cards. The graph below depict the recent status of users of mobile/internet banking and debit card users.

    

Existing Legal Framework

Development of a robust Payment System has been one of the key priority of both the Government of Nepal and the Central bank of the country, Nepal Rastra Bank.  For example, the NRB’s second strategic plan of 2012—2016 included payment systems and mechanisms as one of its seven strategic pillars. Continuity to the second strategic plan, third strategic plan 2017-2021 has focused on pillar as “Sound and Effective Payment System".

The role of NRB has been directed towards the developing financial market infrastructures and promoting electronic payment systems.  As one of the primary functions of the Central bank as per NRB Act, 2002 is “to develop a secure healthy and efficient systems of payments”, NRB has been performing in the same spirit.

In this connection, NRB has established a separate Department on 2072/3/17 in the name of Payment Systems Department. This department is the revamping of the earlier known as Payment and Settlement Department, with power to regulate, inspect, and supervise payment, clearing and settlement arrangement related activities in Nepal. 

Nepal Rastra Bank as of now has formulated and implemented Banks and Financial Institution Act, 2073, National Payment System Development Strategy 2014, Licensing policy for Payment Related Institutions 2073, Payment Systems Oversight Framework 2018, Payment and Settlement Bylaw 2072, Payment and Settlement Act is under review in Federal Parliament, and it has also issued 7 different directives to guide and direct payment systems related activities in Nepal.

Way forward

The overall ambience is much conducive for igniting a take-off phase of payment systems in Nepal. The internet penetration is 63% of total population as per date of October 2017, an increase of 15.60% than that of the last year. Similarly the number of mobile phone users in the country is 34% higher than the total estimated population of the country as per data furnished by NTA on Ashad, 2075. Likewise the development of Payment Systems has been on topmost priority of both Government of Nepal and the Nepal Rastra Bank.

As development of an efficient and robust payment systems is in top priority of the central bank of Nepal, and also that of Government of Nepal, NRB together with stakeholders has been introducing and implementing various alternatives for promotion of the same.

NRB has been focusing on the licensing of the institutions that intend to provide payment related services. It has been providing license in two categories as PSP (Payment Service Providers) and PSO (Payment Service Operators). As of date it has provided license to 41 Banks and Financial institutions, and to 5 non-Banks and Financial institutions, and has provided Letter of Intent to 25 institutions. The number of such service providers is likely to increase in the days to come.

NRB has proposed a module of National Payment System which consists integrated RTGS and CSD. Such a system encompasses RTGS linked to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Customs, and Inland Revenue Department (IRD) via core banking.  Similarly it has placed a full-fledged regulatory framework and Payment System ACT is under review in the federal parliament. NRB has also focused on the interoperability of payment systems and tools so as to reduce the cost of using such tools and also to facilitate convenience. As such the future is optimistic regarding moving towards a cash less economy.

(The writer is Assistant Director in Nepal Rastra Bank and the view presented in this article is his personal one and doesn’t represent the view/opinion of the organization to which he is related to)

Reference:

·         Sixty Years of Nepal Rastra Bank, NRB Baluwatar, 2018

·         nrb.org,np

·         Nepal Clearing House Limited. Overview. Nepal Clearing House limited website(online), 2011

·         NRB 2011 Second Strategic Plan (2012-2016)

Published in "LakshyaYatra", an annual publication of Rastriya Banijya Bank Ltd, Employee Union, December-2018

अबको बाटो डिजिटल बैंकिङ, Jul 29, 2019

अबको बाटो डिजिटल बैंकिङ

                                                                                                              July 29, 2019

लेख | दृष्टिकोण

वित्तीय समावेशिताको आधार तय गर्ने नयाँ उपकरण

अमिष ढुंगेल

सोह्रौं शताब्दीमा बैंक अफ इङल्यान्डको स्थापनासँगै आधुनिक बैंकिङको शुरूआत भएको मानिन्छ । प्राचीन कालदेखि नै आधारभूत बैंकिङ कारोबारका लागि समेत विभिन्न उपकरणको प्रयोग भइरहेकोमा आधुनिक बैंकिङसँगै यसमा नवीनतम उपकरणहरू थपिएका छन् । सन् १९७० को दशकमा बैंकिङ क्षेत्रमा कम्प्युटरको प्रयोग शुरू भएकोमा सन् १९८० को दशकमा सोको प्रयोग आधारभूत आवश्यकताका रूपमा विकास भएको थियो । अझ १९९० मा एक आश्चर्यका रूपमा विकसित भएकोे इन्टरनेट प्रविधिले दशकौंदेखि चलिआएको बैंकिङ प्रणालीमा क्रान्तिकारी रूपान्तरण ल्यायो । हाल कम्प्युटर र इन्टरनेटको प्रयोगविना बैंकिङ कारोबार सञ्चालन गर्नु कल्पनाभन्दा परको कुरा हुन गएको छ । 

विश्वव्यापी रूपमा आधुनिक प्रविधिमा आधारित बैंकिङ प्रणालीमा भएको आमूल परिवर्तनको कारण नेपाली बैंकिङ क्षेत्रमा समेत क्रमिक रूपमा परिवर्तन आएको छ । सन् १९९५ मा हिमालय बैंकले एटीएमको थालनी गर्नु, सन् २००१ मा कुमारी बैंकले ई–बैंकिङको थाल्नु आदि यही परिवर्तनको सूचक हो । पश्चिमा मुलुकहरूमा प्रयोगमा आएका÷आउने प्रविधि नेपालमा तुरून्तै भित्रिने अवस्थाको सृजना भएको छ । हाल नेपाली बैंकिङ क्षेत्रमा विभिन्न प्रकृतिका आधुनिक भुक्तानी प्रणालीका उपकरणहरू जस्तै डेविट कार्ड, क्रेडिट कार्ड, प्रिपेड कार्ड, मोबाइल बैंकिङ, इन्टरनेट बैंकिङ, पोइन्ट अफ सेल मेशिन, प्वाइन्ट अफ ट्रान्ज्याक्शन मेशिन, नियर फिन्ड कम्युनिकेशन कार्ड, क्यूआर कोड, इलेक्ट्रोनिक चेक क्लियरेन्स आदिको प्रयोगले पनि सो कुरालाई प्रमाणित गर्छ । नेपाली भुक्तानी प्रणालीलाई अझ सरल, व्यवस्थित र भरपर्दो बनाउन नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकले रियल टाइम ग्रस सेटलमेन्टको स्थापनालाई अन्तिम चरणमा पु¥याएको छ भने राष्ट्रिय भुक्तानी प्रणाली स्थापनाका लागि पनि अध्ययन गरिरहेको छ । 

विद्युतीय उपकरणहरूको बढ्दो प्रयोगले दैनिक जनजीवनलाई सहज एवम् सरल बनाए तापनि ती उपकरणको प्रयोगबाट विभिन्न प्रकृतिका जोखिम आउन सक्ने सम्भावना रहन्छ । भविष्यमा आउन सक्ने जोखिमको मूल्यांकन गरेर नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकले आधुनिक भुक्तानी प्रणालीलाई व्यवस्थित गर्दै जोखिम न्यूनीकरण गर्न भुक्तानी प्रणाली विभाग गठन गरेको छ । उक्त विभागले भुक्तानी प्रणालीको नियमन तथा सुपरिवेक्षण र पारदर्शी एवम् सहज भुक्तानीको सुविधा प्रदान गर्ने कार्यलाई उच्च प्राथमिकतामा राखी कार्यसम्पादन गर्दै आएको छ । विसं २०७६ जेठ अन्त्यसम्म बैंकले ४६ बैंक तथा वित्तीय संस्थालाई विद्युतीय भुक्तानी कार्यका लागि अनुमति पत्र दिएको छ । पाँच गैरबैंकलाई भुक्तानी सेवाप्रदायकको कार्य र चार गैरबैंकलाई भुक्तानी प्रणाली सञ्चालककोे कार्यका लागि अनुमतिपत्र दिइसकेको छ ।

बैंक तथा वित्तीय संस्थाबाट प्रदान गर्ने सेवासुविधा सर्वसुलभ रूपमा जनताले घरआँगनबाटै प्राप्त गर्न सकून् भन्ने अभिप्रायले नेपाल सरकारले सबै स्थानीय तहमा बैंकको शाखा खोल्ने काम प्राथमिकताका साथ लागू गरेको छ । नेपालको भौगोलिक विविधताका कारण सबै स्थानीय तहमा बैंक शाखा खोले तापनि छरिएर रहेको बस्ती भएकाले बैंकिङ सुविधालाई अझ सरल र सहज बनाउन चुनौतीपूर्ण देखिन्छ । त्यसैले नेपाल सरकार तथा नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकले आधुनिक भुक्तानीको उपकरणलाई अझ प्रभावकारी बनाउन लागेको छ । ती उपकरणका माध्यमबाट डिजिटल बैंकिङको सुविधा व्यापक बनाउन नेपाल सरकार र नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकले संयुक्त रूपमा कार्यक्रम सञ्चालन गर्दै आएका छन् ।

आधुनिक बैंकिङका उपकरणको आवश्यकता मनन गर्दै नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकले हालसालै सार्वजनिक गरेको मौद्रिक नीति २०७६/७७ मा समेत सो सम्बन्धमा उल्लेख्य योजनाहरू राखेको छ । यसबाट केन्द्रीय बैंकले आधुनिक भुक्तानी प्रणालीलाई उच्च प्राथमिकतामा राखेको प्रस्ट हुन्छ । डिजिटल बैंकिङको प्रयोगलाई विस्तारै बढाउने योजना अनुरूप सो नीतिले डिजिटलाइजेशन तथा फिनटेकको प्रयोगलाई व्यापक बनाउने, सो सम्बन्धी पूर्वाधारहरूको विकास गर्दै जाने, मोबाइल तथा इन्टरनेट बैंकिङको प्रयोगलाई सुदूरमा पु¥याउने, पीओएस तथा क्यास डिपोजिट मेशिन आदिको प्रयोगलाई प्रोत्साहन गर्ने आदि योजना नीतिमा उल्लिखित छन् । यिनै सकारात्मक प्रयासले आगामी दिनमा डिजिटल कारोबार बढ्ने र यसले समग्र अर्थतन्त्रलाई नै योगदान दिने कुरामा विश्वस्त हुन सकिन्छ ।

डिजिटल बैंकिङलाई अझ प्रभावकारी बनाउन नेपाल सरकारले डिजिटल नेपाल नामक कार्यक्रम घोषणा गरेको छ । सो कार्यलाई सार्थक बनाउन नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकले आवश्यक नीतिनियम बनाउनुका अतिरिक्त भुक्तानी सेवाप्रदायक र भुक्तानी प्रणाली सञ्चालकको अनुमतिपत्र प्रदान गर्दै आएको एवम् बैंकले हालसालै विद्युतीय माध्यमबाट हुने कारोबारको सीमालाई उल्लेखनीय रूपमा वृद्वि गरेको छ । विश्वबजारमा आएका विद्युतीय भुक्तानीका उपकरणहरूलाई नेपालमा भिœयाउने सम्बन्धमा बैंकले तथ्यपरक रूपमा खोज, अनुुसन्धान गरेर मात्र यस्ता उपकरण नेपालमा ल्याउन अनुमति दिने गरेको छ । 

डिजिटल बैंकिङका उपकरणको पहुँचबाट कर्मचारी खर्चमा कटौती, कर्मचारी व्यवस्थापनमा सहजता, छोटो समयमा नै सेवा प्रवाह गर्न सकिने, जुनसुुकै समय र स्थानमा कारोबार सञ्चालन गर्न सकिने अवस्था सृजना हुन्छ । यसबाट उत्पादकत्वमा वृद्धि, ग्राहकको हित, सुरक्षा तथा सन्तुष्टिमा अभिवृद्धि हुने र मानिसको जीवनशैलीमा समेत सकारात्मक परिवर्तन आउने देखिएकाले यस प्रकारका उपकरणको प्रयोग बढ्दो छ । 

देशका अधिकांश भूभागमा दूरसञ्चार सुविधा रहेको, इन्टरनेटको सुविधा सर्वसुलभ र सस्तो भएको, मोबाइल पेनिट्रेशन उच्च रहेको जस्ता कारणले डिजिटल बैंकिङका लागि नेपाल उर्वरभूमि बनेको छ । त्यसैले डिजिटल बैंकिङको प्रयोग बढाउन थप योगदान गर्नुपर्ने टड्कारो आवश्यकता रहेको छ । डिजिटल बैंकिङका माध्यमबाट बैंकिङ सुविधा प्रदान गर्न उल्लेखनीय खर्च नलाग्ने, भएकै पूर्वाधारमा आधारित भएर सेवा प्रदान गर्न सक्ने, सोको प्रयोग पनि सरल हुने आदि कारणले वित्तीय समावेशीकरण पनि बढाउने निश्चित प्रायः छ । 

यसको अर्को फाइदा भनेको बैंकिङको मूलप्रभावभन्दा टाढा रहेको सीमान्तकृत, गरीबीको रेखामुनि रहेको जनसंख्या आदिलाई सजिलै समेट्न सक्नु हो । डिजिटल बैंकिङको माध्यमबाट कारोबार गर्दा नगद कारोबारमा कमी भई कागजी नोट छपाइमा हुने खर्चमा कमी हुनुका साथै नोटको आयुमा वृद्धि हुने, कारोबार पारदर्शी हुने, नगद चोरी हुने हराउने क्षति हुने कार्यमा कमी भई नगद कारोबारमा हुने झन्झट कम हुने, समयको बचत हुने, प्राप्त र भुक्तानी गर्नेले समयमा नै कारोबार सम्पन्न गर्ने अवस्थाको सृजना हुने, अवैध कारोबारमा कमी आउने र कालोधन बैंकिङ च्यानलमा ल्याउन अप्ठ्यारो हुने हुँदा नियमनकारी निकायलाई समेत सजिलो हुन्छ । डिजिटल कारोबार बढ्दै जाँदा व्यवसायीहरूले गर्ने कारोबार समेत देखिने भएकाले ती कारोबार करको दायरामा आउनेछन् । यसले गर्दा वर्तमान अवस्थामा भइरहेको कर चुहावट, करछलीलाई समेत कानूनी दायरामा ल्याउन सजिलो हुने आकलन गर्न सकिन्छ । 

तसर्थ डिजिटल बैंकिङ समयको माग हो । यस सन्दर्भमा नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकबाट इजाजत प्राप्त बैंक तथा गैरबैंक संस्थाले दूरसञ्चार सेवाप्रदायक संस्थाहरूको सहयोगबाट भुक्तानीका आधुनिक प्रविधिहरूको सेवा प्रदान गरी जनताको जीवनयापनमा सहजीकरण गर्नुपर्ने आजको आवश्यकता हो । त्यसैले बंैक तथा वित्तीय संस्था र गैरबंैक तथा वित्तीय संस्थाहरूले आधुनिक भुक्तानी प्रणालीका उपकरणको सञ्चालन र विस्तार कार्यलाई उच्च प्राथमिकतामा राखी काम गर्नुपर्ने र नेपाल सरकार, नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंक र सम्बद्ध निकायले यस्ता कारोबारको निगरानी र नियमन गर्नुपर्ने देखिन्छ ।

 लेखक नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकका सहायक निर्देशक हुन् ।

Published in Arthik Abhiyan National Daily on July, 30, 2019.