Bikram Shrestha is a veteran internet and financial technology leader with over 25 years of experience spanning internet infrastructure, digital banking, cybersecurity, and internet governance. Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, he has dedicated his career to bringing world-class technologies and digital solutions to Nepal with a particular focus on financial inclusion across every geographic region of the country.
He currently serves as Head of Deposit Management Retail and Priority Banking at Sanima Bank Ltd., where he oversees a retail deposit budget of NPR 15 billion and manages a customer base of more than 1.2 million. Previously, as Head of Digital Banking from 2018 to 2024, he generated NPR 45 million in non-interest income and drove the bank’s digital transformation. His tenure at Sanima Bank began in 2014 when he established and led the eBanking department, introducing Nepal’s first mobile banking app in the Nepali language, Visa and MasterCard services, QR code payments, and the country’s first disability-friendly banking website.
Beyond banking, Bikram is the Founder President of the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF) and a globally recognized voice in internet governance. He is the first recipient of an ICANN Fellowship from Nepal and has participated in more than 40 international conferences and expert group meetings including ICANN, APNIC, APRICOT, the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum, and United Nations Expert Group meetings.
Key achievements
- First ICANN Fellow from Nepal, contributing to global internet governance policy and discussions
- Launched Nepal’s first mobile banking app in the Nepali language, opening digital finance to millions of citizens
- Installed the world’s highest ATM at Namche Bazaar and helped build the Everest Community Network the world’s highest community network
- Delivered NPR 45 million in digital banking revenue at Sanima Bank and managed a NPR 15 billion retail deposit portfolio
- Served as Grand Jury Member for Nepal’s National ICT Award (2016–2023) and the mBillionth South Asia Award
- Represented Nepal as keynote speaker and panelist at ICANN, APNIC, SANOG, NepalIGF, APrIGF, and UN Expert Group meetings
Leadership and affiliations
- President, Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF)
- Co-Chair, Cooperation SIG, Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC)
- Vice Chair, NPOC, ICANN (2022–2023)
- Board Member, South Asian Network Operators Group (SANOG)
- Founder and Past President, Internet Society Nepal (ISOC Nepal)
- Treasurer, Information Technology Security Emergency Response Team Nepal (ITSERT-NP)
- Executive Committee Member, Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN)