F1Soft appoints Sanat Kumar Poudel as CEO, marking leadership shift at 22-year milestone


Kathmandu: Marking its 22nd anniversary, F1Soft International has announced the appointment of Sanat Kumar Poudel as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a new phase of leadership for one of Nepal’s most influential fintech companies. Poudel succeeds co-founder and director Subas Sharma, who had led the company as CEO for over a decade and played a central role in shaping its growth trajectory.

During his tenure, Sharma was instrumental in translating the company’s vision into reality, leading the development and expansion of key digital financial platforms such as eSewa and Fonepay. These services have become cornerstones of Nepal’s digital payments ecosystem, significantly improving financial access and convenience for millions of users. With this transition, Sharma will continue to contribute as a director, focusing on the group’s broader strategic direction and long-term vision.

Poudel, who currently serves as CEO of FoneNXT, will take on dual leadership responsibilities, overseeing both organizations. Before joining the F1Soft Group, he spent more than a decade at Nabil Bank, where he led initiatives in payment technology management and digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, he is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with deep expertise in fintech innovation and digital systems.

Expressing his confidence in the leadership transition, Sharma said he takes pride in what the company has achieved over the past 22 years and believes Poudel is well-positioned to lead the next phase of growth. Poudel, in turn, described his appointment as a privilege at a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. He emphasized his commitment to strengthening F1Soft’s technological leadership, accelerating service expansion, and positioning Nepal’s fintech capabilities on the global stage.

Over the years, F1Soft has played a pioneering role in the development of digital financial services in Nepal. Through platforms like eSewa and Fonepay, the company has helped build a robust ecosystem that includes digital wallets, interoperable payment systems, and digital lending platforms. These innovations have significantly contributed to expanding financial inclusion across the country, bringing formal financial services closer to individuals and businesses alike.

As the company steps into its third decade, it has outlined an ambitious vision to further enhance its institutional capacity, deepen its impact within Nepal, and scale its fintech solutions internationally. The leadership transition is seen as a strategic move to align with these goals, ensuring continuity while also injecting fresh perspective and momentum into the organization’s future growth.