Nepal Snapshot:

• Year MAP began: 2014
• Adult population: 15.4m
• % adults who have higher education: 5%
• % adults use at least one regulated financial service: 61%
• % adults use only unregulated financial services: 21%
• % adults excluded: 18%

Nepal currently experiences a modest level of access to formal financial services, where formal credit markets are relatively underdeveloped and a large proportion of the population takes loans through informal sources. Usage of more sophisticated formal services such as insurance and electronic payment services is rare amongst people in Nepal. Access to affordable and appropriate financial instruments and products can improve the welfare of the un-served and under-served population by helping them conduct their financial lives more efficiently, increase income, manage risk, and build wealth over time