Tanka Prasad Adhikari
CEO, Aakash Digital PVT LTD
Tell us your story:
My Name Is Tanka Prasad Adhikari .I am Thirty-One years old .I did my SLC examination from Shree Siddha Baraha Secondary School with First Division marks in 2063 B.S. Then I joined and completed +2 course in management from Prithivi Narayan Campus Pokhara. Then I completed my Bachelor level of Business Studies from Prithvi Narayan Campus Pokhara in 2072 B.S. Then I joined and Completed Masters in Business Studies from Janapriya Multiple Campus Pokhara I am always curious to learn more. I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set. I aspire to bring positive change to society and, if given the chance, I believe I can easily adapt to new opportunities in the financial sector.
Impact:
As the CEO of Aakash Digital Pvt. Ltd., I have always believed that true innovation in fintech must be built on the pillars of inclusivity, accessibility, and dignity for all. One of the contributions I am most proud of is our work to digitize financial services in Nepal’s cooperative sector — a sector that directly serves rural, marginalized, and underrepresented communities, including women, indigenous populations, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
We have consciously designed our platforms to be accessible and non-discriminatory, removing barriers to entry for those who may not have formal financial histories or traditional documentation. In addition, we have conducted digital literacy training for cooperative members and staff from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they are not left behind in the shift to digital finance.
While LGBTQIA+ inclusion is still an emerging conversation in Nepal’s financial sector, I have used my leadership position to advocate for safe, respectful, and open workplace policies. At Aakash Digital, we promote a culture where people of all gender identities and orientations are valued and heard — not just tolerated, but truly embraced.
Advice:
To anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community looking to grow in the FinTech space — your identity is not a barrier; it's a strength. FinTech thrives on innovation, disruption, and the courage to challenge outdated systems. These are qualities that many in our community already embody through lived experience.
Here’s my advice:
1. Own Your Voice:
Bring your whole self to the table. Your perspective matters, and it can shape products, policies, and company cultures in ways that make finance more inclusive and humane.
2. Seek and Build Community:
Find allies, mentors, and networks — especially those who understand both the tech and the identity spaces you navigate. Whether it’s LGBTQIA+ in tech groups, inclusive startup incubators, or FinTech diversity forums, community fuels confidence.
3. Push for Inclusive Design:
You don’t have to wait for permission to make a difference. Advocate for financial products and services that consider non-binary identities, chosen names, and diverse family structures. These changes matter — and they start with people like you.
4. Choose Your Workplaces Wisely:
Not all companies are equally safe or supportive. Look for organizations that demonstrate real inclusion, not just performative statements — and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions about workplace culture and values during interviews.
5. Lead When You’re Ready — and Even When You’re Not:
FinTech needs more LGBTQIA+ leaders. Whether you're building a product, managing a team, or starting your own company, your leadership can pave the way for others. There’s power in representation.
Finally, remember: you belong here. FinTech’s future is inclusive, and you are not alone in shaping it.
