Central Banks Unite to Launch Global Real-Time Payments Network

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The ambitious Project Nexus, a major initiative under the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), is poised to revolutionize the global payments landscape by interlinking domestic real-time payment systems. With a vision to provide a centralized connection for instant payment networks worldwide, Project Nexus leverages ISO 20022 message specifications and specialized APIs. Following a successful proof-of-concept trial in 2022 involving the Eurosystem, Malaysia, and Singapore, the BIS has now collaborated with the central banks and instant payment systems (IPS) operators from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to further develop and evaluate this innovative model.

Transition to Nexus Global Payments

As the project moves closer to live implementation, the BIS is transitioning its role, passing key responsibilities to Nexus Global Payments (NGP), a newly established Singapore-based entity. This company, formed by the central banks of India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, is tasked with the operationalization and management of the Nexus scheme. Their primary objective is to ensure the system can handle safe, sizable, and instant cross-border payments efficiently. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank and Bank Indonesia, who played crucial roles in previous project phases, will continue to contribute as special observers.

The initial capital necessary to build and establish this advanced Nexus platform will be provided by the first participating jurisdictions. This funding will be pivotal not just for the platform’s launch but also for its planned expansion into other regions over time. Mr. Benjamin Lee of the Monetary Authority of Singapore has assumed the role of interim director of NGP, and the search for a permanent director is actively underway. Additionally, NGP has initiated an open procurement exercise to appoint a Nexus Technical Operator (NTO), an entity responsible for both the technical framework and daily operations.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans

The overarching theme of Project Nexus emphasizes the power of collaborative efforts among multiple central banks to create a seamless and integrated global real-time payment network. Recognizing the crucial need for a robust and secure infrastructure, these central banks aim to facilitate instant cross-border transactions, effectively reducing delays and improving financial connectivity globally. The project underscores the necessity of a dependable and interoperable system that can serve a wide array of regions securely and efficiently.

NGP focuses on finalizing the procurement process to select an NTO and ensure their smooth and effective integration into the Nexus scheme. By standardizing technical requirements and operational protocols, NGP aims to streamline the setup and usage of real-time payment systems on a global scale. Participating central banks are committed to continuously assessing and addressing any potential security or operational challenges that may arise as the platform evolves. This dynamic approach has garnered significant attention and support from financial institutions worldwide, indicating the dawn of a new era in global financial transactions.

By summarizing these crucial developments, it becomes clear that Project Nexus is not just an ambitious vision but an actionable endeavor set to redefine how cross-border payments are managed and executed. The unified efforts signal a transformative shift towards a more connected and efficient global financial ecosystem, with the potential to profoundly impact international trade and commerce. This advancement also offers lessons in collaboration and innovation for other sectors aiming to tackle global challenges through joint efforts and shared expertise. NGP’s next phases include expanding the Nexus platform beyond the initial jurisdictions and integrating more countries and regions into this cohesive payment network. This expansion will be strategically planned to ensure smooth onboarding and operational consistency, benefiting from the insights gained during the initial stages. The comprehensive structure provided by ISO 20022 message specifications and specialized APIs will allow for adaptable and scalable growth, accommodating the unique regulatory and technical landscapes of new participants. By adhering to these standards, NGP will foster interoperability and inclusiveness across the global financial system.

Future Considerations

Project Nexus, an ambitious initiative by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), aims to transform the global payments landscape by connecting domestic real-time payment systems. Project Nexus envisions creating a centralized hub for instant payment networks across the globe, using ISO 20022 message standards and specialized APIs. After a successful proof-of-concept trial in 2022, which included the Eurosystem, Malaysia, and Singapore, BIS has taken further steps. They have now partnered with central banks and instant payment system (IPS) operators from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to further refine and test this innovative framework. By integrating these systems, Project Nexus seeks to enhance the speed, security, and efficiency of cross-border transactions. This collaboration promises to simplify and streamline international payments, making them more accessible and reliable for personal and commercial use. The progression of this initiative underscores the BIS’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive financial innovation and connectivity on a global scale.

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