Emirates NBD Launches Region’s First Real-Time Blockchain-Based Cross-Border USD Payments on Partior Network
Emirates NBD has become the first financial institution in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region to enable real-time blockchain-based cross-border USD payments through the Partior network, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of international payment infrastructure.
The launch positions Emirates NBD at the forefront of digital payments innovation, allowing corporate and institutional clients to benefit from faster cross-border transactions, improved payment transparency, and more efficient settlement processes.
Blockchain-Powered Cross-Border Payments
Partior is a multi-currency blockchain-based clearing and settlement network designed to simplify and accelerate cross-border payments between financial institutions.
The latest rollout follows the successful completion of a live USD transaction, with J.P. Morgan serving as both the settlement and beneficiary bank. Emirates NBD now offers real-time USD payments for corporate and institutional clients with beneficiary accounts held at J.P. Morgan.
The initiative represents the first phase of a broader expansion strategy that will extend the service to additional currencies, settlement corridors, and participating banks as the Partior network continues to grow globally.
Enhancing Payment Efficiency
By integrating blockchain technology into its payment infrastructure, Emirates NBD aims to improve settlement speed, reduce transaction friction, and provide greater visibility throughout the payment process.
The move also reflects the bank's ongoing investment in emerging financial technologies that support more efficient treasury operations and cross-border capital flows for businesses.
Strategic Partnership with Partior
The launch builds on Emirates NBD's strategic investment and partnership with Partior, demonstrating the bank's ability to rapidly deploy innovative financial technologies within a secure and regulated banking environment.
Anith Daniel, Group Head of Transaction Banking Services at Emirates NBD, said the new capability enables the bank to meet the evolving needs of corporate and institutional clients by providing faster USD settlement for J.P. Morgan beneficiaries.
He noted that the implementation reflects Emirates NBD's ability to deliver secure, scalable payment solutions that have already been proven through live cross-border transactions with global banking partners.
Supporting the Future of Global Payments
As financial institutions worldwide increasingly adopt blockchain-based settlement infrastructure, technologies such as Partior are helping reduce payment delays, improve transparency, and enhance liquidity management across international markets.
Humphrey Valenbreder, Chief Executive Officer of Partior, said the collaboration combines Emirates NBD's regional banking expertise with Partior's blockchain-powered settlement infrastructure to deliver faster and more transparent global payment services.
He added that the focus will now shift toward expanding participation across additional currencies and international markets as more banks join the network.
Looking ahead, Emirates NBD plans to connect with more financial institutions through the Partior network, enabling transactions across multiple currencies while further strengthening its cross-border payment capabilities through faster settlement and programmable liquidity management.
