Emirates NBD, a premier banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye) region, has partnered with Partior to explore participation in their blockchain-based platform for clearing and settlement.
The collaboration will enable Emirates NBD’s clients to access services 24 hours a day. The clients can also enjoy faster and more seamless payment journey. Under the agreement, Emirates NBD will join the Partior network, marking the first regional and UAE Dirham, Saudi Riyal and Indian Rupee settlement bank on the platform.
In addition, Emirates NBD is set to serve as a participating bank for major foreign currencies, aiming to enhance its client offerings to provide real-time payments.
Partior, established in 2021, is backed by DBS Bank, J.P. Morgan, Standard Chartered, Temasek, and Peak XV. The platform has pioneered the development of a blockchain-based unified ledger for payments, enabling real-time clearing and settlement for instant liquidity and transparency, and overcoming challenges commonly associated with sequential processing in legacy payment systems.
Furthermore, Emirates NBD is evaluating an equity investment in Partior, a move that would represent a strategic alignment within the financial ecosystem aimed at redefining the future of global value exchange. By integrating with Partior’s blockchain-based unified ledger platform, the bank will improve transparency, efficiency, and security in global payments and settlement processes.
Ahmed Al Qassim Group Head of Wholesale Banking – Emirates NBD
“Our partnership with Partior is a critical element of our broader strategy to embrace new technologies in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Our commitment to innovation is driven by the need to ensure we provide our clients with the most advanced financial solutions. By leveraging Partior’s transformative blockchain technology, we are not only future-proofing our operations but also creating a seamless payment infrastructure that supports the rapidly evolving business needs of our clients.”
Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy – Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, stated that, “The investment from Emirates NBD’s Innovation Fund represents an important moment in Partior’s journey as a leader in next-generation payments infrastructure. It underscores our belief in blockchain’s transformative potential for financial services, particularly in cross-border transactions. What is truly exciting about this investment is the opportunity it creates for cross-market collaboration and the development of a seamless cross-currency payments ecosystem. This will enhance transparency and reduce friction for businesses and clients alike.”
Humphrey Valenbreder, Chief Executive Officer at Partior, added that, “This collaboration positions Emirates NBD as Partior’s gateway to the vibrant MENAT region, aligning with our strategic roadmap to expand in the Middle East. By integrating our blockchain capabilities with Emirates NBD’s trusted network, we are not only strengthening our operational capabilities but also reinforcing our shared commitment of elevating the efficiency and security of cross-border transactions to drive economic growth and innovation across the region.”
