In March 2025, Brunei advanced its payment landscape with the launch of tarus, the country’s first national fast payment system. Owned and operated by ndpx, (National Digital Payments Network Sdn Bhd), an approved payment system operator by Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), tarus facilitates real-time fund transfers between participating financial institutions.
The introduction of tarus marks a significant milestone in Brunei’s digital transformation journey, aligning the nation with global trends in payment modernization seen across ASEAN and beyond. Brunei’s implementation of tarus demonstrates a clear commitment to building a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem.
tarus offers crucial features and benefits, notably its 24/7 availability, supporting round-the-clock transactions that enable instant money transfers and receipts at any time. Furthermore, its versatility sets it apart: unlike the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, which is typically used for high-value interbank transfers, tarus is specifically designed for everyday transactions, such as paying for goods and services.
Why tarus is a Foundational Shift
The launch of tarus enables users to transfer funds across participating financial institutions using simple identifiers, such as a phone number, bringing several benefits:
- Simplifies payments for individuals and businesses by removing platform-based limitations
- Encourages adoption of digital services by creating a seamless, consistent experience
- Reduces reliance on cash by providing a faster, safer alternative
- Enables innovation such as digital invoicing, request-to-pay, and embedded financial services
By removing …
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