Monday, October 16, 2023 – 2:56 PM
Abu Dhabi, 16 October / WAM / Etihad Payments Company, affiliated with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, announced the launch of the advanced “Anni” platform for instant payments, representing a prominent achievement in the process of implementing the Central Bank’s financial infrastructure transformation program.
Annie aims to make a qualitative leap in digital payments in the UAE by developing a smooth and secure platform for digital payments.
The launch of the “Anni” instant payment platform comes in line with the UAE’s vision to be a global center for digital payment, as it enables licensed financial institutions and payment service providers to provide an exceptional experience to customers.
The platform allows consumers, small and medium enterprises, companies and government agencies to carry out transactions instantly and securely around the clock.
The platform provides a set of features and benefits that allow the customer to transfer money directly using the recipient’s mobile phone number. The platform also includes other functions such as “funds transfer request” and the ability to calculate and pay amounts of money by participants, leading to various payments being made easily.
In addition, Annie supports the use of QR Code, allowing outlets to settle cashless payments seamlessly. Other features will also be added later, such as direct debit payment and digital checks.
So far, 8 licensed financial institutions have joined the platform: Al Fardan Exchange, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, National Bank of Fujairah, Habib Bank AG Zurich, and Finance House.
Etihad Payments Company seeks to include all licensed financial institutions operating in the country by the end of 2024. The platform’s services can be used through the digital channels of participating licensed financial institutions, or through the “Annie” application of Etihad Payments Company.
Etihad Payments is also cooperating with Magnati, NeoPay, a subsidiary of Mashreq Bank, and Network International to allow participating outlets to use the QR code to make payments, to encourage the joining of tens of thousands of stores over the coming months.
His Excellency Saif Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Payments Company, said: “The launch of ‘Anni’ embodies our commitment to digitizing the economy and developing the financial sector, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership and the goals of the Central Bank. ‘Anni’ goes beyond the concept of traditional payment platforms, as it contributes to driving growth.” Economic, innovation and financial inclusion. We will continue to work on developing a digital payments system that is in the interest of the national financial system.”
For his part, Jan Bilbauer, CEO of Etihad Payments, said: “We are pleased to launch ‘Annie’, which offers a new concept for the digital payment experience and contributes to strengthening the UAE’s leadership as a global center for digital payment. We will continue to work with our partners to add features that keep pace with market requirements and changes.”
The launch of the platform comes after the announcement of the national system for local payment cards in the UAE, which contributes to reducing payment costs, achieving the digital transformation strategy, and enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE.
Ahmed Al-Boutli/Rami Samih
2023-10-16 11:02:38
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