CBD uses UAE’s Jisr platform for digital Dirham transfers

By Divya Shah

Why this matters: The transaction demonstrates how CBDCs could improve cross-border settlement, strengthen international payment links and support faster, more connected financial infrastructure.

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) has completed wholesale Digital Dirham transfers with Bank of China through Jisr, a cross-border payment platform developed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). 

Both banks successfully sent and received wholesale digital dirham, completing the process from the initial transfer to final settlement through the Jisr platform. 

“By contributing our banking expertise, we aim to support the development of cross-border payment capabilities,” said Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer at CBD. 

The transaction supports the development of cross-border Digital Dirham payments between the UAE and China and forms part of CBD’s participation in the UAE’s Digital Dirham programme, led by the CBUAE. 

Jisr is designed to support cross-border central bank digital currency (CBDC) settlements by connecting the UAE with participating international markets. CBD’s involvement is also part of its wider strategy to strengthen international payment connections and expand its corporate banking services. 

The Digital Dirham programme falls under the CBUAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme, which aims to modernise the UAE’s financial services sector through digital payment infrastructure. 

Vladislavs Mironovs, Chief Digital Officer at CBD, said completing the transaction with Bank of China through Jisr demonstrated the bank’s ability to process cross-border Digital Dirham payments. 

CBD plans to continue working with the CBUAE, Bank of China and other partners to support the development of the Digital Dirham programme in line with the central bank’s requirements.