Digital Transformation Ministry signs agreement to launch real-time payment platform in T&T

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Digital Transformation Ministry signs agreement to launch real-time payment platform in T&T

The Ministry of Digital Transformation has signed an agreement with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to launch a real-time payment platform in Trinidad and Tobago!

This new platform will enable secure and efficient transactions, including person-to-person (P2P), person-to-merchant (P2M), and Government-to-person (G2P) payments. Modeled after India’s successful Unified Payments Interface (UPI), this platform will make digital payments easier, more affordable, and accessible for all citizens.

This initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion, drive innovation in the fintech sector, and strengthen our country’s financial infrastructure.

According to the Ministry, the agreement provides for “the exchange of technical expertise and know-how for the development of a payment platform modelled on India’s globally renowned Unified Payments Interface (UPI).”

“UPI has been adopted around the world in countries such as Namibia and Peru and enabled for interoperability by France, Mauritius, and Singapore,” the Ministry’s release explained.

“The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) provides the flexibility to transact from any bank account—from participating banks—using mobile phones,” the Ministry said.  “This makes it easier and more affordable for citizens to use digital payment systems.”

It added: “The creation of the national payments platform will be advanced through collaborative engagement of key actors in the financial sector, including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, and the private banking sector.”