Emirates NBD has gone live on the blockchain-based Partior network, becoming the first financial institution in the region to offer blockchain-enabled cross-border U.S. dollar payments.
Instant Settlement via JPMorganThe activation follows a successful live transaction where JPMorgan functioned as both the settlement and beneficiary bank. Following the pilot, Emirates NBD is rolling out the capability to its corporate and institutional clients, allowing them to execute instant U.S. dollar payments to beneficiaries holding accounts at JPMorgan.
According to a media statement, the milestone marks the commercial execution of a strategic relationship and equity investment initiated through Emirates NBD’s Innovation Fund.
“Moving from partnership to live execution on the Partior network enables us to offer faster USD settlement for JPMorgan beneficiaries, supporting more efficient treasury operations for our clients,” said Anith Daniel, group head of transaction banking services at Emirates NBD. Daniel noted that the platform enables the bank to deploy payment solutions that are secure, scalable and proven in live environments.
The move comes amid a broader industry shift, as global financial institutions increasingly look toward blockchain-based distributed ledgers to bypass traditional correspondent banking friction, enhance transparency and accelerate cross-border capital flows.
Humphrey Valenbreder, chief executive officer at Partior, said the collaboration combines Emirates NBD’s regional presence with Partior’s clearing infrastructure to establish speed and transparency in transaction processing. “The focus now is on expanding participation across currencies and markets as more banks connect and transact on the network,” Valenbreder said.
The integration with Partior follows a decade-long digital transformation strategy at Emirates NBD. In 2016, the bank launched a major digital overhaul, committing about $272 million to modernize its technology infrastructure and core banking systems. A year later, it introduced Liv, the region’s first lifestyle-focused, mobile-only digital bank aimed at millennial and digital-native consumers.
