The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has unveiled its upgraded Pakistan Real-Time Interbank Settlement Mechanism Plus (PRISM+), a move set to transform the country’s financial infrastructure. The original PRISM system processed over Rs 1,043 trillion in FY24—almost ten times Pakistan’s GDP—highlighting its critical role in the nation’s economy.
A Strategic Asset for the Future
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad called PRISM+ a “strategic asset” that will assist in helping Pakistan’s payment systems keep pace with growing financial demands, create innovation, and improve stability.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at the National Institute of Banking and Finance, Ahmad emphasized that the system is strongly depicting the SBP’s Vision 2028, which is intended at modernizing digital finance all over the country.
Advanced Technology and Features
PRISM+ is built on the globally recognized ISO 20022 messaging standard, putting Pakistan among a select group of countries with state-of-the-art payment frameworks.
The system is offering real-time liquidity management, transaction prioritization, future-dated payments and flawless integration with the Central Securities Depository for auctions and monetary operations. It also improves transparency and interoperability across financial institutions.
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Meeting the Needs of a Digital Nation
Ahmad highlighted Pakistan’s rapid shift toward digital banking: over 225 million bank and digital wallet accounts, 96 million unique users, 28 million mobile banking app users, and 71 million branchless banking users. He stressed that PRISM+ will ensure smooth, secure, and efficient transactions for all users, both individuals and businesses.
Security is considered to be a top priority. Strict cybersecurity measures have been done by SBP, anti-money laundering frameworks, and fraud controls to secure the integrity of the system and maintain public trust. Ahmad also praised the World Bank Group’s support under the Financial Inclusion and Infrastructure Project, and the efforts of SBP teams and partner banks.
Driving Innovation and Financial Stability
PRISM+ is not just a technical upgrade—it represents a major leap toward modern, transparent and reliable financial markets in Pakistan. Governor Ahmad concluded that the system will not only improve efficiency but also create space for innovation, positioning Pakistan as a forward-looking digital economy.