The Central Bank announces the development of the digital "Know Your Customer" platform. * Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 10:56 AM * Two minutes reading time * Summary * A+ Abu Dhabi on April 15/ WAM/ The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates announced the start of developing the unified national digital "Know Your Customer" (e-KYC) platform, through signing a technical partnership agreement with the global company "Norbloc AB." The bank explained in a statement today that this strategic initiative is a key pillar within the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) program, aiming to develop an integrated financial system that enhances the efficiency of operational processes. The project embodies the central bank's commitment to updating regulatory frameworks and adopting advanced digital solutions, contributing to addressing challenges related to repetitive customer identification procedures, reducing compliance costs, and solidifying stability, competitiveness, and global leadership in the digital financial landscape. Witnessing the signing ceremony were His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, and His Excellency Ahmed Al Qamzi, Assistant Governor for Banking and Insurance Supervision. Signing the agreement were His Excellency Saif Hamed Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services, and Estiaanx Kanakis, CEO of "Norbloc AB," in the presence of several senior officials from both sides. The new platform contributes to developing the efficiency of "Know Your Customer" (KYC/KYB) procedures and due diligence requirements by automating processes and integrating reliable data, enhancing compliance and aligning with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. The platform relies on a technical architecture that prioritizes privacy protection, allowing data sharing based on explicit customer authorization, ensuring the highest levels of confidentiality and trust in the financial system. It also provides a unified national approach serving financial institutions and fintech companies, offering a faster and more reliable digital onboarding experience for individuals and businesses, contributing to reducing timeframes and lowering operational costs. This project represents a pivotal step within the digital transformation path of the country's financial sector, with future directions to expand the platform's scope and enhance its integration with various relevant entities, contributing to developing an advanced and sustainable digital financial system. This reflects the central bank's commitment to employing advanced technologies to enhance governance and develop customer-centric financial services, supporting ease of doing business and solidifying the UAE's position as a leading global financial center, supported by a developed digital regulatory infrastructure. His Excellency Saif Hamed Al Dhaheri said that developing the digital "Know Your Customer" platform represents a strategic shift towards a more efficient and flexible financial system, where we move the sector from intensive traditional procedures to advanced digital models that ensure accelerating the pace of joining financial services and reducing operational costs. He explained that the central bank aims to enhance efficiency and establish a financial environment characterized by transparency and protecting customer privacy, solidifying the country's competitiveness as a leading global financial center. For his part, Estiaanx Kanakis expressed their pride in partnering with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates to implement this platform, which represents a new standard in the field of digital compliance globally. By employing advanced technologies, "Norbloc AB" enables financial institutions to instantly access reliable and secure data from multiple sources while providing users full control over managing access to their data, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring alignment with the highest international standards. * Economy * United Arab Emirates (ARE) The news is also available in the following languages:

CBUAE partners Norbloc to launch nationwide e-kyc platform. The digital transformation push is to streamline compliance and strengthen the financial ecosystem. Abu Dhabi: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has developed a nationwide unified electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) platform, following a technical partnership agreement with Norbloc AB. The initiative forms a key pillar of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Program, aimed at building a more integrated and efficient financial ecosystem. It reflects the regulator's broader strategy to modernise frameworks and adopt advanced digital solutions across the sector. The new platform is designed to eliminate duplication in customer due diligence processes, significantly reduce compliance costs, and enhance financial stability. It will also reinforce the UAE's position as a global hub for digital financial innovation. The agreement was signed in the presence of Khaled Mohamed Balama and Ahmed Saeed Al Qamzi. Signatories included Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri and Astyanax Kanakakis, alongside senior officials from both organizations. Once operational, the platform will enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) processes through automated workflows and integration with trusted data sources. It will support stronger compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, while ensuring secure data sharing based strictly on customer consent. Built on privacy-by-design principles, the system will deliver a unified national approach for financial institutions and fintech firms, enabling faster onboarding, improved reliability, and reduced operational turnaround times. The project marks a significant milestone in the UAE's financial digitalisation journey, with future phases expected to expand capabilities and deepen integration with stakeholders. Commenting on the development, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri said the platform represents a shift towards a more efficient and resilient financial ecosystem, reducing reliance on traditional processes while improving access to services. Astyanax Kanakakis added that the partnership sets a new global benchmark in digital compliance, enabling real-time access to secure data while giving users full control over how their information is shared.