Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has launched RENTAS+, an enhanced version of its Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), RENTAS.
Developed in-house using modern cloud technology, RENTAS+ allows continuous interbank fund transfers and settlements, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. This program makes RENTAS the first RTGS system in ASEAN to offer round-the-clock settlement.
The expansion of RENTAS’ settlement window enables financial institutions to better manage credit and settlement risks associated with Malaysia’s rapidly growing retail instant payments. Daily retail payment transaction volumes and values have risen by 49% and 22% respectively since 2024, underscoring the importance of continuous settlement to support this growth.
To facilitate 24/7 settlement, BNM has also introduced an automatic liquidity facility that operates around the clock using repurchase agreements (repos) and sell and buy back agreements (SBBAs).
Before RENTAS+, retail payments were settled twice daily on a deferred net basis. Although efficient, this method carries inherent credit and settlement risks because credit exposures between banks were settled only twice a day.
RENTAS+ eliminates these risks by settling DuitNow transactions—including fund transfers, QR payments, and e-commerce payments—on a gross basis. Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) now transmits DuitNow transactions to RENTAS+ for settlement immediately after each customer transaction completes.
BNM Governor Dato’ Sri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said the launch marks “a significant milestone in the multi-year modernisation plan for RENTAS.”
“RENTAS+ strengthens the resilience of Malaysia’s financial market infrastructure, while providing a secure, scalable and flexible settlement platform for future innovations,” he stated. “It also underscores BNM’s commitment to positioning RENTAS as a catalyst and enabler of innovation in financial markets.”
