FIS to Modernize Real-Time Payments Infrastructure and Central Bank Digital Currencies for Countries Around the World

Rhea-AI Summary

FIS has launched RealNet™ Central, a payment solution aimed at enhancing real-time payment infrastructures globally. This initiative addresses the need for countries to modernize or establish their payment networks, with 72% of the world's population expected to access instant payments. Additionally, FIS introduced a CBDC Virtual Lab, allowing central banks to experiment with digital currencies. This innovative platform supports over one million transactions per second, promoting faster and more secure transactions in an increasingly digital economy.

Positive

• Launch of RealNet™ Central to modernize real-time payment systems.
• Introduction of CBDC Virtual Lab for central banks to explore and pilot digital currencies.
• Support for over one million transactions per second with low latency.

Negative

• None.

Key facts

• FIS is now offering a central infrastructure payment solution through RealNet™ Central, which enables countries to modernize or build their own real-time payments network.
• Additionally, FIS is launching a Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) Virtual Lab that will allow countries to experiment, pilot and accelerate live CBDC implementations.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With real-time payments increasing, many countries must either modernize outdated payments infrastructure or build entirely new real-time payments networks to move money faster. In response, FIS^® (NYSE: FIS) has launched its new central infrastructure payment solution, RealNet™ Central, to help central banks transform their markets to digital-first, real-time payment economies.

Currently, 72 percent of the world’s population has, or will soon have, access to instant payments, according to the 2022 Worldpay from FIS Global Payments Report. Many markets are also replacing or renovating their established real-time services, especially those that repurposed their corporate real-time gross settlement (RTGS) services to cater for instant payments, such as Brazil, United Kingdom, Japan, South Africa and Mexico. Similarly, India and the U.S. are introducing additional competing services that will sit alongside the established schemes.

As this shift occurs, RealNet™ Central will accelerate real-time payments adoption by connecting a country’s businesses, consumers, financial institutions and government entities to real-time networks, both domestically and internationally. FIS will also help central banks launch Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC). Through FIS’ CBDC Virtual Lab – created in collaboration with M10 Networks (M10) and its high-performance digital money platform – FIS will support countries’ efforts to integrate CBDCs into their economy.

The CBDC Virtual Lab allows central banks, commercial banks and other financial participants to experiment with – and pilot – core concepts of issuance, transfer, redemption, offline payments, programmable payments, retail, wholesale and cross-border payments. FIS’ CBDC Virtual Lab is enterprise-grade technology that supports over one million transactions per second at less than a second latency.

“The global economy has rapidly shifted toward digital-first mindsets and methods. While the idea of making payments in real-time may sound simple, the reality of delivering on that promise is enormously sophisticated, especially when doing so across borders,” said Aman Cheema, Head of Global Real-Time Payments and CBDCs at FIS. “Our latest offering sets out to change that, bringing consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments closer together in the payments ecosystem. The launch of this solution is the latest proof point of FIS’ commitment to invest in innovative technologies and solutions that advance how the world pays.”

FIS has been shortlisted as a finalist on the G20 TechSprint 2022 CBDC challenge to build a prototype using the FIS Virtual Lab to demonstrate secure, resilient and effective CBDC issuance, redemption and transfer, whilst maintaining financial stability and integration with the existing payments landscape.

For more information, visit the RealNet™ Central webpage.

About FIS

FIS is a leading provider of technology solutions for financial institutions and businesses of all sizes and across any industry globally. We enable the movement of commerce by unlocking the financial technology that powers the world’s economy. Our employees are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests through our trusted innovation, system performance and flexible architecture. We help our clients use technology in innovative ways to solve business-critical challenges and deliver superior experiences for their customers. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a member of the Fortune 500^® and the Standard & Poor’s 500^® Index. To learn more, visit www.FISglobal.com. Follow FIS on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@FISglobal).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220825005060/en/

Kim Snider, 904.438.6278

Senior Vice President

FIS Global Marketing and Communications

kim.snider@fisglobal.com

Source: Fidelity National Information Services

FAQ

What is RealNet™ Central by FIS?

RealNet™ Central is a central infrastructure payment solution that helps countries modernize or build their real-time payment networks.

How does the CBDC Virtual Lab benefit central banks?

The CBDC Virtual Lab allows central banks to experiment and pilot various concepts related to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), enhancing their implementation strategies.

What percentage of the global population will have access to instant payments?

According to the 2022 Worldpay from FIS Global Payments Report, 72% of the world's population will have access to instant payments.

What technology does the CBDC Virtual Lab support?

The CBDC Virtual Lab supports enterprise-grade technology capable of handling over one million transactions per second with minimal latency.

What is the main goal of FIS with RealNet™ Central?

The main goal of RealNet™ Central is to accelerate the adoption of real-time payments by connecting various stakeholders in the payment ecosystem.