Qatar Central Bank enables direct QA-RTGS access for payment service providers

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has enabled payment service providers to directly access the country’s Real-Time Gross Settlement System (QA-RTGS), in a move aimed at improving the efficiency of Qatar’s payment infrastructure.

Under the new arrangement, eligible payment service providers can open accounts with Qatar Central Bank and gain direct access to QA-RTGS, allowing them to settle merchants’ dues without the need for an intermediary.

The initiative forms part of QCB’s efforts under the Third Financial Sector Strategy to further develop Qatar’s payment ecosystem and strengthen the efficiency of the country’s financial infrastructure.

SADAD and Dibsy become first providers to join

SADAD Payment Solutions and Dibsy are the first two payment service providers to join QA-RTGS under the new framework.

Their participation marks the initial implementation of direct access to the settlement system for payment service providers in Qatar.

What does direct access change?

Previously, payment service providers could depend on intermediaries to complete certain settlement operations.

Direct access to QA-RTGS allows participating providers to execute the settlement of merchants’ dues themselves through the central bank’s real-time settlement infrastructure.

According to QCB, the change can help:

• Reduce operational costs for payment service providers and merchants
• Reduce the number of parties involved in payment settlements
• Make financial transactions faster and more efficient
• Improve oversight and monitoring of settlement operations

The move is intended to simplify the overall payment cycle while strengthening the infrastructure supporting Qatar’s growing digital payments sector.

Part of Qatar’s wider financial digital transformation

By expanding direct participation in QA-RTGS, QCB aims to create a more efficient and integrated settlement environment while maintaining direct oversight of transactions conducted through the system.

The development also supports Qatar’s broader push towards modernising its financial infrastructure and expanding the role of digital payment services within the country.

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