The 'Ani' platform recorded an exceptional six-fold year-on-year increase in transaction volume, while maintaining a steady average monthly growth of 10% throughout 2025. The platform has become an integral part of the daily financial behavior in the country, with approximately 25,000 transfers being executed daily using only mobile numbers. Saif Hamid Al-Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Union Payments, stated: 'The rapid growth in the usage rate of 'Ani' embodies the increasing trust of customers in the security and efficiency of our national system, and consolidates its position as one of the leading national solutions in the world of payments.' He added: 'Our strategic partnerships and continuous meetings with the CEOs of banks and leaders of the financial sector form a solid foundation for building a more sustainable, flexible, and innovative financial and banking sector, which supports the economic aspirations of the state and consolidates the UAE's position as a global center for excellence in finance based on good governance and proactive risk management.' 'Ani' platform has 12.5 million users. Union Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank, announced the results of the 'Ani' instant payment platform, which has brought a qualitative leap to the infrastructure of national payment systems and an exceptional development in the digital transformation landscape of the UAE, cementing its position as the fastest and most secure instant payment system in the region. Banks' reserves with the Central Bank reached a record level during the first quarter of 2026, amounting to 439 billion dirhams. These reserves include 271 billion dirhams in mandatory reserves and 168 billion dirhams in excess liquidity, supported by a portfolio of securities issued by the 'Central Bank' worth 263 billion dirhams 'including cash treasury bills and Islamic deposit certificates,' which supports the sector's readiness and provides full flexibility for liquidity management. The total assets of the banking sector also increased to 5.5 trillion dirhams. Meanwhile, the Governor of the Central Bank, Khalid Mohamed Al Baqali, held a periodic meeting with the CEOs of banks operating in the country, in the presence of the Governor's assistants and senior officials. They discussed the Central Bank's key initiatives and projects, as well as the latest updates on the implementation of the preemptive support package, which the Central Bank announced on March 17, 2026, aimed at enhancing the flexibility of financial institutions. According to a statement issued yesterday, the meeting covered the innovative initiatives launched by the 'Central Bank' as part of the financial infrastructure transformation program, which aims to enhance the operational readiness of financial institutions and the efficiency of digital payment systems. The Central Bank confirmed its commitment to moving forward with the implementation of financial infrastructure projects according to the set schedules, including the upcoming launch of the local payment cards system 'Jawon.' The meeting also reviewed the progress made in expanding the services of the open finance platform 'Tariq' and the instant payment platform 'Ani,' which contributes to consolidating the UAE's position as a global financial center and a destination for excellence in innovation and digital transformation. Affirming the Central Bank's commitment to maintaining financial stability and the flexibility of the banking sector, it urged banks to adhere to the instructions and guidelines related to customer identification requirements, including the 'OTP' verification code through digital applications, which has contributed to reducing electronic fraud cases and ensuring consumer protection in the past period. The meeting participants also discussed the operational mechanisms and the achievement rates within the key pillars of the preemptive support package, confirming their effectiveness in achieving their goals, which are to proactively mitigate potential impacts on the national economy and the banking sector due to the exceptional nature of the current circumstances. This was reflected in the optimal utilization of banks' mandatory reserve balances and testing the effectiveness of lending facilities for terms and their efficient utilization. Al Baqali said: 'Embodying the vision and directives of the wise leadership, and following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of the state, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank, we at the Central Bank are committed to protecting and stabilizing the country's financial system, enhancing its flexibility, competitiveness, and global leadership.' According to a statement issued yesterday, the number of registered users on 'Ani' has exceeded 12.5 million, benefiting from a high-efficiency network that includes 74 licensed financial institutions. The platform is currently integrated with 85% of banks, 10% of exchange companies, and 5% of digital wallets and finance companies.
