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Adnan Al-Jaziri

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  • 3 min read

ABU DHABI, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the development of the nationwide unified Know Your Customer (eKYC) platform, following the signing of a technical partnership agreement with the global technology company Norbloc AB.

This strategic initiative constitutes a core pillar of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, which aims to build an integrated financial ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency. It also reflects the CBUAE’s commitment to modernising regulatory frameworks and adopting advanced digital solutions.

The platform will address challenges arising from the duplication of customer due diligence processes, reduce compliance costs, and strengthen financial stability and competitiveness, further reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in the global digital financial landscape.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, and Ahmed Saeed Al Qamzi, Assistant Governor for Banking and Insurance Supervision at the CBUAE.

The agreement was signed by Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the CBUAE, and Astyanax Kanakakis, Chief Executive Officer of Norbloc AB, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

The new platform will enhance the efficiency of “Know Your Customer” and “Know Your Business” (KYC/KYB) processes, as well as due diligence requirements through automated workflows and the integration of trusted data sources. This will strengthen compliance and ensure alignment with anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks.

Underpinned by a robust privacy by design technology, the platform enables secure data sharing strictly based on explicit customer consent, ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality, data protection, and trust across the financial system.

It introduces a unified national approach that supports both financial institutions and fintech companies, delivering a faster and more reliable digital onboarding experience for individuals and businesses, while substantially reducing turnaround times and operational costs.

This project represents a key milestone in the digital transformation of the UAE’s financial sector. Future phases will focus on expanding the platform’s capabilities and deepening its integration with relevant stakeholders, supporting the development of an advanced and sustainable digital financial ecosystem.

The initiative underscores the CBUAE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance governance, deliver customer-centric financial services, support ease of doing business, and further cement the UAE’s position as a hub for innovative digital regulatory infrastructure.

“The development of the e-KYC Platform represents a strategic transformation towards a more efficient and resilient financial ecosystem,” said Al Dhaheri. “Through this platform, we are enabling the sector to move away from resource-intensive traditional processes towards progressive digital models that accelerate access to financial services and reduce operational costs.”

He added that CBUAE aims to enhance efficiency and establish a financial environment characterised by transparency and the protection of customer privacy, in a way that reinforces the UAE’s competitiveness as a leading global financial centre.

Kanakakis stated, “By leveraging advanced technologies, we will enable financial institutions to access trusted and secure data in real time from multiple sources, enhancing operational efficiency while adhering to the highest international standards. It also empowers users with full control over the management of access to their data.”

TAGS
  • Central Bank of the UAE, Government, KYC (Know Your Customer), Press Release, UAE

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Why Base44 launches its own AI model now

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Why UAE cancels conflict-based travel restrictions to Lebanon now

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What the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs framed the step around protecting citizens during their stay. Officials stated the country would allow citizens to visit the “sisterly Lebanese Republic” from Monday. Beyond the ban itself, the move signals warmer ties between Abu Dhabi and Beirut. Travelers heading to Lebanon now read a clear set of steps before any departure. When the UAE lifts conflict-based travel restrictions to Lebanon, you gain options, yet duties remain. Lebanon still stays a draw for Gulf visitors, with food, history, and Mediterranean coastline. The parallel ban on Iran, though, stayed in place, even as Lebanon reopened fully. Flights between Tehran and Dubai resumed Monday, but Emirati nationals still cannot visit Iran.

What this means for your travel plans

Your next step starts with the consular platform, well before you book any ticket. Keep your accommodation and contact details current, since officials check them during your stay. After the UAE announced the cancellation of the travel restrictions to Lebanon, smooth trips reward careful early planning. Stay alert and follow Ministry guidance.

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