The central bank has released “Guidelines on Partner Network, Version 1.0 (2026),” a new regulatory framework designed to standardize and secure digital communication between financial institutions. This policy governs the extranet-based system used for clearing, settlement, and information exchange among scheduled banks, non-bank financial institutions, mobile financial service providers, and payment system operators. By establishing these protocols, the regulator aims to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and robust data protection across the nation’s evolving technological and financial landscape.
The guidelines categorize participating organizations into two tiers: Category-A, which mandates both high security and redundant availability, and Category-B, which focuses on security with a encouraged pathway toward high availability. Key technical requirements include strict network segregation, the prohibition of internet access within extranet zones, and mandatory VPN-based connectivity utilizing high cryptographic standards. Additionally, institutions are required to designate focal teams for monitoring, maintain rigorous audit trails for system changes, and report any service disruptions or security incidents immediately. All regulated entities must achieve full compliance with these standards by December 31, 2026.
