The UAE’s Ajman Bank has announced a collaboration with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), that will see the bank’s payment services integrated within the Aani Instant Payment Platform.
This partnership positions Ajman Bank as one of the few Islamic banks in the region to become a part of the Aani platform.
Aani has been presented as the platform to transform the UAE’s digital payments landscape. Powered by Al Etihad Payments, the platform enables transactions to be processed instantly and securely 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in what was described as an “unparalleled digital payment experience”.
The integration will allow Ajman Bank customers to access real-time fund transfers between Ajman Bank and other local financial institutions within the Aani network. The app simplifies transactions by allowing transfers through mobile phone numbers, email addresses, and Emirates ID, and introduces advanced features such as ‘Send Money,’ ‘Request to Pay,’ ‘Split Bill,’ and ‘QR Code payments.’
On the occasion of the launch, Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, said, “As we forge ahead with the Aani Instant Payment Platform, we are not just embracing the future of banking; we are actively creating it.
” Together, we are setting a new benchmark for the financial industry, ensuring our customers’ needs are met with integrity, innovation, and insight. This is more than a step forward – it’s a bold move into a future where banking is seamless, inclusive, and aligned with our vision of empowering our community.”
Jan Pilbauer, CEO of Al Etihad Payments, added, “At Al Etihad Payments, we are committed to creating an ecosystem that promotes innovation, collaboration, and growth, benefiting the entire financial system in the UAE. Our partnership with Ajman Bank on the Aani platform enhances customer experiences and reinforces the UAE’s leadership as a digital payment hub.”
Customers will also be able to use the Aani services through AEP’s Aani app, on both iOS and Android platforms; and, eventually, the Ajman Bank app and channels.
The initiative aligns with the Central Bank of UAE’s National Payment System Strategy (NPSS), aiming to modernise the nation’s payment systems.