Regulatory Alerts2025-01-01
Circular No. 14/2025: Instant Payment System Services and Customer Experience Improvement
The Palestine Monetary Authority issued Circular No. 14/2025 to require payment service providers to enhance the efficiency of bulk transfers, QR code payments, and B2B transfers. The directive mandates the implementation of marketing incentives, the integration of modern authentication technologies like NFC, and the adoption of the standardized 'Quick' branding for QR-based instant payments. Additionally, institutions must submit monthly reports detailing marketing plans, transaction volumes, and user statistics to the Authority's oversight email within the first five working days of each month.
Palestine Monetary Authority
PALESTINE MONETARY AUTHORITY
Circular No. (14/2025)
To all payment service companies operating in Palestine
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Subject: Instant Payment System Services and Customer Experience Improvement
Based on the Palestine Monetary Authority Instructions No. (2) of 2023 regarding the issuance of QR codes, the Palestine Monetary Authority Instructions No. (1) of 2024 regarding the Instant Payment System, and Instructions No. (2) of 2025 regarding Instant Payment System Services, and through the Authority's monitoring of the nature of services implemented via the (Bulk) system, it has become evident that certain services are not being provided effectively, particularly bulk transfers, payments using QR codes, and peer-to-peer transfers via the B2B payment model. Therefore, the following must be adhered to:
- Work on creating and developing use cases that align with the services provided via the system and target various economic and commercial sectors to encourage them to accept payments using QR codes.
- Begin executing marketing and promotional activities for each service launched under incentive policies that include both the payer and the payee, encouraging the efficient and effective use of the aforementioned services. By the end of the current year, ensure access for all customers classified as merchants (retail sales) and encourage the use of QR codes in cases where they do not have Point of Sale (POS) services available.
3. Improving customer experience by facilitating access to, reading, and using QR codes
To execute payments at the merchant level, utilize modern technology (QR code) such as NFC, and add the QR code feature before logging into the banking application. Instant payment authorization must be approved using a customer-approved authentication method (fingerprint, OTP, or login password).
4. The P2B payment model is to be used when paying via QR CODE, applying accepted practices and procedures used with cards.
5. The name (Quick) is to be launched for instant payments using QR codes, which carries the logo attached to this circular, and the following must be adhered to:
a. Use this name and logo in marketing and promotional activities to be executed. b. Provide stores and establishments with this logo and place stickers and signs indicating the service.
6. Provide the Palestine Monetary Authority via email (oversight@pma.ps) periodically within the first five working days of each month with the procedures of the marketing and promotional plan followed, the volume of operations executed for the mentioned services, and the number of the bank's customers benefiting from using these services as payers and payees.
Payments Regulation Department
Palestine Monetary Authority
Ramallah & Al-Bireh Governorate - Palestine P.O. Box 452 Ramallah & Al-Bireh Governorate - Palestine P.O. Box info@pma.ps | Fax: +970 2 2415310 Fax | Tel: +970 2 2415251 Tel | Postal code: P6160675 Postal code www.pma.ps