2026-06-15
Added · Updated
The Bank of Zambia issued the 2026 Payment System Oversight Framework to establish its legal mandate and risk-based approach for overseeing Financial Market Infrastructures in alignment with international CPMI-IOSCO standards. The document defines designation criteria for Systemically Important Payment Systems and other critical infrastructures, requiring compliance with principles that ensure safety, efficiency, and financial stability. It further outlines oversight activities, general principles of transparency and cooperation, and mechanisms for managing cross-border risks to maintain public confidence in the national payment ecosystem.
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PAYMENT SYSTEM
OVERSIGHT FRAMEWORK
2026
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Head Office
Bank of Zambia, Bank Square, Cairo Road
P. O. Box 30080, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia
Tel: (+260) 211 399300
E-mail: info@boz.zm
Website: www.boz.zm
REGISTERED OFFICES
Regional Office
Bank of Zambia, Buteko Avenue
P. O. Box 71511, Ndola, Zambia
Tel: (+260) 212 399600
E-mail: info@boz.zm
Website: www.boz.zm
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I. FOREWORD
The oversight of Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs) is undertaken by relevant competent authorities, including central banks and other financial sector regulators, to assess FMIs against agreed key standards aimed at promoting financial stability, market integrity, and the safety and efficiency of financial systems. The role of the Bank of Zambia (Bank) as overseer of the National Payment System is guided by the CPMIIOSCO Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (PFMIs) which were formally adopted by the Bank in February 2015. By convention, the term oversight refers to the specific responsibilities and tools the Bank and other authorities have with regard to Financial Market Infrastructures. FMIs enable the transfer of money and financial instruments. Safe and efficient systems are fundamental to money being an effective means of payment and to the smooth functioning of financial markets. Well designed and managed systems help to maintain financial stability by preventing, containing and mitigating the spillover of risks through the financial system and help to reduce the cost and uncertainty of settlement, which could otherwise act as an impediment to economic activity. FMIs thus play a crucial role in achieving monetary and financial stability. The Bank plays a number of roles within the Payment Systems landscape. One of the key roles of the Bank is to ensure safe and efficient settlement of payments. In pursuit of the public policy objectives with respect to monetary and financial stability, the Bank seeks to influence the design and functioning of Financial Market Infrastructures. The Bank of Zambia has the sole responsibility to oversee Payment Systems. Other authorities such as securities regulators may have legal or other responsibilities for further aspects of Financial Market Infrastructures. In this case, the Bank cooperates with these authorities in order to minimise the potential duplication of effort and the burden on the overseen systems. Each authority should have well-defined responsibilities and specific tools to carry out the responsibilities. Francis Chipimo (PhD) DEPUTY GOVERNOR – OPERATIONS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. FOREWORD
II. PURPOSE
The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 1 II.PURPOSE
2 The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026
The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 3 are typically based on an agreement between or among participants and the operator of the arrangement, and the transfer of funds is effected using an agreed-upon operational infrastructure. Payment systems are broadly categorised as either a Large-Value Payment System (LVPS) or Retail Payment Systems (RPS). A LVPS is a funds transfer system that typically handles large-value, time critical and high-priority payments. Retail payment systems on the other hand are funds transfer systems that typically handle large volumes of relatively low-value payments.
2. 2. Designation of Payment Systems
In Zambia, Payment Systems are designated as Systemically Important Payment Systems (SIPS) or NonSystemically Important Payment System (NSIPS). SIPS are systems which have the potential to trigger or transmit systemic disruptions; this includes, among other things, systems that are the sole payment system in a jurisdiction or the principal system in terms of the aggregate value of payments, and systems that mainly handle time-critical, high-value payments or settle payments used to effect settlement in other FMIs.
2. 3. Designation Criteria of Payment Systems
2.3.1. Systemically Important Payment Systems
SIPS in Zambia consist of LVPS and Systemically Important Retail Payment Systems (SIRPS). The criteria for designating SIPS as either LVPS or SIRPS is as highlighted below:
Large-Value Payment Systems
Systems that facilitate:
4 The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026
7. If it is used for the settlement of financial market transactions or for the settlement of other payments.
Retail Payment systems in Zambia shall be designated as systemically important where a minimum of three (3) of the above criteria is met. Systems shall be reviewed periodically to determine whether they qualify to be designated as such. However, the Bank may designate a retail payment system as systemically important in consideration of other factors other than the ones listed above. The Bank may designate an operator of a system as a Systemically Important Payment System in line with the criteria above. In this regard, the Bank has designated the Zambia Electronic Clearing House as systemically important.
2.3.2. Non – Systemically Important Payment Systems
Non-Systemically Important Payment Systems (NSIPS) in Zambia consist of other retail payment systems which are generally used for the bulk of low-value payments to and from individuals and between individuals and companies and public authorities.
2. 4. Financial Market infrastructures (other than Payment Systems)
Central securities depositories and Securities settlement systems:
A central securities depository (CSD) provides securities accounts, central safekeeping services, and asset services, which may include the administration of corporate actions and redemptions and plays an important role in helping to ensure the integrity of securities issues. Securities settlement systems on the other hand enable securities to be transferred and settled by book entry according to a set of predetermined multilateral rules. Such systems allow transfers of securities either free of payment or against payment. When transfer is against payment, many systems provide delivery versus payment (DvP), where delivery of security occurs if and only if payment occurs. A Securities Settlement System may be organised to provide additional securities clearing and settlement functions, such as the confirmation of trade and settlement instructions. In Zambia, securities and settlement systems are currently operated by CSDs.
2.4.1. Designation of other Financial Market Infrastructures (other than Payment Systems)
Financial market infrastructures (FMIs) such as Central Securities Depositories (CSD), Securities Settlement Systems (SSS), Trade Repositories (TR) and Central Counterparties (CCP) by their very nature, have the potential to significantly impact the stability of the financial systems. In this regard, these are designated as Systemically Important in line with Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures, given their risk profile and any other criteria that may be applied by the Bank. The CSD for Government securities operated by the Bank and CSD for bonds and shares operated by the Lusaka Clearing and Settlement Agency (LCSA) shall therefore be designated as Systemically Important, in consultation with, and where appropriate on a coordinated basis with, the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other relevant competent authority.
2. 5. Critical Service Providers
The operational reliability of an FMI may be dependent on the continuous and adequate functioning of service providers that are critical to an FMI’s operations, such as information and communications technology providers. The Bank may need to establish expectations for an FMI’s critical service providers in order to support the FMI’s overall safety and efficiency. The expectations may help ensure the operations of a critical service provider are held to the same standards as if the FMI provided the service. The oversight of critical service providers shall be conducted in line with the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures.
The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 5 The Bank has adopted a risk-based framework in the oversight of Financial Market Infrastructures. In this regard, the Bank will assess risk on the basis of systemic importance using the criteria defined by the Bank and with the objective of focusing oversight activities and resources on Financial Market Infrastructures that pose the highest risk to financial system stability. A risk-based approach allows for targeted risk estimation, enabling targeted resource allocation where risk levels are high thereby focusing oversight efforts on systems that pose the greatest systemic risk. In line with the Principles for PFMI, all SIPS and other FMIs which include CSDs, SSSs, TRs and CCPs shall be required to observe and comply with the principles that apply to the respective FMIs. Some of the PFMIs are so fundamental that they should also be observed by NSIPS. In this regard, the Bank may require non-systemically important payment systems to comply with the PFMIs and other relevant international standards in accordance with the role played by those systems in the payment system landscape, the potential economic effects in the event of failure and the potential to undermine public confidence in payment systems. Notwithstanding the adoption of a risk-based approach to oversight of FMIs that focuses on those systems that are systemically important, the oversight activities of the Bank also includes arrangements for continuous monitoring of other systems, payment instruments and channels and payment service providers that are employed in the provision of payment service to maintain public confidence in the national payment system.
4. 1. General Principles of Oversight
The Bank has adopted the general oversight principles as set out by the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems. The principles help the Bank to organise and conduct effective oversight. The general principles are detailed below:
6 The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 In this regard, the Bank currently cooperates with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the primary regulator for Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) through a Memorandum of Understanding for the oversight of the Lusaka Securities Exchange CSD.
4. 2. Principles for international cooperative oversight
The Bank has adopted principles for international cooperative oversight as the country participates in regional, continental and global cross border payments systems. The general principles are detailed below:
The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 7
8 The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 Enforcement and sanctions The Bank may evoke its statutory power to penalise or prosecute operators and participants of the systems it operates and oversees pursuant to the National Payment System Act and the Bank of Zambia Act where this is deemed necessary. The Bank acknowledges the importance of having the capacity to conduct effective oversight. This requires adequate resources, including appropriately qualified personnel and an organisational structure that enables optimal utilisation of those resources. To this end, a dedicated Oversight Division has been institutionalised within the Payment Systems Department which is separated from the operational division. The Division is responsible for overseeing Financial Market Infrastructures within the scope of the Bank’s mandate and shall, in respect of FMIs that are also subject to the mandate of other competent authorities, coordinate its oversight activities and exchange relevant information with those authorities. The Division also draws on the specialised expertise of other departments within the Bank, including Legal, Financial Markets, Prudential Supervision, Financial Stability, Financial Conduct Supervision, Internal Audit, and Information and Communication Technology. Assessment of the oversight function The oversight function of the Bank is subjected to internal audit of its oversight procedures by the Internal Audit Department. The Bank shall endeavour to engage cooperating partners in the review of its oversight and procedures to ensure enhanced assessment of the oversight functions. Risks in payment systems are distinct and pertain to potential disruptions or adverse impacts on their operations. These risks are broadly categorized into strategic, financial, and operational risks, each of which can significantly affect the safety, efficiency, and stability of the system. Financial risks typically arise from uncertainty surrounding a participant’s ability to manage liquidity or fulfill settlement obligations. Liquidity risk occurs when a participant lacks sufficient funds to meet payment obligations as they fall due, while settlement risk including credit risk emerges when a participant fails to deliver on its commitments. Such failures can affect other participants and the system as a whole, amplifying the impact and posing systemic concerns due to the interconnected nature of payment systems. Operational risks, on the other hand, stem from failures or deficiencies in internal processes, systems, or human actions, and may also result from external events beyond the control of system operators or participants. These risks can compromise the reliability, security, and overall efficiency of the payment system, potentially leading to service disruptions or loss of confidence among users. Payment systems are particularly vulnerable to financial risks originating from their participants, making the system’s design including its operating rules
and procedures critical in managing and mitigating such risks. While some systems, depending on their technological architecture, may not be exposed to settlement risk, it remains essential that participants maintain adequate liquidity to ensure the smooth execution of payment instructions and uphold the integrity of the system. Beyond these traditional risks, payment systems face growing exposure to fraud, money laundering, and cyber threats, especially as digital channels and real-time processing become more prevalent. Fraud risk involves unauthorised or deceptive transactions that can lead to financial loss and reputational damage. Money laundering risk arises when payment systems are exploited to facilitate illicit financial flows, including
6. ORGANISATION OF THE OVERSIGHT FUNCTION
7. RISKS IN PAYMENT SYSTEMS
The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 9 terrorism financing or corruption, undermining the integrity of the financial ecosystem. Cybersecurity risk pertains to malicious attacks such as hacking, phishing, ransomware, or denial-of-service (DoS) attacks that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, or erode user trust. Addressing these risks requires robust controls, including transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, secure authentication protocols, and incident response frameworks. There are multiple categories of risk that must be addressed within payment systems, and these are comprehensively outlined in the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures, which serve as the international benchmark for ensuring the resilience and soundness of financial market infrastructures.
10 The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 LIST OF ACRONYMS BIS Bank for International Settlements CPMI Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures CSD Central Securities Depository FMI Financial market infrastructure IOSCO International Organisation of Securities Commission NPS National Payment System NPSA National Payment Systems Act NSIPS Non-Systemically Important Payment Systems PFMI Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures RTGS Real Time Gross Settlement System SIPS Systemically Important Payment Systems SSS Securities Settlement System ZIPSS Zambia Interbank Payment and Settlement System
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The Payment System Oversight Framework - 2026 13 Head Office Bank of Zambia, Bank Square, Cairo Road P. O. Box 30080, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia Tel: (+260) 211 399300 E-mail: info@boz.zm Website: www.boz.zm REGISTERED OFFICES Regional Office Bank of Zambia, Buteko Avenue P. O. Box 71511, Ndola, Zambia Tel: (+260) 212 399600 E-mail: info@boz.zm Website: www.boz.zm
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Source: Bank of Zambia — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
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