Malaysia's central bank launches a tokenised bonds and sukuk platform with 24/7 settlement capability.
Regulation & Gov ·
Malaysia's central bank has rolled out a system for managing digital bonds and sukuk, introducing 24/7 settlement capability to its financial infrastructure. The platform, called SSDS+, was built internally and handles the issuance, custody, and transfer of tokenised securities while integrating with Rentas+, a real-time payment network that processes transactions around the clock. Together, these systems enable settlement in central bank money without the delays typical of traditional market hours.
The infrastructure simplifies security transfers by recording ownership and changes digitally across a distributed ledger, rather than through conventional paper-based or centralised processes. SSDS+ extends the capabilities of Malaysia's existing wholesale securities depository and is positioned to support government bonds and retail offerings alongside institutional issuances. Rentas+ itself launched in October 2025 to facilitate interbank fund movement continuously.
The rollout signals the central bank's aim to reduce friction in debt capital markets and create space for new financial products. Specifics remain unclear about uptake timelines, which institutions will participate first, or whether other asset classes beyond bonds and sukuk may join the platform in future phases.