CBJ, Justice Ministry Sign Agreement to Regulate E-payments

The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and the Ministry of Justice signed a cooperation agreement on Monday to regulate electronic payments through the Unified Government Payment Interface (UGPI-JO) system. Developed by the CBJ, the system aims to streamline financial processes, including court-related transfers, through switching from paperwork to digital. The agreement, signed by Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni and CBJ Deputy Governor Khaldoun Wishah, is to enhance services in courts, accelerate procedures, and lower costs. It allows financial transfers issued by courts and enforcement agencies to be processed electronically, reducing time and effort. Talhouni said the Ministry is the first to adopt this system, thanks to its readiness in terms of electronic programs, adding that electronic linkage took into consideration all legal, financial and technical matters in launching the service. Financial transfers will be conducted directly to the accounts of those convicted in three hours via the International B ank Account Number (IBAN), at no cost to the users, he said, adding that all procedures will take place securely under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Economy. The Ministry, talhouni adde, previously implemented an electronic receipts system within the courts, and is now working on automating electronic disbursement procedures, with plans to gradually roll out this second phase in all courts in Jordan. The UGPI-JO system, Wishah explained, is to improve the quality of electronic banking services provided to the government sector. The service will first be applied to court transfers, which amounted to about JD160 million in 2023, with plans to extend it to other government entities, he added. The system is designed to automate transfer applications from CBJ clients, minimizing the risks associated with paper-based transactions. It also supports the government's digital transformation by ensuring that payment transfers are executed efficiently and securely, noted Wishah. Source: Jordan News Agen cy