BNM Launches Scripless Securities Depository System To Support Tokenised Bond, Sukuk Issuance

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has launched Scripless Securities Depository System + (SSDS+), the next-generation platform for the issuance, depository, and safekeeping of tokenised bonds and sukuk. 

In a statement, the central bank said SSDS+ was developed in-house using cloud and distributed ledger technologies to build on the existing SSDS, the central securities depository for the wholesale financial market. 

BNM said SSDS+ can simplify transactions, enable greater flexibility in the design of financial instruments, and broaden access to investment opportunities.  

"In addition to supporting wholesale issuances, SSDS+ is ready to facilitate the issuance of tokenised government and retail bonds. 

"SSDS+ is integrated with RENTAS+ to manage tokenised securities transfers and ownership records of digital securities, while enabling secure, round-the-clock payment and settlement services through RENTAS+, which facilitates bond purchase payments in central bank money," it said.

BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said the launch of SSDS+ marks a major milestone in modernising Malaysia’s financial market infrastructure.

"Together, SSDS+ and RENTAS+ provide a secure, faster, more flexible and digitally-enabled foundation for new use cases in securities and payments.

"These platforms will support innovation and contribute to more efficient and responsive financial markets," he said.

-- BERNAMA