KUALA LUMPUR — Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has launched SSDS+, a next-generation platform designed to facilitate the issuance, depository and safekeeping of tokenised bonds and sukuk, marking a step towards modernising the country’s financial market infrastructure.
The platform uses digital representations of securities to simplify transactions, provide greater flexibility in designing financial instruments and broaden access to investment opportunities.
Developed in-house using cloud and distributed ledger technologies, SSDS+ builds on the existing Scripless Securities Depository System (SSDS), which serves as the central securities depository for Malaysia’s wholesale financial market.
In addition to wholesale issuances, SSDS+ is designed to support tokenised government and corporate retail bonds.
The platform is integrated with RENTAS+, enabling secure payment and settlement services around the clock. While SSDS+ manages the transfer of tokenised securities and ownership records, RENTAS+ facilitates the corresponding payments for bond purchases in central bank money.
BNM Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said the launch of SSDS+ marked a significant 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.
