Sri Lanka vs Malaysia · Real-time payment systems compared
| Capability | CEFTS | DuitNow |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code Payments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wallet Support | — | ✓ |
| 24/7 Availability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-Border | — | ✓ |
| ISO 20022 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Request to Pay | — | ✓ |
| Open API | ◐ | ✓ |
| Alias/Proxy | ✓ | ✓ |
The Common Electronic Fund Transfer Switch is Sri Lanka's fast-payments backbone, launched in 2015 by LankaPay under Central Bank of Sri Lanka guidance as part of the Common Card and Payment Switch (CCAPS). CEFTS clears 24/7 real-time interbank credit transfers up to LKR 5 million, initiated through internet/mobile banking, ATMs, kiosks or over-the-counter. LANKAQR (QR-code standard), JustPay (in-app payments) and LPOPP (online payment platform, including GovPay) all ride on CEFTS. CEFTS now carries roughly two-thirds of Sri Lanka's interbank retail transactions.
Malaysia's unified real-time payment platform operated by Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet). DuitNow supports instant transfers via mobile number, NRIC, passport number, or business registration, with DuitNow QR enabling interoperable merchant payments across all banks and e-wallets. The system also includes DuitNow Request (request-to-pay) and DuitNow Autodebit for recurring payments. Cross-border QR linkages with Thailand's PromptPay, Singapore's PayNow, and Indonesia's QRIS are live or in progress.