Sri Lanka vs Turkey · Real-time payment systems compared
| Capability | CEFTS | Fast System |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Turkey's instant payment system (Anlık Ödeme Sistemi) operated directly by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB). Supports transfers via IBAN, phone number, email, or Turkish ID number with 24/7 availability and sub-second settlement. Launched during a period of rapid digital payment adoption in Turkey, it connects banks and e-money institutions. The system processes both TRY and has provisions for future multi-currency support as Turkey's fintech ecosystem expands.