Bahrain vs Hong Kong · Real-time payment systems compared
| Capability | Fawri+ | FPS |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code Payments | ◐ | ◐ |
| Wallet Support | ◐ | — |
| 24/7 Availability | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-Border | — | ◐ |
| ISO 20022 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Request to Pay | — | — |
| Open API | — | ◐ |
| Alias/Proxy | ◐ | ✓ |
Bahrain's instant payment service operated by BENEFIT Company (the national payment network) under Central Bank of Bahrain oversight. Fawri+ enables 24/7 real-time domestic transfers between banks in seconds, complementing the existing Fawri (next-day) service. Bahrain was an early adopter of instant payments in the Gulf region, and BENEFIT also operates BenefitPay, a mobile wallet app linked to Fawri+ for QR and P2P payments. The system connects all retail banks in the kingdom.
Hong Kong's Faster Payment System enables 24/7 real-time transfers in both HKD and RMB between banks and stored-value facilities. Uniquely dual-currency by design, it supports proxy-based addressing via mobile number, email, or FPS ID. Operated by HKMA with settlement through the CHATS RTGS system, it has become the backbone of Hong Kong's digital payment ecosystem with 12M+ registrations.