Saudi-Singapore alliance promises instant payments and same-day settlements

Singapore’s DBS and Riyadh’s Banque Saudi Fransi have signed an MOU to smooth trade finance and enable faster, same-day payment flows across Asia and the GCC — a move that could make payments, remittances and trade settlements quicker and cheaper for businesses and everyday people

Asia-GCC payment partnership
Singapore’s DBS Bank and Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) have signed a landmark agreement to simplify trade finance and enable same-day cross-border payments between Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The move, announced on October 16, 2025, could make international payments, remittances, and trade settlements faster, cheaper, and more transparent for Gulf-based businesses and individuals. According to Reuters and DBS sources, the partnership will use DBS’s global platform GlobeSend, which supports instant payouts across more than 100 markets worldwide.

The firms behind: Background and context
At the heart of this partnership are two major financial players:

• DBS Bank (Singapore): One of Asia’s largest banks, DBS has a strong presence in Southeast Asia and a growing footprint in global corporate banking. Known for its digital-first approach, DBS has pioneered platforms like GlobeSend, which enables same-day cross-border payments, trade finance, and instant currency settlements. The bank’s technology and network make it a natural partner for GCC banks looking to streamline transactions with Asia.
  
• Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF, Riyadh): BSF is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading banks, serving a mix of corporate, SME, and retail clients. With a strategic focus on modernizing digital banking and expanding cross-border trade services, BSF brings deep knowledge of GCC financial regulations, currency flows, and local trade networks.
  

Together, the two banks “shook hands” in a landmark MOU, agreeing to collaborate on trade settlements, same-day payment rails, and currency clearing. This partnership blends DBS’s global reach and technology with BSF’s regional expertise, making cross-border transactions faster, safer, and more efficient for businesses and everyday people in the Gulf.so

The tie-up was announced at the Sibos conference and comes as Asia-GCC trade climbs — DBS notes Southeast Asia-GCC trade hit about $130.7 billion in 2023 and could grow by another $50 billion by 2027, while China-GCC trade volumes are projected to expand substantially by 2035. Saudi Arabia’s economy sits at the heart of that corridor, so a local partner like Banque Saudi Fransi is strategically important. The deal also fits a wider trend: banks and fintechs are building faster rails and regional currency-clearing to reduce dependence on slow, expensive intermediaries.

Impact on GCC businesses, SMEs, and remittance senders
This collaboration could directly improve the daily financial lives of thousands across the Gulf.

For businesses and SMEs, faster payment rails mean smoother trade deals, less waiting time for overseas transactions, and easier access to cross-border financing.

• Exporters and importers will see cash flow ease as payments clear the same day instead of taking days.
  
• Small traders and startups in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond can expand to Asian markets with fewer banking barriers.
  
• Workers sending money home to India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh could see quicker, cheaper remittances as the banking systems link more tightly.
  

Essentially, it’s a win for both businesses and ordinary residents who depend on smooth and affordable international transfers.

When, how and who can use it
This is an MOU and commercial rollout will follow. Banque Saudi Fransi will evaluate using DBS’s GlobeSend for same-day payouts; corporate customers and banks on both sides should be first beneficiaries. In practice:

• Businesses should talk to their relationship managers at BSF or DBS to learn when specific services (same-day payouts, trade loans, letters of credit) become available.
  
• Expect digital onboarding and online booking for trade finance products, mirroring how modern transaction banking works at DBS.
  
• For everyday remitters, services may appear as faster payout options through banks or partner apps that use the underlying rails.

What does the common person know?
You probably won’t notice anything overnight. These are bank-level plumbing and partnerships but over months to a year expect more options to send and receive money faster between Gulf countries and Asia. For business owners, this reduces payment risk and improves cash flow. For workers and families, it promises quicker remittances and potentially lower fees as banks compete on speed and convenience.