UAE Central Bank to Launch Nationwide e-KYC Platform with Norbloc
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the development of a nationwide unified electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) platform in partnership with Swedish technology firm Norbloc. The initiative is part of the UAE’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme and is designed to improve efficiency across the country’s financial services sector.
The platform is intended to simplify customer due diligence by reducing duplicated verification steps and streamlining both Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) processes. According to the CBUAE, the system will also help lower compliance costs for financial institutions and fintech companies operating in the UAE.
The new platform will use automated workflows and integrated trusted data sources to support compliance with anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements. By enabling secure access to verified information, the system aims to reduce onboarding friction for individuals and businesses while supporting faster decision-making for financial institutions.
The CBUAE said the platform has been developed with a privacy-by-design approach. Data sharing will be based on explicit customer consent, with the goal of maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards while improving the overall customer experience.
In addition to improving compliance workflows, the platform is expected to reduce turnaround times and operational costs for banks and fintech firms. The central bank said the project reflects its broader efforts to modernise regulatory and financial infrastructure and support digital transformation in the sector.
Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the CBUAE, said the platform will help move the sector away from traditional, resource-intensive processes and towards more advanced digital models.
“Through this platform, we are enabling the sector to move away from resource-intensive traditional processes towards progressive digital models that accelerate access to financial services and reduce operational costs.”
Norbloc Chief Executive Officer Astyanax Kanakakis said the collaboration will allow financial institutions to access trusted and secure data in real time from multiple sources, while maintaining international standards.
“By leveraging advanced technologies, we will enable financial institutions to access trusted and secure data in real time from multiple sources, enhancing operational efficiency while adhering to the highest international standards.”
Industry Analysis
The launch of a national e-KYC platform could be an important step in strengthening the UAE’s digital financial infrastructure. By centralising and standardising identity verification processes, the initiative may help reduce onboarding delays, improve compliance efficiency, and lower costs for regulated firms. It also reflects a broader regional trend toward digital identity solutions that balance regulatory oversight with customer convenience.
For banks and fintechs, the platform may support faster account opening and more efficient due diligence while helping meet AML/CFT obligations through a more structured data-sharing model. If widely adopted, it could contribute to a more connected financial ecosystem and reinforce the UAE’s position as a regional hub for financial innovation.
