City Bank Adopts Swift Framework for Global Payments

City Bank has officially committed to implementing a new Swift framework aimed at enhancing the cross-border payment experience for its customers. The initiative, which features real-time payment tracking, is part of the bank’s strategy to provide faster, more transparent, and reliable international transactions.

Swift, the global provider of secure financial messaging services, announced on 5 March that several banks worldwide would adopt the framework by the end of 2026, following its initial launch in September 2025. The framework, known as Real-Time Global Payment Tracking with Swift GPI (Global Payments Innovation), allows banks and customers to track the status of international payments in real time, improving transparency and reducing processing delays.

To mark the occasion, City Bank hosted a launching ceremony at its head office. The event was attended by Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank; Kiran Shetty, CEO and Regional Head for India and South Asia at Swift; and Arpita Ghosh, Account Director, India and Country Manager, Bangladesh at Swift, alongside other senior officials of the bank.

Speaking at the event, Kiran Shetty highlighted the significance of Swift GPI for global banking. “This framework represents a major step forward in making international payments faster, more secure, and fully transparent,” she said. “Institutions adopting it will be able to provide their customers with complete visibility over cross-border transactions, which is increasingly critical in today’s interconnected financial landscape.”

Mashrur Arefin emphasised City Bank’s commitment to enhancing customer experience. “By adopting the Swift GPI framework, we are not only modernising our payment systems but also reinforcing our promise to deliver efficient, secure, and transparent banking services to our customers,” he said. “This adoption aligns with our long-term strategy to leverage global technological standards for the benefit of both retail and corporate clients.”

The advantages of implementing the Swift GPI framework can be summarised as follows:

Industry analysts note that the adoption of real-time cross-border payment tracking is becoming an essential benchmark for modern banking institutions. With City Bank joining the initiative, both corporate clients and individual customers in Bangladesh can expect more reliable, transparent, and efficient international payment services.

The launch also included discussions on the operational rollout, staff training, and the phased implementation plan, ensuring that City Bank is fully prepared to integrate Swift GPI into its systems without disrupting existing services. Observers suggest that this move positions City Bank among the leading financial institutions in the region in terms of digital payment innovation.