CBJ and Justice Ministry Collaborate to Enhance E-payment Systems for Court Transactions

AMMAN: The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and the Ministry of Justice have entered into a partnership to regulate electronic payments via the newly developed Unified Government Payment Interface (UGPI-JO). This collaboration aims to facilitate quicker and more efficient financial transactions within the judicial system. According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement, which was signed on Monday by Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni and CBJ Deputy Governor Khaldoun Wishah, is part of an initiative to digitize financial processes related to court activities. The UGPI-JO system, developed by the CBJ, is designed to transition from traditional paperwork to a fully digital framework, thereby enhancing the services offered in courts, speeding up procedures, and reducing operational costs. This system allows for the electronic processing of financial transfers issued by courts and enforcement agencies, significantly cutting down the time and effort previously required. Minister Talhouni highlighted that the Ministry of Justice is the pioneer in adopting this system due to its advanced readiness in electronic programming. He noted that the electronic linkage has been meticulously planned to address all legal, financial, and technical aspects necessary for launching the service. Under the new system, financial transfers to those convicted can now be completed directly to their accounts via the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) within three hours and without any cost to the users. Talhouni assured that all transactions would be conducted securely under the stringent supervision of the Ministry of Digital Economy. Additionally, Talhouni mentioned that the Ministry had previously implemented an electronic receipts system within the courts and is currently working towards automating electronic disbursement procedures. There are plans to gradually implement this system across all courts in Jordan. Deputy Governor Wishah explained that the UGPI-JO system is set to improve the quality of electronic banking services provide d to the government sector, beginning with court transfers which totaled about JD160 million in 2023. He added that there are plans to expand this service to other government entities in the future. The system not only automates transfer applications from CBJ clients but also minimizes the risks associated with paper-based transactions. It supports the government's digital transformation goals by ensuring that payment transfers are executed efficiently and securely.