City Bank has announced its commitment to implement Swift’s latest framework, aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and speed of cross-border payments for its customers. The move aligns with the bank’s strategy to provide seamless international banking experiences, offering clients the ability to track their payments in real time.
The framework, known as Real-Time Global Payment Tracking with Swift GPI, was initially launched by Swift in September 2025 and has since gained traction among leading banks worldwide. Swift officially confirmed on 5 March 2026 that several financial institutions would be adopting the framework by the end of the year, signalling a major shift towards greater transparency and speed in global payments.
City Bank celebrated the adoption of the framework with a formal launching ceremony at its headquarters. The event brought together top officials from both City Bank and Swift, reflecting the strategic importance of this initiative. Among the dignitaries present were Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank; Kiran Shetty, CEO and Regional Head, India and South Asia at Swift; and Arpita Ghosh, Account Director, India and Country Manager, Bangladesh at Swift. Several senior executives from City Bank also attended, emphasising the institution’s dedication to modernising its payment infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, Mashrur Arefin highlighted the significance of the framework for City Bank’s customers: “By adopting Swift GPI, we are not only accelerating international payments but also bringing unprecedented visibility and reliability to our clients’ transactions. Customers can now track their payments end-to-end in real time, offering peace of mind and improved operational efficiency.”
Swift GPI (Global Payments Innovation) has already transformed cross-border payments for many international banks by providing faster processing times, improved transparency, and enriched data for compliance and reconciliation. Its adoption by City Bank ensures that clients can benefit from:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Tracking | Payments can be monitored at every stage, reducing uncertainty. |
| Faster Processing | Cross-border transfers are processed more quickly compared to traditional methods. |
| Enhanced Transparency | Detailed information about fees, foreign exchange rates, and routing is available. |
| Operational Efficiency | Automated processes reduce errors and manual intervention. |
The bank expects the implementation of Swift GPI to strengthen its position in international banking and attract clients who prioritise speed and reliability in cross-border payments. With this initiative, City Bank joins a growing network of institutions worldwide that are redefining the global payments landscape.
As international commerce continues to expand, innovations like Swift GPI are expected to become standard across major banks, providing both corporate and retail clients with faster, more predictable, and fully transparent payment experiences.