The Central Bank of Montenegro has launched RTS/X, a new generation of the national payment system, introducing online clearing that allows interbank payments and withdrawals of up to EUR 1,000 to be processed throughout the day rather than in fixed clearing cycles. The change is intended to make smaller-value funds available within seconds or minutes, depending on each bank’s processing time. Online clearing means transactions cannot be reversed once sent. RTS/X is also compliant with ISO 20022, enabling more structured payment data, greater automation of order processing, improved links between transactions and invoices, and easier integration with accounting systems. A further phase is planned through the end of 2025 to expand operational capacity, including longer working hours and processing during non-working days and weekends. In parallel, the central bank is developing an instant payments system, the TIPS Clone, with regional central banks and the Banca d’Italia, with launch planned for July 2026 as a real-time 24/7/365 platform for Western Balkans countries that is technically and functionally identical to the European Central Bank’s TIPS.
Central Bank of Montenegro 2025-05-26
Central Bank of Montenegro launches RTS/X payment system with online clearing for near-instant transactions up to EUR 1,000
The Central Bank of Montenegro has launched RTS/X, a national payment system for online clearing of interbank payments and withdrawals up to EUR 1,000, enhancing transaction speed and availability. RTS/X complies with ISO 20022, facilitating structured payment data and improved processing. A further phase will expand capacity by 2025, and an instant payments system, TIPS Clone, is planned for July 2026 with regional central banks and the Banca d’Italia.