Much like the global economy, Haiti is firmly committed to a digital transition. Under the aegis of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), the modernization of payment infrastructure and the rise of mobile finance have profoundly transformed the daily lives of citizens and fostered financial inclusion.

However, this rapid transformation brings significant challenges. The proliferation of electronic transactions exposes users to new cyber threats, including fraud, phishing, identity theft, and the theft of personal data. Given the currently limited level of digital literacy, these risks pose a potential threat to the entire network. Consequently, for the BRH, protecting users is no longer merely a technical measure; it has become the cornerstone of the country’s future economic prosperity.

Trust : A Strategic Investment for the Financial System In the context of digital payments, technology is only one component among many. As emphasized by international institutions such as the World Bank (WB), the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the success of the digital transition fundamentally relies on citizens’ trust in their financial institutions and the digital tools they provide.

Establishing a relationship of trust between users and financial services is essential for driving the adoption of modern payment methods, encouraging technological innovation, and ensuring the stability and performance of the Haitian financial system. In this light, the citizen is not viewed as a mere passive user, but rather as the central actor in this financial transformation. A lack of trust among citizens can lead to stagnant adoption of digital payments and a decline in financial inclusion.

A shared responsibility : Every user has the right to access transparent, secure, and affordable services, to have their personal data protected, and to benefit from clear recourse mechanisms in the event of a dispute or fraud. However, security also relies on individual vigilance. Adopting responsible behaviors,such as protecting passwords and exercising caution regarding suspicious messages, is essential. It is with this in mind that the National Financial Education Plan (PNEF) was developed, aiming to equip every Haitian with the digital skills necessary to navigate safely.

The BRH’s four-pillar strategy : To realize its vision, the BRH (Bank of the Republic of Haiti) has developed a structured and rigorous roadmap.

1 - Circular No. 121 : This circular defines the rules for authorization, security, and governance applicable to payment service providers, banks, and FinTech companies. It aims to ensure the sector’s compliance with international standards and to guarantee consumer protection.

2 - Circular No. 131 : This circular establishes requirements for fairness, transparency of information, data confidentiality, and the obligation to handle customer complaints effectively. It strengthens consumer rights and contributes to fostering an environment of trust within the financial sector.

3 - Active supervision : The BRH maintains active supervision of the financial sector to ensure the rigorous, day-to-day application of prudential standards. This oversight makes it possible to detect and correct any potential malfunctions and to maintain the stability of the financial system.

Ongoing Awareness-Raising : The BRH is fostering financial and digital literacy among the population, in alignment with the National Financial Education Plan (PNEF). This awareness-raising initiative aims to empower citizens to make informed financial decisions and to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by technology.

Through Circulars 121 and 131, the BRH is aligning the Haitian financial sector with the best international standards. Beyond mere legal texts, the BRH reaffirms its humanistic vision: to build an inclusive, modern, and protective financial system, in which technology serves the common good and every Haitian citizen. This humanistic vision places the individual at the heart of the financial system and seeks to create an environment conducive to economic growth and social development.

HL/ HaitiLibre