Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet), Malaysia’s national payments network, has become the sole Malaysian founding member of the MIT CSAIL research initiative, FinTechAI@CSAIL, further reinforcing its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven financial innovation.

PayNet said in a statement on Monday that it joins a distinguished group of leading financial institutions in this effort, which was recently announced.

This strategic collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to responsible, inclusive AI development and Malaysia’s growing influence in shaping the future of digital finance.

“The rise of AI presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. As Malaysia’s national payments infrastructure provider, we’re committed to shaping technology that safeguards trust and financial sovereignty,

“Collaborating with MIT CSAIL allows us to contribute to AI advancements that are ethical, inclusive, and resilient, which will define the next generation of financial systems globally,” said Farhan Ahmad, Group Chief Executive Officer of PayNet.

According to him, FinTechAI@CSAIL reflects the growing importance of AI across financial ecosystems, an evolution that aligns with our own trajectory at PayNet.

“We’re integrating AI into the core of our national payments infrastructure, strengthening fraud analytics, enhancing operational resilience, and accelerating digitalization,

“Our goal is to build intelligent, secure, and future-ready financial platforms for all Malaysians,” he added.

Drawing on its experience in a diverse and fast-evolving market, PayNet said the firm brings essential perspectives to the table, helping shape an AI future that serves communities often underrepresented in global innovation.

FinTechAI@CSAIL will facilitate cross-sector collaboration by connecting researchers with regulators, startups and international financial institutions.

The initiative builds on a strong track record of applied research and knowledge transfer between MIT and global financial bodies, aiming to shape the next generation of financial technologies responsibly.

Potential areas of study include efficiency and productivity, regulatory compliance and governance, personalization and customer experience, democratization of opportunities, fraud detection and cybersecurity, as well as data processing and utilization.

“I am excited to work with our initiative members to advance the foundations of AI and enable new capabilities for the fintech industry,

“Together, we aim to develop intelligent, trustworthy and transformative fintech AI solutions that can shape the future of global finance,” Professor Daniela Rus, director of MIT CSAIL said.

PayNet’s commitment to meaningful AI innovation is also evident in local initiatives such as Program Akar, a collaboration with Microsoft aimed at equipping young Malaysians with skills in AI and data science, according to the statement.

Within its DuitNow ecosystem, the company leverages AI-driven, real-time risk monitoring to maintain robust security and performance at scale—demonstrating how strategic applications can deliver lasting value.

In expanding its global research partnerships, PayNet has also formed a collaboration with Imperial College London to explore the ethical dimensions and governance of AI in the payments sector.

This builds on PayNet’s practical experience in AI implementation, ensuring innovation is guided by a robust ethical and regulatory framework.

CelcomDigi and PayNet join forces to strengthen digital security in financial transactions