BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) on Monday (Sept 22) announced the issuance of a new family of banknotes, scheduled to enter circulation in the first half of 2026, according to a press release from the central bank.
The new series will cover five denominations – BND1, BND5, BND10, BND100, and BND500 – and marks a major milestone in the nation’s currency development.
BDCB said the notes will feature enhanced security features in line with global advancements in the currency industry, designed to safeguard the integrity of Brunei’s currency and strengthen protection against counterfeiting.
“The initiative reflects BDCB’s commitment to ensuring that our currency remains safe and secure, particularly as cash continues to play an important role in everyday life, even as the nation advances towards a digital economy,” the central bank said.
While introducing new elements, the banknotes will retain familiar designs that highlight Brunei’s national identity and heritage. The portrait of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah will continue to feature on the BND1, BND5, BND10 and BND100 notes, while the BND500 will carry the portrait of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien.
In a significant change, the new series will standardise the use of “Brunei Dollars” across all denominations, replacing the term “Ringgit,” in line with the Currency Order 2004. BDCB said the move aims to strengthen public familiarity and encourage consistent use of the official term.
The new family of notes will also introduce a DOMINO™ feature to assist the visually impaired. This innovation consists of raised dots on the lower right corner of each note, with each denomination having a unique arrangement for easier identification.
BDCB emphasised that all existing banknotes will remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the new series.
More details on the New Family Banknotes Series and its security features can be found at the BDCB website. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
