Brunei to Introduce New Banknotes, Standardizing “Brunei Dollars” by 2026

Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has announced the issuance of a new family of banknotes, set to enter circulation in the first half of 2026. The series will comprise five denominations – BND1, BND5, BND10, BND100, and BND500 – and marks a major milestone in the nation’s currency development.

In a press release on Monday, BDCB confirmed that the new series will feature enhanced security measures in line with global best practices, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Brunei’s currency and protecting 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 stated.

The design of the new notes will retain Brunei’s national identity and heritage. The portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah will continue to appear on the BND1, BND5, BND10 and BND100 denominations, while the BND500 note will feature the image of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien.

A significant change in the new series will be the standardisation of the term “Brunei Dollars,” replacing the use of “Ringgit” across all denominations, in line with the Currency Order 2004. The move is intended to strengthen public familiarity and encourage consistent use of the official term.

The new banknotes will also introduce a DOMINO™ feature to assist the visually impaired. This consists of raised dots on the lower right corner of each note, with unique arrangements for each denomination to aid easier identification.

BDCB confirmed that all existing banknotes will remain legal tender and continue circulating alongside the new series.