Despite efforts made by BSL to promote payments system modernisation, there still exists a dual payments system in which cash based transactions coexists with the non cash based transactions. The latter are further categorised into retail and large value transactions based on the value and the interbank systems that support the transactions. Large value transactions in Sierra Leone are transactions with value above SLL50 million and are processed on the RTGS. Retail transactions are those that are SLL50 million and below and are processed on the ACH. The NPS modernisation programme also focuses on promoting other forms of electronic based payment products. Currently, seven (7) commercial banks issue smartcards and operate ATMs while only four have operational POS machines with Interswitch Nigeria providing switching services for six of the thirteen commercial banks in the country.
