Gulf Payments Company (GPC) is a financial infrastructure entity focused on improving cross-border payment efficiency within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Established in 2020 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, GPC is owned and funded by GCC central banks. It operates as a closed joint stock company with a branch in Abu Dhabi, UAE. GPC manages AFAQ, a cross-border payment system that connects GCC Real-Time Gross Settlement Systems (RTGSS). This system allows for near-instant interbank settlements in local GCC currencies, USD, and EUR, offering lower transaction fees and enhanced security. AFAQ's phased rollout began in 2022, with participation from various GCC central banks and commercial banks, promoting standardized cross-border transactions. GPC's strategic vision is to strengthen financial stability and support economic growth in the region through a unified payment infrastructure.