[Saudi Central Bank Withdraws from Multinational Central Bank mBridge Cross-Border Payment Platform] According to the Financial Times, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has withdrawn from the mBridge cross-border central bank digital currency platform, a move previously undisclosed. SAMA stated that it joined as an observer in 2023, participated in the development of the minimum viable product in 2024, and ceased to be a member after completing the proof of concept on May 13, 2025. It denied that this decision was influenced by U.S. pressure. mBridge was initiated in 2021 by the BIS Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre, with co-developers including the Bank of Thailand, the Central Bank of the UAE, the Digital Currency Institute of the People's Bank of China, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. BIS handed over the project to its central bank partners in October 2024. The Monetary Authority of Macao joined the initiative this year and went live in June.