The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) recently announced that it will issue a new family of banknotes sometime in the first half of 2026. This will encompass the denominations of BND1, BND5, BND10, BND100, and BND500.
The new notes will have a visual design and color palette similar to the notes that are currently in circulation. The familiar images include portraits of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BND1–BND100) and Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (BND500), as well as national symbols and icons.
Coming in 2026: Brunei’s New Family of Banknotes
The new series will also usher in some important changes. The new notes:
- Will be printed on a GUARDIAN™ polymer substrate.
- Will confirm the use of ‘Brunei Dollars’ as the nation’s official unit of currency, replacing the term ‘Ringgit’ across all denominations.
Upgraded security features to fight counterfeits
A major step in upgrading Brunei’s banknotes is the integration of more modern security features to help prevent counterfeiting. These security features include:
- A combination of two colour-shifting inks that create dynamic effects.
- Ultraviolet elements that are visible under UV light and infrared cameras.
- An optically variable, magnetic ink (OVI) feature that appears when the banknote is tilted. Specifically, a bar of light or a pattern appears to move up and down, resembling a shifting sand dune.
Feature to aid visually impaired consumers
The new banknotes will be embossed with a tactile feature to allow visually impaired consumers to identify each note’s denomination. As the BDCB explains, this is “to ensure our currency serves everyone…[and] empowers individuals with visual impairments to handle cash with greater ease, confidence, and independence.”
Transition to the new series of notes
When the new series of banknotes is issued, the existing notes will remain valid and circulate alongside the new series.
Sources/References:
Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB)
Banknote Industry News
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