Any big-bang launch of a new technology system will be a nerve-wracking experience for a central bank’s top management. But when a mistake could come at the cost of the payrolls for thousands of workers, the bank accounts of several royals, and the functioning of the financial markets themselves, sleepless nights are inevitable.

The team at SAP and the Saudi Central Bank (Sama) worked for several days at the culmination of more than four years of work to make sure the launch of Sama’s new core