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Advancing data analytics in the payments industry
Data analytics has failed to keep pace with developments in the payments industry. Despite a number of initiatives, data analytics remains the weak link in the payments process.

AUDDIS - an overview
AUDDIS, the Automated Direct Debit Instruction Service, allows Direct Debit Instructions (DDIs) to be electronically transferred between Originators and paying banks...

Bacstel-IP - an overview
Bacstel-IP was launched in 2003 as a direct replacement to the existing Bacstel delivery channel. All Direct Debit Originators and Direct Credit users who currently submit to Bacs must migrate to Bacstel-IP by the end of 2005...

Bacstel-IP - validation requirements
Under Bacstel-IP, rigorous payment file validation is an absolute requirement and has been introduced by the industry in order to reduce the number of rejected files and failed payments...

Bacstel-IP - business continuity and disaster recovery
For most organisations, it is imperative to maintain an uninterrupted service to Bacstel-IP due to the critical nature of their payment applications...

Bacstel-IP - communications
With Bacstel-IP, Internet Protocol (IP) replaces these legacy protocols, requiring all organisations to change key aspects of their Bacs communication infrastructure...

Bacstel-IP - health-check
Ensure that you are optimising your use of Bacstel-IP, by arranging a Bacstel-IP system Health-check with one of our experienced consultants.

Bank Identifier Code, BIC code (BIC) - an introduction
The Bank Identifier Code also known as a BIC or BIC code is a universal method of identifying financial institutions in order to facilitate the automated processing of payments...

BIC and IBAN - conversion
For organisations within the Eurozone the requirement to use BIC and IBAN as the standard international and domestic account identifiers has been put in place.

Data quality - options for validation
All automated banking services, including Direct Debit and Direct Credit schemes, rely on organisations submitting accurate payment data...

Data validation - why is it so important?
The efficiency of an automated payments process is reliant on the input of accurate data. Data validation is the only way to ensure that the information captured is accurate.

Direct Debits and Direct Credits in the UK - the hidden cost
The Direct Debit (DD) and Direct Credit (DC) schemes are highly favoured by UK organisations. By automating payments and receipts, organisations can achieve high levels of efficiency, optimise cash flow and minimise risk.

Faster Payments UK - mandatory changes for payments
Faster Payments is a new service, introduced mid-2008, which will enable users to make near real-time payments in the UK.

Faster Payments - the key role of data validation
Data validation has a key role to play in ensuring the success of the Faster Payments initiative…

Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
HSMs are an established technology, widely used throughout the financial services sector. They provide a ‘tamper proof’ technology that enables the secure communication of sensitive information...

IBAN (International Bank Account Number) - an introduction
An IBAN or International Bank Account Number is a series of alphanumeric characters that uniquely identifies a customer’s account held at a bank anywhere in the world...

Looking back - a decade of change in the payments industry
The growth and success of Experian Payments since its launch in 1997 mirrors the transformation in the way UK businesses and consumers pay for goods and services.

IBANs - a giant leap or a first step?
While International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN) take the banking industry a giant leap towards consistent STP (Straight Through Processing), there are some misconceptions about just how reliable they are.

Modulus checking - an introduction
Modulus checking is a procedure for applying a mathematical algorithm to an account number (or an account number and sort code combination) to check that it is valid for a particular range of sort codes...

Paperless Direct Debit - an overview
Paperless Direct Debit has revolutionised the payment process for many organisations. A Direct Debit Instruction can now be implemented without the need for paper instructions...

Real-time bank account verification for the UK
Bank Wizard Absolute from Experian Payments will reduce significantly both transaction errors and payment fraud.

Bacstel-IP - implementing effective report management
All the reports available through Bacstel are available through Bactsel-IP however under Bacstel-IP they are delivered in different formats...

Roll number validation - why is it so important?
Many organisations make electronic payments to personal UK bank or building societies ranging from staff wages to supplier payments...

Mandatory use of BIC and IBAN comes a step closer
A quiet revolution in banking standards is underway throughout Europe. So quiet in fact that news of the latest twist in European banking practice is only now slowly seeping out to many corporate banking customers who will become acutely affected by it

Setting SEPA Straight
The timetable for the introduction of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) may already be slipping, but there are practical steps that could be taken to ensure the project remains on track

SWIFT for all - the new business case
Our free guide to how corporate organisations can cost-effectively take advantage of SWIFT

Transposing account numbers - what is transposition and how does it work?
A significant number of account numbers and sort codes must be transposed from the form in which they are issued to the payer into the form required by Bacs for the actual processing of the Direct Debit or Direct Credit payments...

Validation issues for direct debit originators
The weakest link in any automated payment process is at the point where payment details are entered manually...

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Payments News

BCSB publishes quarterly bulletin
Written by Peter Kent<br/><br/>The Banking Code Standards Board (BCSB) has released its latest quarterly bulletin, revealing some of the group's targets for the coming months.

Trichet: It's time for more cross-border payments
Written by Rachel Fletcher<br/><br/>Jean-Claude Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB), has said that it &quot;is now time&quot; for more cashless cross-border payments across Europe.

FSA makes new appointment
Written by Jonathan Russell<br/><br/>The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has appointed Adam Phillips as the leader of the Financial Services Consumer Panel.

Payments council to establish new group
The European Payments Council (EPC) is looking to establish a new committee to help support the EPC Cards Working Group in the development of the EPC Cards Standardisation Volume (CSV).

London classed as 'fraud hotspot'
Only three out of the top 30 postcodes involved in fraudulent activity are located outside of London, new research has revealed.

"Staggering" fraud figures reported
A &quot;staggering&quot; level of business fraud has been reported in Scotland during the first half of the year.

Direct debit 'helps car buyers to budget'
Paying for a car service plan by direct debit is a good way to help consumers manage a budget, according to a marketing director.

Direct debit 'can help people avoid missed payments'
People who have opted to receive online bills for their credit card rather than a statement through the post should take care not to miss their payment deadline, according to Fergus Muirhead.

Banking fraud to be tackled 'particle by particle'
A new approach to direct credit fraud may result in a widespread reduction in banking fraud, according to its inventors.

Mobile phones to offer direct credit?
New technology currently under development will enable mobile phones of the future to act as credit cards, it has been claimed.

Prepaid cards 'offer parents peace of mind'
Parents with children heading off on gap year adventures may find the peace of mind offered by a prepaid credit card appealing, it has been claimed.

Payment fraud victims 'not getting reimbursement'
A fifth of people who fall victim to identity fraud are not getting reimbursed, according to Which?.

Payments Council to close cheque guarantee scheme
The Payments Council has set a two-year timescale to close the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme.

Shoppers told to destroy store cards
Shoppers have been told to cut up their store loyalty cards.

Online spending 'will end recession'
Online spending is so popular in Britain it will rescue retail from the economic slowdown.

Energy firms 'overcharging by £6 billion'
Energy suppliers are overcharging their consumers by more than &#163;1.6 billion, according to Consumer Focus.

Consumer loan choice may decrease
A lack of consumer choice may occur as the credit market declines, an industry body has said.

Prepaid cards 'best for holidays'
People going away on summer breaks have been advised to take a prepaid card to pay their way.

Credit card holders 'restraining their spending'
Many Britons are restricting their spending on their credit cards, according to new research from Tesco.

PayPal predicts rise in online spending
Online spending in Britain will more than double in the next 18 months, according to PayPal.

Pound 'has fallen in value'
Holidaymakers will have to accept costlier trips this year as the pound has lost value.

Credit card firms reminded of payment laws
A consumer group has reminded credit cards of their legal obligation to consumers regarding payments made on cards.

Payment trends: Consumers 'getting more savings online'
People are making better use of the internet as they seek good deals in the recession.

Toronto card parking meters 'not beneficial'
Credit card parking meters brought into Toronto have not been advantageous, according to the city auditor.

Gap-year travellers 'may not get advertised APR'
Young adults going on gap-year travels have been warned they may be unable to get a credit card with the advertised annual percentage rate (APR).

Facility takeover fraud 'growing rapidly'
A type of payment con known as &quot;facility takeover fraud&quot; is increasing quickly.

Online banking 'will become more important'
Online banking will become more important in the future, an information provider has said.

How to protect against cheque fraud
Advice for businesses on preventing cheque fraud has been given by an expert.

Holidaymakers 'should use prepaid cards'
Holidaymakers have been urged to opt for prepaid cards when travelling in the eurozone.

Barclays glitch 'demonstrates reliance on plastic'
The recent technical glitch that left Barclays customers unable to use their cards demonstrated society's heavy reliance on plastic.

Upcoming Events

Consumer Credit Association 2009 National Roadshow
various dates throughout May and June

EBA Day 2009
30th June - 1st July, Vienna

SIBOS 2009 - Hong Kong
14th - 18th September 2009, Hong Kong

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