As the world becomes more connected, more and more countries are implementing real-time payment schemes where transactions are processed in a matter of seconds, 24/7. This shift has allowed for faster and more convenient transactions, but it also poses significant challenges for financial institutions (FIs). In this article, we will discuss these challenges and how cloud-based platforms can help streamline connectivity to payment rails.
The Challenges of Connecting to Payment Rails
Complexity of Payment Rails
All banks need to connect to payment rails across the world. However, those payment rails are complex and require a lot of maintenance. Payment rails can form a complex web of different payment systems, each with its own unique protocols and procedures. Keeping track of all these different payment systems and ensuring that they are up-to-date and working correctly can be a real headache for FIs.
Need for maintenance
Maintaining these systems can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Financial institutions (FIs) need to have dedicated IT teams to ensure that the payment rails are functioning correctly and that any issues are resolved in a timely manner. This is especially challenging when dealing with multiple payment systems, each with its own IT teams, protocols, and procedures.
Streamlining connectivity with a cloud-based platform approach
Benefits of Outsourcing Functions
With all the challenges in place, banks need a simpler and streamlined way to connect to those rails. A cloud-based platform approach lets banks outsource those functions, allowing them to focus on their core business activities. Cloud-based platforms can provide secure and scalable connectivity to multiple payment systems, reducing the need for dedicated IT teams and significantly lowering costs.
Improving Efficiency
A cloud-based connectivity platform can help improve efficiency in multiple ways. For example, banks can use a single platform to connect to multiple payment systems, reducing the need for separate connections and lowering the risk of errors. This can shorten the time it takes to process transactions and ensure that customers receive their money quickly and efficiently.
Ensuring Always Up-to-Date Last Mile
One of the biggest advantages of using a cloud-based platform approach is that it can serve as an always-up-to-date last mile that ensures banks can satisfy their clients’ needs and the demands of real-time payments. With banks using standardized APIs to connect to cloud-based platforms, updates and improvements can be quickly pushed out, ensuring that financial institutions are always up-to-date with the latest payment protocols and procedures.
Flexibility of an API Approach
Accommodating Multiple Messaging Formats
Another advantage of using a cloud-based platform approach is that it allows the flexibility to accommodate multiple messaging formats. Banks can connect to the platform using standard APIs, and the platform can automatically translate the messaging format to the correct format for the connected payment system. This can help reduce errors and ensure that transactions are processed correctly.
Increasing the level of customization
The API approach also allows for a greater level of customization. Banks can create their own unique applications to connect to cloud-based platforms, providing a more tailored experience. This can help improve customer satisfaction and increase loyalty.
Inherent challenges in faster payments
Faster Fraud
Inherent in the shift to faster payments is the specter of faster fraud. Fraudsters can exploit real-time payments to steal money quickly and efficiently. Financial institutions (FIs) will need to adopt new security measures and procedures to ensure that transactions are secure.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks
Financial institutions have to conduct anti-money laundering (AML) checks to ensure that transactions are not being used to launder money. This can prove to be challenging when dealing with real-time payments, as there is little time available for conducting these checks.
Fund verification
Financial institutions (FIs) need to verify the availability of funds before processing transactions. With real-time payments, there is no time to wait for funds to clear; therefore, new procedures need to be put in place to ensure that funds are available before transactions are processed.
Valid Recipient Check
FIs also need to check if the account on the other end of the transaction is a valid recipient. This can be challenging, especially when dealing with cross-border payments where verifying the identity of the recipient can be difficult.
Conclusion: Meeting the Challenges of Real-Time Payments
Meeting the needs necessary to create a real-time payments environment is going to be a massive challenge for most banks. The challenges of connecting to payment rails, ensuring security, and enabling efficient transactions will require innovative solutions. Cloud-based platforms offer a streamlined approach that can help FIs improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure they are up-to-date with the latest payment protocols and procedures. As real-time payments become the norm, banks that adopt these new technologies will be better positioned to succeed in this fast-paced world.
