2007年-ECB欧洲央行_5th_SEPA_progress_report_31页_1mb

SEPA Fifth Progress Report Summary (July 2007)

Executive Summary

The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) aims to enable retail payments in euros across the euro area under the same conditions from a single account, regardless of location. This initiative supports the integration of the payments market, which is expected to yield substantial economic benefits and align with the Lisbon agenda. The Eurosystem plays a catalytic role in monitoring and guiding the development of SEPA, emphasizing the need for continued efforts from all stakeholders to ensure its success.

Core Content and Key Points

1. Status of and Recommendations Concerning SEPA Instruments and Infrastructures

1.1 Current Status in the Field of SEPA Instruments

• Credit Transfers: The EPC approved the basic structure of the SEPA Credit Transfer Scheme (SCT) in June 2007, based on the "SCT Rulebook" version 2.3. This will serve as the foundation for SEPA credit transfers starting in January 2008.

  • The Eurosystem recommends incorporating the one-business-day execution timeframe from the Payment Services Directive (PSD) into the SCT Rulebook by 2012.
  • The use of ISO 20022 XML standard in the customer-to-bank domain is encouraged.
  • Some communities are developing paper-based credit transfer guidelines for special customer groups, which could lead to fragmentation. The EPC should develop common solutions to avoid this.
  • A priority credit transfer scheme with same-day settlement is recommended to increase customer attractiveness.

• Direct Debits: The EPC approved the basic structure of the SEPA Direct Debit Scheme (SDD) in June 2007, based on the "SDD Rulebook" version 2.3.

  • The Eurosystem stresses the need for clarity on all features of SEPA direct debits by December 2007 to ensure they are as attractive as current national instruments.
  • A business-to-business (B2B) direct debit scheme is being developed, with features such as electronic mandates and mandate validation by debtor banks.
  • The EPC is encouraged to address concerns of debtors and debtor banks, especially in corporate sectors, and ensure a smooth migration to the new scheme.
  • The migration of mandates from national schemes to SEPA may require new mandates in some countries, and national banking communities should work with legislators and NCBs to find pragmatic solutions.

• Card Payments: The Eurosystem has published a report on a SEPA for cards and has engaged with market participants and the European Commission for feedback.

  • A new European debit card scheme is recommended to stimulate competition and ensure broader participation in SEPA governance.
  • Co-branding is suggested as a way to provide wider coverage without requiring a full Europe-wide scheme immediately.
  • The Eurosystem encourages the development of open standards and interoperability in card payments to support SEPA.

1.2 Developments in the Field of Infrastructures

• The Eurosystem has defined compliance criteria for payment system infrastructures, including processing, interoperability, sending and receiving capacity, access conditions, and transparency.
• These criteria will be complemented by detailed terms of reference and self-assessment processes for infrastructures.
• The EPC is invited to consider these criteria when reviewing payment system policies, such as updating the PE-ACH/CSM Framework.

1.3 Standardisation

• Standardisation efforts in the customer-to-bank domain should continue to meet user requirements.
• Open standards such as ISO and EMV are preferred to ensure interoperability and not hinder security or functionality.

1.4 Additional Optional Services

• The Eurosystem encourages the EPC to develop new payment schemes such as a priority credit transfer scheme and e-mandates for direct debits.

1.5 Single Euro Cash Area

• The Eurosystem supports the development of a single euro cash area, though it is not yet a priority.

2. Implementation and Migration Towards SEPA

• All national implementation and migration plans must be finalised and published by the end of 2007.
• These plans should be concrete and precise, providing guidance to all stakeholders.
• The Eurosystem expects all plans to be translated into English and made publicly available.
• The migration period should not be too long to avoid dual processing, which is costly and inefficient.
• A clear end date for the use of national payment instruments should be agreed upon to ensure a smooth transition to SEPA.

3. Other Issues

• Payment Services Directive (PSD): The Eurosystem urges the European Commission to finalise its review of Regulation 2560/2001 as soon as possible.

  • The Eurosystem recommends raising the balance of payments reporting threshold to €50,000 as from 1 January 2008.
  • Some countries have already taken steps to raise the threshold without waiting for a European decision.

• Governance of SEPA Schemes and Frameworks: The EPC, as a market-driven body, is encouraged to continue its activities post-SEPA launch to broaden and deepen the area, particularly in payment innovation and standardisation.

• The Eurosystem calls for more concrete communication on SEPA, especially to SMEs and consumers, to ensure awareness and preparedness.

• Security of SEPA payment instruments, particularly in internet banking, card payments, and e-payments, needs more attention.

  • The EPC is requested to conduct a threat assessment of the entire end-to-end process and develop best practices for security.

Conclusion

The Eurosystem is committed to supporting the transition to SEPA, which is expected to be launched in January 2008. It highlights the importance of clarity, standardisation, security, and stakeholder involvement to ensure the success of the initiative. The report serves as a guide for the market to address remaining gaps and to prepare for the full implementation of SEPA.