2013年-ECB欧洲央行_Second_SEPA_migration_report_October_2013_20页_916kb

Second SEPA Migration Report – October 2013 Summary

Core Content

This report outlines the progress of migration to SEPA credit transfer (SCT) and direct debit (SDD) schemes in the euro area as of the end of the third quarter of 2013. It is the second assessment by the Eurosystem and reflects the state of readiness of payment service providers (PSPs) and payment service users (PSUs), as well as the challenges and risks associated with the transition.

Main Points

1. SEPA Migration Deadline

• The deadline for migration to SEPA schemes (SCT and SDD) in the euro area was set for 1 February 2014.
• Non-euro area Member States have a later deadline of 31 October 2016, and their developments are not covered in this report.
• SEPA aims to create a unified, efficient, and integrated payment market across the EU, using open standards and common rules.

2. Migration Progress

SEPA Credit Transfer (SCT)

• By September 2013, 56.26% of credit transfers in the euro area were executed through SCT.
• Migration has accelerated in most countries, with Luxembourg, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Finland practically completing the transition.
• Greece, Cyprus, France, Belgium, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, and Portugal are well advanced, with more than 50% of credit transfers already using SCT.
• In four countries, migration levels remain below 20%, indicating that further efforts are needed.
• The use of XML conversion services has helped many stakeholders, particularly SMEs, to meet SEPA requirements, but long-term reliance on such services may limit the full benefits of SEPA.

SEPA Direct Debit (SDD)

• As of September 2013, only 6.84% of direct debits were executed under the SDD scheme.
• Migration progress has been slow, with no significant changes observed in national ratios by the end of Q3 2013.
• Slovenia is the only country close to completing migration to SDD, while Greece, Belgium, and Austria are slightly more advanced.
• In Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, migration is still marginal.
• Some countries, like Estonia, Finland, and Cyprus, plan to replace legacy direct debits with SCT-based e-invoicing solutions or phase them out.

3. Risks of Late Migration

• Many stakeholders delayed migration to the fourth quarter of 2013 or beyond, despite the risks.
• Risks include:
  • Limited capacity and bottlenecks at PSPs and software vendors.
  • Insufficient time for PSUs to adapt to new systems.
  • Inadequate end-to-end testing between end users and PSPs.
• A fine-tuning period after migration is essential to ensure smooth operations.
• Conversion services can help mitigate short-term risks, but they are not a long-term solution.

4. Preparedness of Payment Service Providers (PSPs)

• PSPs have made progress in preparations, but not all have completed them by the end of Q3 2013.
• Qualitative indicators show that most PSPs are expected to be ready by the legally enforceable deadline.
• XML and IBAN conversion services are being used to assist with migration, especially for PSUs not using the SDD core scheme.
• Customer servicing channels are being prepared for SEPA transactions, with some countries showing improvement.

5. Preparedness of Payment Service Users (PSUs)

• PSUs, including SMEs, public administrations, and big billers, have varying levels of preparedness.
• SMEs and public administrations have the lowest levels of awareness and preparedness.
• Communication campaigns launched in Q2 and Q3 2013 have helped improve awareness among PSUs.
• Big billers are more advanced in preparations, with some expecting to be ready by the deadline.
• However, many big billers plan to migrate only in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Key Information

• The SEPA migration end-date regulation (Regulation (EU) No 260/2012) sets legal requirements for migration.
• ISO20022 XML format is mandatory for bundled transactions from February 2014.
• Conversion services are not a substitute for full preparation and should be used cautiously.
• The Eurosystem and national central banks are actively monitoring and supporting the migration process.
• Coordination and communication between stakeholders and competent authorities are crucial for a successful transition.
• Consumer protection measures must be available to debtors by the end of Q2 2013, but progress has been limited.

Conclusion

The migration to SEPA schemes is progressing, but challenges remain, particularly in the SDD area. The Eurosystem stresses the importance of meeting legal requirements and highlights the need for cooperation, communication, and thorough preparation among all stakeholders. While some groups, such as public administrations, have made significant strides, SMEs and others still require more support and awareness. The final migration deadline of 1 February 2014 is approaching, and the Eurosystem is urging all market participants to ensure full readiness.