The European Payments Council (EPC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for developing an API Test Toolbox to support its Verification of Payee (VOP) scheme. This scheme, designed to enhance instant credit transfer security, will take effect on 5 October 2025.
Objective of the VOP Scheme:
The VOP scheme offers Payment Service Providers (PSPs) across the EU and EEA a standardized approach to verifying payees for instant credit transfers, leveraging API-based inter-PSP communications.
Challenges Addressed by the Toolbox:
The API Test Toolbox will address:
- Cross-border reachability
- Interoperability among PSPs
- Ensuring seamless participant interactions under the scheme
Features of the Toolbox:
- A reference API test environment simulating server-side and client-side VOP interactions.
- A self-certification mechanism for participants to verify compliance with VOP API requirements.
Timeline for RFP Process:
- Start Date: 23 December 2024
- Submission Deadline: 17 January 2025
How to Participate:
Interested candidates must:
- Fill out the designated form to receive the RFP document.
- Submit their proposals via email by the deadline.