Electronic Banking Standards - EBICS
The Cornerstone of eBanking
Corporate customers expect banks to provide secure customer/bank data exchange solutions that are internet-based and multibank-capable. The German banking industry has complied with this requirement since January 2008, when the ZKA (Zentraler Kreditaus¬schuss) – the German banking industry’s central steering committee – made EBICS (Electronic Banking Internet Communication Standard) implementation mandatory.
EBICS sets standards for internet-based and multibank-capable products as well as for electronic banking systems. The EBICS specification extends the FTAM multibank standard (in use since 1995) on the basis of standard file transfer processes. EBICS allows software manufacturers to simultaneously develop software based on the new standard while converting their existing internet-based customer and bank systems into multibank-capable ones.
Creating a New Range of Functions with EBICS
EBICS sets the stage for lean, browser-driven customer applications which can be installed via the Internet, thus allowing the customer to use only the necessary parts of the application – for example, for sending and signing files which originate from third-party systems. Furthermore, EBICS makes new functionalities which weren't previously available using the FTAM process possible. One example here is the provision of location-independent electronic signatures.
Secure Internet Data Exchange Guaranteed
EBICS uses various methods to ensure secure data exchange via the Internet. Unlike the Customer RDT standard ("DFÜ mit Kunden"), data encryption is a mandatory part of the EBICS specification, which uses a double encryption system for extra security.
The EBICS specification is publicly available (the latest version is 2.3, with version 2.4 awaiting approval in summer 2008) and has been approved by the ZKA. Since January 2008, German banks are obliged to accept data and provide files for transmission via EBICS. After a transition period lasting from January 1st, 2008 to December 31st, 2010, EBICS will completely replace the technically obsolete and more costly FTAM communication protocol.
EBICS for Interbank Transactions
Since January 2008, use of the Deutsche Bundesbank’s SEPA clearer takes place via the EBICS-Interbank communication process. As of mid-2008, the Bundesbank’s existing Retail Payment System (RPS) will also be controlled using EBICS.
SIZ – the ZKA's Central EBICS Office
SIZ acts for the ZKA as the central point of contact for all matters concerning EBICS. The EBICS specifications are continually being updated by SIZ, supported by the "EBICS Reflektor Team" whose members are all experts delegated by the various institutions and financial groups belonging to the German Savings Bank Association. The Reflektor Team discusses change requests and develops solutions which are submitted to the ZKA for approval. SIZ is also responsible for the conception, design and management of the EBICS Internet presence.
Visit the EBICS home page (see right) for more information on the current status of the change process and all current open issues (Select "English" > "Specification" > "Changes").
Franco-German EBICS Expert Team established
On May 5th, 2009, the first EBICS COOP Expert Team convention was held at the SIZ in Bonn. Consisting of French and German bank experts, the Expert Team is the technical committee of the EBICS cooperation which develops the requirements for the advancement of EBICS.
The agenda of the first official convention included the following items: information exchange on the status quo, migration and testing, but also early discussions on the first common requirements for the advancement of EBICS, as well as questions on future versioning and scheduling.
