Project Banking Access

Mission Statement: Represents non-bank PSPs when becoming Third Party Providers (TPPs) under PSD2, supports the adoption of single, global, inter-operable Open Banking standards by the payments ecosystem and raises awareness of the threat to bank accounts for PayTechs due to de-risking
Project Banking Access sets out to enable non-banks to have direct access to faster payments and settlement so the industry can support the growth of SMEs and consumers. Project Banking Access also recognises the growing threat to FinTech and PayTech companies because of derisking by banks. This often results in the removal of bank account services and the closure of these businesses altogether, irrespective of the history of the account or its licensed status.

Phase 1: Payments systems’ sponsorship
On the June 17th 2016 the Bank of England announced that it intends to extend direct access to Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) accounts beyond the current set of 32 banks, thereby allowing a range of non bank PSPs to compete on a level playing field. We are confident that this will ensure a competitive market enabling more competitive pricing, better support, services and innovations for the consumer with a fairer financial landscape for all. Project Banking Access will continue to watch developments regarding RTGS access and the supervisory regime that will be delivered by the FCA and HMRC that will ensure effective oversight of PSPs with settlement accounts.

Phase 2: Bank accounts for PayTech companies
Project Banking Access actively engages with the media, commentators, regulators and oversight organisations (e.g. FCA and BBA) regarding the number of closures, number of rejections and reasons for closure or rejection, possibly derived from its research into de-risking of bank accounts.

Project Banking Access Team

Leaders

Andrea Dunlop – CEO Merchant Acquiring Europe, Paysafe Group

John Davies – Chairman, Kompli-Global

Support

Chris Dunne – Director of Market Development and Industry Relations, Vocalink
Anne Pieckielon – Director of Product & Strategy, Bacs
Mike Smith – Commercial Director, Raphaels Bank
Peter Howitt – Director & Solicitor, Ramparts
Richard Ransom – Payments Product Marketing Manager EMEA, Bottomline Technologies
Claudia Cooper Land – Head of Prepaid Programme Management & Issuance, allpay