European Payments Council launches simplified SEPA Request-to-Pay homologation process and exempts RTSP-based applicants

The European Payments Council (EPC) has launched a simplified homologation process for the SEPA Request-to-Pay (SRTP) scheme adherence process, aimed at streamlining how applicants demonstrate readiness to participate in SRTP. Under the Trust and Security Framework (TSF), Annex I of the SRTP rulebook, the EPC will validate eligibility criteria from adherence documents, identify the applicant, and determine whether homologation is required and, if so, which type. Sopra Steria Belgium remains the independent SRTP scheme Homologation Body, and payment service provider applicants using a Referenced Technical Solution Provider (RTSP), meaning an already homologated technical solution provider, are not required to undergo homologation. Where homologation is required, applicants must subscribe to one of three annual homologation waves (February–April, April–June, September–November) at least one month before the wave starts. Ahead of homologation or going live, the EPC recommends testing SRTP API messages using an API test toolbox; it also maintains a list of SRTP API Test Toolbox Providers that support all scheme functionalities and options.