The European Payments Council (EPC) has launched an API Reference Toolbox (ART) test and self-certification platform for its Verification Of Payee (VOP) scheme, to be delivered and operated by StreamMind. The platform is intended to support Payment Service Providers (PSPs) in meeting the Instant Payment Regulation requirement to offer an IBAN-name check service before payers authorise a credit transfer or instant credit transfer. VOP is an API-based scheme expected to be implemented by thousands of PSPs in Europe ahead of the October 2025 regulatory deadline, with scheme go-live set for 5 October 2025. Alongside the EPC Directory Service, which aims to enable European-wide reachability and routing of API calls, ART is positioned as a tool to reduce interoperability risks among VOP participants. The EPC expects many PSPs to rely on Routing and/or Verification Mechanisms (RVMs) and will require or recommend RVMs and PSPs not using RVMs to complete a self-certification test on ART to demonstrate compliance with the VOP API specifications; StreamMind was selected as ART provider following an RFP process and EPC Board approval in March 2025. ART will be introduced in stages, starting with a pilot in the next weeks with a limited number of participants, before being made available to the broader community in the next few months.
European Payments Council 2025-04-01
European Payments Council launches API Reference Toolbox test and self-certification platform for the Verification Of Payee scheme with StreamMind
The European Payments Council has launched an API Reference Toolbox (ART) test and self-certification platform for its Verification Of Payee (VOP) scheme, operated by StreamMind, to help Payment Service Providers meet the Instant Payment Regulation's IBAN-name check requirement. ART aims to reduce interoperability risks among VOP participants and will be introduced in stages, starting with a pilot. The scheme is expected to be implemented by thousands of PSPs in Europe by the October 2025 deadline.