Mobile payments to take off with new series of standards

Mobile devices have come a long way since they first entered our lives all those years ago. In terms of banking functions alone, we can now open bank accounts, review our transaction history, transfer money to other people, pay for purchases in-store or via the Internet, and even pay our taxes with our telephones. Technology in this area is exploding as fast as people are starting to use the functionality, and with so many different parties involved, it is clear that an agreed interface between the various devices and payment systems is essential.

The ISO 12812 series of standards and technical specifications aims to define common terms and requirements that allow for wider and more advanced interoperability. Its various parts define the technical components and their interfaces and the roles of the different parties involved.

The series is being developed by working group 10 of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 68/SC 7 for core banking services, whose secretariat is held by AFNOR, ISO’s member in France.