Why Connectivity Matters for Banks and Wealth Managers
A friend working in the fintech space recently mentioned a project involving real-time payments and new interfaces for payment systems. It sounded technical at first, but the more we spoke, the more I realised how much is shifting in the world of financial infrastructure, especially in Switzerland.
What started as a casual conversation turned into a deep dive into one of the most relevant digital challenges banks and financial institutions face today: connectivity.
Swiss Payments Infrastructure Is Evolving
Switzerland’s payment landscape is undergoing a major transformation. With the rollout of SIC 5 for instant payments, the existing SIC 4 for RTGS transactions, EuroSIC for EUR clearing, and, of course, SWIFT for international messaging, institutions are expected to manage multiple systems reliably, securely, and in real time.
This complexity affects large banks and independent wealth managers, whose clients increasingly expect faster, more transparent and secure cross-border payments.
One API to Connect Them All
Instead of managing multiple interfaces, some institutions are now choosing unified API platforms that connect all significant systems through a single, secure channel.
A platform like Con-Ex.io offers:
- Access to SIC 4, SIC 5, EuroSIC, and SWIFT
- Real-time and batch processing
- Compliance modules: AML checks, sanction screening, audit trail
- Message conversion between legacy and ISO 20022
- Sandbox testing environment for safe integration
This is not just about convenience – reducing risk, improving efficiency, and being ready for the next wave of regulatory and market changes.
From Testing to Go-Live – Without the Risk
One of the features I found most interesting is the ability to start integration in a sandbox environment, free of charge. This allows teams to test everything – from message flows to compliance rules – before going live.
After validation, the institution rolls out the solution as a primary system or a backup, depending on its setup.
Why It Matters – Now More Than Ever
As real-time payments become the norm and international standards like ISO 20022 are enforced, financial institutions can no longer afford to work with outdated infrastructure.
For independent wealth managers, this shift means being able to serve clients via custodian banks with faster execution, better reporting, and full compliance – all of which are key in today’s competitive environment.
Final Thought
Connectivity is no longer just a technical topic. It’s a strategic factor that shapes how banks and financial service providers operate and serve their clients. With modern platforms offering secure, scalable access to critical payment systems, the future of finance is more connected than ever.
