ISO 20022: A Smarter, Safer Future for Payments

Running A Business 3 min read

Expert insights by: Jenna Williams (SVP, Director of Treasury Services)

ISO 20022 is the new global standard for electronic payment messaging—designed to bring richer data, faster processing, and stronger fraud protection to banks, businesses, and consumers alike. More than a formatting upgrade, ISO 20022 represents a major evolution in how financial institutions exchange information—domestically and worldwide.

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First Bank has already adopted this standard to ensure a smoother transition for our clients. Here’s what the ISO 20022 transition means for you:

1. A Universal Language for Financial Messaging

ISO 20022 creates a standardized, structured format that enables banks and payment systems across the globe to “speak the same language.” This means:

Faster and more accurate wire transfers
Clearer payment details
Fewer processing errors

By replacing older, inconsistent formats, ISO 20022 enables more efficient, transparent communication between financial institutions—benefiting individuals, businesses, and governments.

2. Smarter Data = More Efficient Payments

One of the biggest benefits of ISO 20022 is the ability to include more complete, structured data with each transaction. For businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, this leads to:

Easier reconciliation of incoming payments
Less time chasing down missing or incorrect information
More accurate recordkeeping and reporting

In short, better data makes for better operations.

3. Stronger Fraud Protection and Compliance

ISO 20022 enhances security by expanding the amount and clarity of data sent with each transaction. For example:

Longer character fields reduce ambiguity in recipient names and addresses
More complete payment context helps financial institutions detect suspicious activity
Standardized formatting improves automated fraud screening and compliance checks

These enhancements make it harder for fraudsters to impersonate payees or manipulate transaction details.

What to Expect at First Bank: ISO 20022 Timeline and Impact

July 2025: Domestic Wires

Starting July 2025, the Federal Reserve requires all domestic wire transfers to use ISO 20022 formatting. At First Bank, we’ve already upgraded our systems. Clients now see updated wire forms and additional address requirements when initiating new transfers.
Review any recurring wire transfers. If initiated before June 2025, they may need updates. Ensure the new required address field for recipients is added to all recurring transfers. Ensuring all fields are complete will prevent disruptions.

Fall 2025: International Wires

In November 2025, SWIFT will only accept ISO 20022 formatting. At First Bank, we’re in the process of making these necessary updates to ensure you’ll be prepared for any upcoming changes to your wire transfer process.

Looking Ahead: A More Connected Financial System

With ISO 20022 as a shared global standard, financial institutions will be able to:

Process payments faster and with greater accuracy
Communicate more clearly across borders
Reduce delays, errors, and fraud across the system

The result? A more seamless, secure, and connected global financial ecosystem—with benefits for every business and customer it touches.

Have a question about ISO 20022?

If you need a hand reviewing your First Bank wire transfers to ensure ISO 20022 compliance, reach out to your local First Bank or contact Business Support. First Bank’s business support team is available for immediate assistance during regular business hours from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Call 866-435-7208 or email BusinessSupport@LocalFirstBank.com.

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Expert insights by:

Jenna Williams, SVP, Director of Treasury Services

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