The recently released “Cash Recycling Framework” document is now being implemented at National levels, but at different paces and interpretations. The ECB has already listed approved “desk top” counterfeit note detection equipment, which is anticipated to be used in the Bank off premise and Retail sectors. The ECB will be presenting at the ATMIA Europe Conference May 15/16 in London.

2. European Payments Council

The EPC have recently issued document “DTR 413 ATM Security Guidelines”. This is a very comprehensive guideline utilising some of the GASA Best practice material. In particular it identifies some of the national variations and constraints for Banks to meet European ATM Security recommendations. Key headings from the document include:

• Physical Security
• Card Holder Interface Security
• ATM System
  a) Internal Hardware
  b) Internal Software
  c) Network Security
  
• Message Protection
  
• Key Management

3. SEPA (Single European Payments Area)

SEPA is currently reporting to the ECB on the four pillars of payment transactions:

• Cash
• Cards
• Direct Debit
• Direct Credit

SEPA are performing an analysis across Europe and are expected to provide    information regarding the disparity of interchange fees. The initial document is expected to be available by mid 2006. There is much discussion on the potential impact of standardising fees and the implementation timescales, which may be over a 2-3 year period. ATMIA will closely monitor this to ensure that the interest of the ATM industry is included (particularly the IAD/ISO). An observation of the SEPA recommendations will be provided at the ATMIA Europe Conference May 15/16 in London.    

4. European Standards

As part of our role on the BSI committee, we have provided a recommendation for change to BS8470 (which currently covers disposal of secure materials), to include the secure disposal of ATM parts. This change has been approved and will be included in the next issue.

5. ATM Crime

Crime displacement has been noted across Europe with increases in the use of explosive techniques (igniting gas filled ATM), and the significant increase in identity fraud. The POC (point of compromise) varies but increasing “insider” fraud has been noted, together with card/network data interception. The POF (point of fraud) continues to be both the ATM (while roll over to magnetic stripe remains) and the EPOS.

6. ATMIA Europe General

In UK the debate reopens on ATM fees, with the continued publicity of the “high level of fees for customers to draw there own money”. The UK treasury select committee are inviting selected banks to discuss the implications of branch closures and the increase in “convenience” fee ATM’s.

While there has been much publicity surrounding the closure of some rural branches, HBOS have just announced that they will be opening up to 100 new branches.

ATMIA Europe have their first conference in London May 15/16 dedicated to the future of the industry, the technologies, and functionalities impacted new branch design. A high level speaker agenda will be published shortly.

Regards
Graham McKay
Exec Director ATMIA Europe