DKB integrates the finAPI XS2A server: a successful switch and future-proof partnership

With finAPI's PSD2-compliant XS2A interface, DKB enables stable, fast and seamless collaboration with regulated third-party providers

Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB) has successfully integrated finAPI’s PSD2-compliant XS2A server into its systems. The switch from the previous partner to finAPI took place smoothly, with a short four-week implementation phase. Through the XS2A server, DKB makes account information accessible to regulated third-party providers (TPPs) and enables them to initiate payments.

The XS2A server relieves DKB of everyday procedural tasks such as consent and TPP management. Relying on the server means that no time-consuming specifications are required for data exchange and data access – finAPI handles this as part of the standard product.

All components required for the implementation of the XS2A server are provided to customers within 24 hours. This includes comprehensive documentation and ad-hoc support for the integration, as well as support for the TPPs using the interface wherever needed.

Marius Gartmann, Head of Banking Platform at DKB, praises the cooperation with finAPI: “The integration between DKB and finAPI went quickly and smoothly. Thanks to the direct communication and fast response times on both sides, the implementation was successfully completed in a very short time. finAPI was always available to clarify open questions and challenges during the integration process and provided us with very solution-orientated advice. The close cooperation enabled us to adapt our self-developed adapter software according to our requirements and to support special DKB processes in the DKB Banking Platform”.

The factors of availability and speed are particularly important when using XS2A interfaces. The finAPI XS2A server has had 100% production availability since the DKB go-live, and the overall server response times average at only 200ms.

Peter Hiekmann, VP Sales at finAPI GmbH, explains: “We are very delighted about the partnership with DKB and the long-term security that our XS2A server offers. We are convinced that DKB will be able to successfully apply for BaFin’s exemption authorisation with finAPI’s XS2A server, as all the requirements have been met.”

Background to BaFin's exemption

If BaFin grants a bank the exemption from the obligation to set up the contingency mechanism, the account data for current accounts may then only be offered via the PSD2 interface. The Bank will therefore no longer be required to support FinTS and web-scraping interfaces for retrieving transactions and account balances of payment accounts, as well as the execution of SEPA transfers. The aim is for all banks to receive the exemption and only use PSD2-compliant interfaces in their cooperation with TPPs.

The finAPI XS2A server is already PSD3-ready

The finAPI XS2A server, which is based on the Berlin Group Standard, has been available since PSD2 came into force back in 2019 and offers a stable, scalable and easy-to-integrate compliant solution for banks and financial service providers. As finAPI is a TPP itself, the company knows exactly what regulated third-party providers expect from such an interface. For example, the XS2A server already supports the connection of credit cards and therefore goes beyond the minimum requirements of PSD2. In addition, finAPI consistently keeps an eye on the market to improve and further develop the interface – among other things, the XS2A server has already been designed in such a way that it can be easily expanded to meet the upcoming regulatory requirements (PSD3/PSR/FIDA). finAPI is therefore already “PSD3-ready” today.

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finAPI XS2A-Server Infrastructure
In order to enable third-party providers (TPPs) to access bank data, banks have to provide secure and standardized interfaces (application programming interfaces, APIs) as part of PSD2. TPPs can use these APIs to access bank account data and initiate payment initiation services (PIS) and perform account information services (AIS). The XS2A server takes over the administration of the TPPs and the security for access to the core banking interfaces.
finAPI XS2A-Server Overview
The XS2A server ideally consists of three environments: a sandbox for TPP tests, an integration environment for bank tests and the live environment. Thanks to the QWAC certificate (Qualified Website Authentication Certificate) from finAPI, DKB can carry out tests in the integration environment without own certificate. The advantage of the direct provision of the cross-customer sandbox is that TPPs can start integrating the new interfaces before the banking systems go live.

About finAPI

finAPI GmbH is one of Germany’s leading open banking providers and is licensed by BaFin as an account information and payment initiation service. The Munich-based company has been developing and implementing sophisticated software and solutions for aggregating and analysing financial data since 2008. The focus is on the product areas Open Banking, Data Intelligence, KYC, and Payment. Its customers include over 300 companies from a wide range of sectors, including banks, financial service providers, fintechs, insurance companies and software providers.

Press contact finAPI

Verena van Engen

Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

E-Mail: pr@finapi.io

 

About the DKB

The Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB), headquartered in Berlin, is part of the BayernLB Group and serves business and private customers. With total assets of 134.5 billion euros (as at 31 December 2023), it is one of the top 20 banks in Germany. Over 5.5 million people are DKB customers. They conduct their banking transactions conveniently and securely online. DKB’s industry experts personally support business customers at 26 DKB locations throughout Germany. As a partner to companies and local authorities, the bank specialised in promising sectors in Germany at an early stage: Housing, health, care, education, agriculture, infrastructure and renewable energies. DKB attaches great importance to sustainable action: As a #geldverbesserer (money improver), it therefore focuses on sustainable lending.

Press contact Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB)

Tobias Campino-Spaeing

Leiter Pressestelle/Pressesprecher

Tel.: 030 120 30 8333

E-Mail: presse@dkb.de

We look forward to hearing from you!

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