Open Banking Payment Services

The IPO has identified a requirement for the provision of Payment Initiation and potentially Account Information Services in order to enable our customers to pay us by bank transfer (harnessing open banking opportunities) using a secure, simple, and efficient process as currently, our bank transfer journey is non-automated.<br/><br/>It is anticipated that during the term of the contract Account Information Services may be required to deliver enhanced and tailored financial services therefore interested suppliers must have the ability to provide both services from the outset.<br/><br/>As part of the IP Right granting process, our customers currently pay for our services (applications/renewals for Patents, Trade Marks, Design rights) using a variety of payment methods. We are looking to enhance our offering to customers with a focus on digitisation and efficiency to modernise both internal and external processes, ensuring this is fit for purpose.<br/><br/>Over the next couple of years we will be introducing new digital services as part of our 'One IPO Transformation Programme' - IPO launches One IPO transformation programme.<br/><br/>We have the opportunity to align changes to our payment methods with the launch of these new digital services.<br/><br/>It is anticipated that the required services should meet the following standards:<br/>- Global coverage<br/>- Meet government digital accessibility standards<br/>- Real time payments<br/>- Strong customer authentication (PSD2 compliant)<br/>- Fully WCAG 2.1 AA complaint (accessibility) - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 (w3.org)<br/><br/>For the avoidance of doubt, the requirement will not include the following services:<br/>- Direct debit<br/>- Virtual / lodge cards<br/>- Credit services