News / Views

November 2008 - MPI Europe undertakes Faster Payments survey as part of fastpayments.co.uk initiative
FastPayments.co.uk – the industry information site dedicated to Faster Payments - are undertaking a survey being run by MPI Europe into the current state and progression of the scheme following its public launch some months ago. We are interested in understanding an industry view of the schemes benefits, challenges, implementation progression, and likely future development. In a wider sense we expect this survey to inform industry discussion and lead to a more resolute market understanding of Faster Payments growth, penetration, and strategic commercial value. We would welcome additional contributions from people at financial institutions who are involved in FP initiatives. If you would like to be invited to participate please contact us (click here) or call 02071531052

August 2008 - MPI Europe enters yacht in Sail Intel Regatta
It is what passes for summertime here in the UK and so last month we ventured forth onto the high seas as part of the annual Sail Intel Regatta to have a bit of fun and networking. As with our entry to the same event last year, our crew was made up of MPIE staff, clients and alliance partners – several of whom had not sailed much before – but who quickly bonded when faced with a common challenge. Our yacht, the good ship MPI Europe, tacked, gybed, manoeuvred and skilfully avoided other boats, to make its way through to an impressive 10th place in a fleet of over 30 boats, in the final race. Clicking on the link in the title leads to a picture of yacht and crew in full sail!

May 2008 - Faster Payments make a slow but steady entrance
As you may know that MPIE have a vested interest in FastPayments.co.uk the Faster Payments industry information site. So we have been monitoring the progress of this scheme in the last few weeks running up to it’s roll out on the 27th May 2008. Reports are that the final “live” testing has gone well, and that the scheme is operating as planned – indeed if you bank in the UK by the time you read this, you may have already have made a Faster Payment through one of the main clearing banks. However, this will be a slow and steady beginning rather than a mass rush with not all scheme banks being able to initiate payments (although all main banks will be able to receive them) and with many banks starting the scheme with far lower maximum payments than the intended scheme maximum of £10,000. The avowed plan is that as the scheme beds down the limits for each bank will increase. We wish the scheme well as we believe it is a significant step forward in UK payments. For more details, you can go to our fastpayments.co.uk site and visit the Frequently Asked Questions, or get in contact/ask us any questions either through this site.

Apr 2008 – MPIE partner firm Kurtosys Systems opens New York office
To address the growing demand for Kurtosys Managed Services within the Asset Management and Asset Servicing industry, Kurtosys Systems Inc. has announced the opening of a New York office. Mash Patel, CEO, commented: "We are pleased by the positive momentum that we have been building over the last twelve months. Providing a New York office will allow us to service our growing customer base and to address the increasing demand for our unique data aggregation and client reporting platform. Customers view Kurtosys as an extension of their operations and accordingly, we understand how they use our service platform. Our customers have purchased a service and not software, consequently, they do not need to manage the underlying technology; we do it for them. Having a New York office puts us closer to our customers."

Jan 2008 - MPIE predicts polarisation, not extinction for small equity exchanges
Research done by MPI Europe predicts that smaller European equity exchanges will not be wiped out by major MiFID exchanges, but will offer different non-competing, localised services instead. For a fuller version, read our Finextra.com blog.

Dec 2007 - Rimaone MiFID Interview
John Cant MPI Europe MD interviewed about MiFID by leading risk management software provider Rimaone.

Aug 2007 - Rapid Start for MiFID
MPI Europe launch consulting service to help firms who have just started their MiFID projects or otherwise need assistance to make rapid progress towards meeting their specific requirements by 1st November 2007. With proven MiFID implementation experience, we are ready to help you achieve a pragmatic solution to the key issues in 2007. MPIE have a unique mix of tools, techniques and expertise (developed and enhanced on client projects) plus experienced resources to assist clients to address this challenge. We also have access to leading MiFID thinkers through our wider associate network.

June 2007 - June Faster Payments Bulletin
Commentary on growing implementation pressures for Faster Payments projects

Feb 2007 - MPIE join Finextra.com Community
MPI Europe have been invited to contribute to Finextra's financial technology community site alongside other leading financial sector thought leaders.

Jan 2007 - UK Faster Payments Industry Survey Results from MPI Europe & Partners
Over recent months fastpayments.co.uk sent out a survey questionnaire to over 90 banks and building societies in the UK, all of whom should be affected by the UK Faster Payments scheme. Responses were received from a wide variety of organisations including large high street clearing, building societies and UK subsidiaries of overseas banks.

Nov 2006 - Non-clearing banks hardest hit by UK cheque timetable change
"From our most recent research, it is clear that non-clearing banks in the UK will have a tough year in 2007 with the joint challenges of addressing UK Faster Payments and the cheque timetable changes." said John Cant, MPI Europe’s Managing Director. "For these reasons, we are extending our support to our existing fastpayments.co.uk joint venture to include material to understand the linkages between these initiatives. We are also enhancing our testing approach, including linkages to significant specialist test firms, as we see this as a key requirement for payments in 2007.”

Jul 2006 - UK Faster Payments Industry Website Launched by MPIE & Partners
The UK Faster Payments Initiative by the UK Banking Industry to introduce Real Time Payments processing by the end of 2007 will remove float (the three day gap between cash leaving one person’s account and being credited to another). This brings with it a range of significant business and IT challenges. To promote the understanding of, and development of ideas around, UKFP we have developed a site (www.fastpayments.co.uk) with two other niche Financial Sector Consultancies (RCS and RTIT), and with sponsorship by Intel. Designed as an industry resource containing an overview, a variety of information and Frequently Asked Questions (across Credit, AML, Treasury, IT and beyond) it is based on our experience to date in UKFP projects.

Mar 2006 - European Buyside Firms better served with Kurtosys MPI Europe Alliance
Kurtosys and MPI Europe announced today that they have strengthened their alliance relating to client reporting, information delivery and client classification solutions for the European Financial Sector. They took this decision after a joint research project identified the wide spread need for improved solutions of these types in buy side firms, such as hedge funds and asset managers, and firms such as prime brokers and fund administrators that support this sector.

Monthly Financial Services Bulletin launched
MPIE launched a free monthly email bulletin for the financial sector covering topical items such as changes in market practice, regulation and thought leadership. To subscribe click here

Sept 2005 - Compliance Round Table
John Cant, MPI Europe MD on Financial Services Compliance Round Table discussing Basel II and MiFID

July 2005 - Basel II WebCast
MPI Europe on Basel II Webcast for Operational Risk Magazine

April 2005 - MPI Opens London City Office
MPI Europe Limited have established an office in central London in the CityPoint building in Ropemaker Street.