This series on PSD2 and HSM as a Service explores the endless possibilities created by a level playing field in the payments industry in the EU. Part 1 explored how PSD2 and HSM as a Service enable this level playing field while Part 2  looked at just a few of the truly endless possibilities that exist for FinTech firms and other third-party entities that can act as AISPs and PISPs.

The benefits of these tools, however, are not only restricted to the new entrants. The incumbent banks can just as well make full use of the opportunities provided by PSD2 and play the role of innovators and entrepreneurs themselves! Good business, after all, is about turning potential threats into profitable opportunities.

Using all that data!

PSD2 mandates banks to open certain APIs and share some very basic information with third party partners and the possibility to initiate transactions. However, in terms of sheer data value, banks have access to a whole wealth of other information. This information can be monetized and used to provide entirely new products to end customers and a better user experience for existing products.

There are endless possibilities of such new or improved products and services. For example, a bank can use online shopping data (with consent) to get valuable insight into customer habits and then package and sell this insight to eCommerce partners. Banks can thus essentially add value to the advisory services that they already provide to their clients. There is also the possibility of offering customers third party services like insurance or real estate services right on the banking portal itself. The necessary KYC and AML checks would already be in place, along with some financial information.

Account Aggregation

PSD2 creates the possibility of having a single-window banking platform. This means that retail and even corporate clients can have all their bank information and balances in a single place and even perform transactions from there. This could lead to tremendous cost saving for business clients operating multiple accounts and really enhance the user experience for retail customers.

These services can indeed be offered by non-bank entities as well, but banks have the advantage of having robust security standards and trusted brands already in place. In the end, the winner would be the one who can offer the best user experience and the best security.

The role of HSM as a Service

PSD2 levels the playing field in some ways but there are other potential hurdles. For example, providing world class security through an on-premises HSM solution can be costly or technically challenging. This is where HSM as a Service comes in. Such services can allow entities to make full use of the security provided by HSMs without having to make significant capital investments or training staff.

Companies can benefit from the scalability and flexibility advantage that cloud services provide without having to compromise on standards.

Conclusions

Many consider directives like PSD2 to be disruptive. But disruption can often be good. By shaking up the market, such disruptive changes allow innovative market participants to create entirely new product offerings or greatly enhance their existing services.

Tools like HSM as a Service can then level the playing field by providing everyone access to industry leading yet cost effective solutions.