Ultimate Book of

Banking as a service

Ultimate Book of

Banking as a service

Banking as a Service (BaaS)

BaaS is a system that allows non-banking entities to use the infrastructure and capabilities of a licensed bank to provide banking services, like payments, account management and lending to their customers. This bypasses the need to build their own banking infrastructure, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

API

API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that enable different software applications to work with one other. The API defines the procedures and data formats that allow for the request and exchange of information, ensuring seamless integration and cooperation between systems.

Backup as a Service (BaaS)

BaaS, not to be confused with Banking as a Service, is a cloud-service system allowing businesses to outsource all the back-end aspects of a website or mobile application, so they can focus on looking after the frontend UI and UX.

BaaS stack

BaaS stack is the structure of tech, tools and services that build and operate a BaaS platform. It will generally include components such as core banking systems, payments gateways and user interfaces that work seamlessly together to deliver banking services on top of the infrastructure provided by the licensed bank.

BaaS marketplace

BaaS marketplace is a centralised ecosystem where various BaaS providers and consumers come together to investigate, access, and integrate banking services, APIs, and other related financial products offered by different providers.

Banking as a Platform (BaaP)

BaaP is a business model where banks offer their core banking infrastructure and service to third-party developers and fintechs via a platform. It allows them to build and offer innovative financial products and services to customers.

Banking license

Banking license is a formal authorisation granted by a regulatory authority, like the Financial Conduct Authority, that permits an institution to operate as a bank and offer banking services to consumers, whilst adhering to strict regulatory requirements.

Banking record

Banking record refers to the digital records and data associated with customer accounts and transactions that is maintained by the BaaS provider. It ensures seamless access and management of financial information by the BaaS platform and its users. 

BIN Sponsor

BIN Sponsor stands for ‘Bank Identification Number’ Sponsor. It is a financial institution that allows non-bank businesses to issue payment cards under their own brand giving them access to their BIN range, enabling card issuance and payment processing services.

Capital-related services

Capital-related services are the financial offerings delivered by BaaS platforms, such as lending and investment products, that allow businesses and consumers to access and utilise capital for different purposes.

Compliance as a Service (CaaS)

CaaS is when a third-party provider offers a full suite of regulatory compliance tools, services, and expertise to help businesses navigate the complexities of compliance, including meeting mandatory obligations and managing regulatory risks.

Core banking

Core banking is the underlying banking infrastructure and systems provided by licensed banks, which BaaS platforms leverage to offer banking services to their clients and end-users.

Co-branded

Co-branded is a collaborative arrangement between a financial institution and a non-banking entity to offer a financial product or service under a jointly recognised and promoted brand.

Compliance

Compliance is the adherence and fulfilment of regulatory requirements, industry standards, and legal obligations by the BaaS provider to ensure the integrity, security, and transparency of any financial services being offered.

Data

Data is the vital information generated and collected through financial transactions, customer interactions and system operations, which is securely managed, analysed and leveraged to drive insights, personalised experiences, and informed decision-making.

Data security

Data security is the collective implementation of measures, protocols, and technologies to ensure the safety of financial information against fraud and other security breaches. It provides for the security of data throughout its lifecycle.

Data sharing

Data sharing is the secure and regulated exchange of customer financial information between authorised parties, such as fintech companies and third-party providers. The aim is to provide improved financial services, innovation, and customer-focused solutions.

Embedded finance

Embedded finance is the integration of financial products and services into non-financial platforms or applications, giving businesses the opportunity to offer seamless and personalised financial experiences to their customers as an integrated part of their overall offering.

Electronic Money Institution (EMI)

EMI is a licensed financial entity that is authorised to issue electronic money, enable digital payment transactions, and offer additional services such as electronic wallets and prepaid cards, operating within the regulatory framework defined by relevant authorities.

Front-end User Interface (UI)

UI is the visual and interactive components of a financial platform or application that customers directly interact with, providing them with access to navigate various banking services and features in a user-friendly way.

Front-end User Experience (UX)

UX is the overall satisfaction and usability for customers whilst interacting with the UI of a financial platform/application. Factors to consider include design responsiveness, intuitiveness, and conveniences.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure for BaaS providers refers to the technological framework, systems and resources that sit in the background to support the delivery of banking services. This infrastructure includes servers, networks, databases, as well as software and security components.

Middleware provider

Middleware provider is a term for a specialist that provides software solutions or platforms to enable seamless communication and integration between various banking systems, applications, and APIs.

Open banking

Open banking refers to the regulatory initiative that authorises banks to share financial data approved by their customers with authorised third-party providers. This is different to BaaS, where banks provide their banking infrastructure, services, and capabilities as a platform for third-party companies to build and offer innovative financial products and services.

Open finance

Open finance is the expanded concept of open banking, not only including the sharing of customer-approved financial data, but the integration of different financial accounts, products, and services from multiple providers to give customers a more holistic and comprehensive financial management experience.

Payments

Payments are financial transactions and methods used to transfer money or make money transactions, including but not limited to peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, online purchases, and mobile wallet transactions.

Program management

Program management is the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of various initiatives and projects related to the development, implementation, and ongoing management of a BaaS program or platform.

Regulatory Technology

RegTech or ‘Regulatory Technology’ refers to the use of innovative tech solutions, such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, to assist banks and financial institutions with efficiently complying with regulatory requirements, monitoring compliance, and streamlining regulatory processes.

Risk

Risk is the potential for adverse events or uncertainties that can impact the stability, profitability, and reputation of financial institutions. To ensure the safety and robustness of banking operations, proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of these risks needs to take place.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a cloud-based software distribution model that can be utilised by a BaaS provider to offer access to their banking software applications over the Internet. This allows customers to use and manage the software without the need for expensive installation or maintenance on their own systems.

Third-Party Provider (TPP)

TPP is an external organisation that is separate from the bank or financial institution, that leverages the BaaS platform and services to create and offer innovative financial products or service to end customers.

White label

White label is a solution or service provided by a BaaS provider that can be customised and rebranded by another company, enabling them to offer banking services under their own brand without the need to build their own infrastructure.

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