With the SEPA deadline of January 2008 imminent, banks in the Eurozone are increasingly requiring SEPA compliance validation and testing. Capgemini is now able to help meet this need.

With its new SEPA Testing offering, Capgemini will work with SWIFT standards and tools to ensure all SEPA requirements, as developed by the European Payments Council (EPC) are met. The approach is based on the SEPA Testing Program initiated by major European banks, administered by SWIFT and closely coordinated with the EPC. To ensure financial institutions are fully prepared for SEPA transactions, Capgemini can now extend the scope of the testing program with functional and organizational SEPA compliance validation.

Using both SWIFT and Capgemini, the SEPA Testing offering features:

• Detailed project plans - designed by Capgemini consultants in close consultation with the bank;
• Internal testing and end-to-end operational testing: the SEPA Testing takes place in two steps using the solution, testing tools, messages and data sets, developed by SWIFT in the context of its SEPA Testing Programme;
• SWIFT Certified Experts* i.e. certified Capgemini professionals will prepare the test activities, analyse and evaluate test reports and will support banks in the design and execution of adequate action plans to achieve SEPA compliance.

This SEPA Testing offering gives financial institutions the ability to complete all SEPA compliance work in a timely manner. The benefits for financial institutions include the use of proven and efficient testing tools (developed by SWIFT) and Capgemini's services to deliver certified and competent resources to drive and execute SEPA activity plans.

Thanks to extensive industry expertise and European coverage, Capgemini is demonstrating the ability to develop, through partnerships, tailored and innovative solutions that deliver results for financial services organisations.