20022 messages have higher complexity and require too much work for
implementation and continuous upgrading by CBM (refer to the “Message Definition
Report” published by ISO 20022.org). In addition, receiving messages that can be
downloaded through CBM-NET terminals are compatible with the XML message
formats.
Messages, except as described below, may not be converted to XML message formats
because these will be used only inside CBM-NET.
Advantage
Common Language: ISO 20022 covers a wide range of areas, not only
Payments but also other areas such as Securities, Trade Services, Cards and FX.
Interoperability: Prior to the establishment of ISO 20022, many of message
formats were existing (e.g. Swift-MT, FIX, ISO 15022).
In case many institutions apply to ISO 20022, their services will have capabilities
for the connection with each other.
Flexibility: ISO 20022 applies to XML, tag-based mark-up language. Former
message format (“MT”) has strict message definitions with fixed data fields; in
comparison, ISO 20022 (“MX”) has flexibility for the future updating of message
formats.
Disadvantage
Complexity: ISO 20022 message formats include a huge variety of items, layers
and tags; some items are set as required items whether they are need or not (as
well CBM must define what kind of value should be set in each item). Therefore,
the use of ISO 20022 messages tends to put a load on computer resources.
Continuous upgrade: ISO 20022 message formats are reviewed and changed
annually, and their versions are changed if needed. So, after the initial
implementation on ISO 20022, in a few years, CBM may need to upgrade the
message formats in line with international trends by itself.
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