Whitepaper Summary

In a world of ISO 20022 migrations, real-time expectations, and rising vendor costs, mid-sized banks are facing a strategic inflection point in payments modernization. This report delivers a field-based look at how real institutions—not just vendors—are simplifying infrastructure, gaining operational control, and preparing for what’s next.

Key Highlights

• Integrated Hubs vs. Vendor Sprawl – Why leading banks are consolidating payment platforms—and what it actually takes
• Hybrid Ops Models That Work – Keep infrastructure outsourced, but bring configuration and testing in-house
• ISO 20022: Catalyst or Chaos? – How banks are handling the July 2025 wire migration and what readiness really mean
  
• The Middleware Advantage – Why API-first strategies and config control matter more than owning the stack
• Vendor Benchmarks & Alternatives – Transparent benchmarks on ACH, SWIFT, and wire costs—plus platform comparisons across FIS, Volante, Oracle, Finastra, and more
• Execution Playbooks from Your Peers – Migration sequencing, governance best practices, and control frameworks in action