EPC recommendations for the matching processes under the VOP Scheme Rulebook
This document outlines the EPC recommendations for the matching outcomes for the Payment Counterparty attribute combinations supported in section 3.2 of the proposed Verification Of Payee (VOP) Scheme Rulebook version 1.1 (EPC 218-23 v1.1 dated March 2026).
This document is referred to in section 3.2.1 of the above-mentioned VOP Scheme Rulebook version. It does not form part of the VOP Scheme Rulebook, but it provides guidance to the Responding PSP on how to manage matching processes under the VOP Scheme Rulebook.
This document gives the EPC the possibility to adapt its recommendations for the matching outcomes under the VOP Scheme outside the regular scheme rulebook release management cycle, as defined in Chapter 5 of the VOP Scheme Rulebook, by further taking into account relevant market feedback and input.
The Responding PSP bears the full responsibility for the matching outcome and therefore remains entirely free to apply different criteria to determine the result of the matching process and whether that constitutes a Match, a Close Match, or results in a No Match. It is mandatory for the Responding PSP to support all the response types specified in the VOP Scheme Rulebook and the related reason codes (Match, No Match, Close Match,…).
This document provides the Responding PSP with recommendations on how the Responding PSP might determine the outcome of the matching process. The aim is to ensure user-friendliness, consistency across the market and to avoid to the maximum extent possible unnecessary “No Match” Responses, and payment initiation friction.
EPC recommendations
. related to the character set
. for the combination Payment Account Number-Name of the Payment Counterparty
. for the combination Payment Account Number-identification code of the Payment Counterparty
Governance Process to Review the EPC recommendations for the matching processes
More details here: EPC Recommendations for the Matching Processes under the VOP Scheme Rulebook
