Official Sources & Standards
BankValidor relies exclusively on official, authoritative sources to ensure the accuracy of every validation. Each verification is performed against international standards and the registries maintained by the relevant banking authorities.
International Standards
The ISO standards that govern bank coordinate formats worldwide.
International Bank Account Number (IBAN)
Defines the structure and format of the IBAN, adopted across the SEPA zone and beyond. This standard ensures interoperability for cross-border wire transfers across the Fedwire, CHIPS, and international payment networks.
Maintained by SWIFT on behalf of ISO
Business Identifier Code (BIC/SWIFT)
Specifies the format of the BIC code used to identify financial institutions on the SWIFT network. Essential for international wire transfers processed through SWIFT, Fedwire, and CHIPS clearing systems.
Maintained by SWIFT
Check Character Systems
Defines the algorithms for computing check digits used in IBANs (modulo 97) and ABA routing numbers. These algorithms detect input errors before any funds are dispatched, a critical safeguard in the US ACH and Fedwire systems.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Country-Specific Registries
The official databases maintained by banking and payment authorities, consulted during each validation.
🇺🇸United States
Federal Reserve E-Payments Routing Directory
The authoritative directory of ABA routing transit numbers (RTN), maintained by the Federal Reserve. Covers all financial institutions participating in Fedwire Funds Service and the ACH network. This directory is the definitive source for US domestic wire and ACH routing validation.
Federal Reserve Bank Services
American Bankers Association (ABA)
The ABA created the routing number system in 1910 and continues to oversee the assignment and management of ABA RTNs for all US banking institutions. The ABA Registrar (Accuity) maintains the official routing number database used by NACHA and the Federal Reserve.
American Bankers Association / Accuity
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Pay.UK Sort Code Directory
The official directory of UK sort codes, maintained by Pay.UK (formerly Bacs Payment Schemes). Covers all sort codes allocated to UK banking institutions participating in Faster Payments, Bacs, and CHAPS clearing systems.
Pay.UK
🇪🇺European Union & SEPA
SEPA Participants Registry
The official database of payment service providers participating in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). Managed by the European Payments Council (EPC), it lists all institutions authorized to process SEPA Credit Transfers and Direct Debits.
European Payments Council (EPC)
European Central Bank (ECB) - TARGET2
TARGET2 (Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer System) is the eurozone's real-time gross settlement system, operated by the ECB. It processes high-value euro payments between central banks and commercial institutions.
European Central Bank
SWIFT BIC Directory
The global directory of BIC/SWIFT codes assigned to financial institutions. Used as the authoritative reference for BIC code verification in international and SEPA wire transfers.
SWIFT SCRL
Regulatory References
The legal and regulatory framework governing payment systems and bank coordinate validation.
Payment Services Directive (PSD2)
European Directive 2015/2366 regulates payment services across the EU/EEA. It establishes requirements for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), data protection, and transparency. While primarily an EU regulation, its principles influence global payment security standards.
European Commission
NACHA Operating Rules
The comprehensive set of rules governing the ACH (Automated Clearing House) network in the United States. Defines message formats, settlement timelines, and responsibilities for ACH transactions, including routing number validation requirements. NACHA processes over 30 billion transactions annually.
NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association)
SWIFT Standards
Messaging standards and formats of the SWIFT network, including legacy MT messages and the newer MX/ISO 20022 standard. MT103 (individual customer credit transfer) and MT202 (interbank transfer) are the most common message types for cross-border payments routed through CHIPS and Fedwire.
SWIFT SCRL
Data Freshness
Our databases are updated regularly to ensure validation accuracy. Below are the update frequencies for each registry we consult.
| Registry | Update Frequency | Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Reserve Routing Directory | Weekly | Federal Reserve Bank Services |
| Pay.UK Sort Code Directory | Monthly | Pay.UK (formerly Bacs) |
| SWIFT BIC Directory | Monthly | SWIFT SCRL |
| SEPA Participants Registry | Quarterly | European Payments Council |
| ECB TARGET2 Directory | Daily | European Central Bank |
Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. While we strive to keep our data current, the official registries remain the sole source of truth. BankValidor does not replace regulatory checks (KYC/AML) or direct bank confirmation processes. For critical operations, consult the relevant authorities directly (Federal Reserve, NACHA, Pay.UK, SWIFT).
BankValidor — Official Sources & Standards