Glossary
Below is a consolidated glossary of terms used throughout the Apicunia API documentation.
General Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| API | Application Programming Interface. A set of rules that allow software systems to communicate. |
| Endpoint | A specific URL where an API request is sent to access a resource or service. |
| URI | Uniform Resource Identifier. |
| URL | Uniform Resource Locator. |
| YAML | A human‑readable data serialisation format used for configuration and API specifications. |
Financial Identifiers
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| BIC | Bank Identification Code. An 11‑character ISO code assigned by SWIFT to identify a financial institution. |
| IBAN | International Bank Account Number (ISO 13616). Uniquely identifies an account at a financial institution. |
| LEI | Legal Entity Identifier (ISO 17442). A global unique alphanumeric reference for legal entities, maintained by GLEIF. |
| VAT Number | Value Added Tax number. |
| NAN | National Authorization Number. |
| Sort Code (UK) | A 6-digit code (usually written as 12-34-56) that identifies the UK bank and branch. |
| Account Number (UK) | An 8-digit number that identifies an individual UK account within a UK bank. |
| Routing Number (US) | Also called the ABA routing transit number or ABA routing number. A 9-digit number that identifies the US financial institution. |
| Account Number (US) | The number identifying the customer's specific US account linked to the US Routing Number. |
VoP Specific Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Close Match with the Name of the Payment Counterparty | See “Proposed EPC Recommendations for the Matching Processes under the VOP Scheme Rulebook” |
| Match | See “Proposed EPC Recommendations for the Matching Processes under the VOP Scheme Rulebook” |
| No Match | See “Proposed EPC Recommendations for the Matching Processes under the VOP Scheme Rulebook” |
| Name of the Payment Counterparty | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| Payment Account | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| Payment Account Number of the Payment Counterparty | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| Verification of Payee Request | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| Verification of Payee Response | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| VOP | Verification of Payee |
For further information see: EPC VoP Scheme API Specifications
CoP Specific Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| WKEP | Well-Known End Point |
| CAMIS | Clearing and Member Information System (Central directory that links banks and FIs) |
| EISCD | Extended Industry Sortcode Directory |
| SRD | Secondary Reference Data |
| Confirmation of Payee Request | See definition from the Confirmation of Payee Scheme regulator pay.uk |
| Confirmation of Payee Response | See definition from the Confirmation of Payee Scheme regulator pay.uk |
| COP | Confirmation of Payee |
For further information see: UK CoP Scheme Regulator
Regulatory & Scheme Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| EPC | European Payments Council. |
| EPC Directory Service (EDS) | Stores operational data about Participants, including scheme adherence, identification, URLs, and endpoints. Ensures interoperability between Participants, RVMs, and other entities. |
| IPR | Instant Payment Regulation. |
| Payment Services Directive (PSD) | Directive (EU) 2015/2366 governing payment services in the EU. |
| PSD | Payment Services Directive. |
| SEPA | Single Euro Payments Area. A region enabling euro payments under uniform conditions across borders. |
| SEPA Regulation | Regulation (EU) 260/2012 defining technical and business requirements for euro payments. |
| SEPA Scheme | A common set of business rules and standards for SEPA payment instruments. |
| Rulebook | The Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook, as amended from time to time. |
| Scheme | The VOP Scheme as described in the Rulebook. |
| Scheme Management | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook. |
Participants & Roles
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| PSP | Payment Service Provider. See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| PSU | Payment Service User |
| Requester | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| Requesting PSP | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| Responding PSP | See definition in the Verification of Payee Scheme Rulebook |
| RVM | Routing and/or Verification Mechanisms |
| Proxy | A message gateway that remains transparent from a scheme perspective |
| TSP | Technical Service Provider |
Security & Technical Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| QWAC | Qualified Web Authentication Certificate under EU eIDAS, used for website authentication (ETSI EN 319 412‑4) |
| Time Stamp | Electronic data binding other data to a specific time, proving existence at that moment |
| TLS EV | Transport Layer Security Extended Validation |
Documentation & Compliance
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Supporting Documentation | A legal opinion executed by internal or external counsel, as defined by EPC Internal Rules |
| Terms and Conditions | General terms between a PSP and its users, including rights and obligations related to VoP |