ISO 20022 Resource and FAQ

Wire Transfer Standard Conversion
ISO20022 is now live! As of July 14,  2025, wire transfers have converted to ISO 20022, a global standard designed to enhance security, efficiency, and transparency in wire transfers. The Federal Reserve transitioned to this system to improve payment tracking, and reduce processing errors. All wires sent through the Federal Reserve are now processed in compliance with the ISO 20022 standards.
 
Significant wire format and field label changes are associated with this conversion. Have questions? We’re here to help. Keep reading to learn more!

New Wire Terminology: What Changed?

 
With the transition to ISO 20022, some wire transfer terms and field names were updated to align with the global money transfer standards. While the overall process remains the same, you may notice changes in how payment details are structured and labeled. These updates improve clarity, security, and compliance across financial institutions.

Below is a quick comparison of the previous wire terminology and how it appears in the new ISO 20022 format.
Current Wire Field New ISO 20022 Field
Recipient Creditor
Originator Debtor
Origination Bank/Sending Bank Debtor and Instructing Agent
Recipient Bank Creditor Agent
Beneficiary Institution Instructed Agent
International Intermediary Bank Intermediary Agent
Routing Number Routing/ABA Number
Address Line 1 Building number and Street name
Address Line 2/3 Department, Sub Department, PO Box, Building Name, Room, Floor, Town Location, District Name
City Town Name
State Country subdivision
Zip Code Postal Code
Country Country (Country Code)
Notes Remittance Information
 


Client Guide: ISO 20022 Wire Transfer Conversion

Review the quick-reference guide which contains everything you need to know about the ISO 20022 conversion.
 























ISO 20022 Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 20022 is a global standard for electronic payments that enhances security, transparency, and efficiency in wire transfers. The Federal Reserve converted to this system on July 14, 2025 to align with global standards, improve payment tracking, and reduce processing errors.
All wires sent through the Federal Reserve will need to be in compliance with the ISO 20022 standard. There are significant wire format and field label changes associated with this conversion.
The Federal Reserve converted to ISO 20022 on July 14, 2025. All wires sent on or after this date must be in the new ISO format.
All wire transfers sent through the Federal Reserve will need to be in compliance with the ISO 20022 standards effective July 14, 2025. There are significant wire format and field label changes associated with this conversion.

For Online Banking wire clients, the fields where you enter wire transfer detail will be updated with the new ISO field names and some basic field descriptions. For wire transfers ordered with a banker or by phone, our staff can help translate wire instructions into the ISO format. The ISO 20022 Client Wire Transfer Guide compares the new and existing terms and field names in detail. It also contains a basic wire instruction template with the minimum information you need to collect from your payee in order to process a wire transfer in the new ISO format.
Refer to the ISO 20022 Client Wire Transfer Guide for more information on how this change could impact you.

Our Wire team is here to help!
 
  • Phone | 419-841-7773
  • Email | wires@signaturebankna.com
The Federal Reserve also has additional resources available.
Address Character Limit
We will continue to send wire notifications through the mail or eStatements in Online Banking, if the account is presently enrolled to receive electronic wire notices. Some notice content such as field names and terminology will be different to align with the ISO 20022 standards. Notification emails that you set-up through Online Banking will continue to be delivered as well.