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Unified APIs & BIAN Standards

The unified API layer is critical for insulating applications and channels from system complexities and changes, while BIAN standards ensure interoperability across the banking industry.

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The Value of Unified APIs

One Model to Rule Them All

Provides consistent interfaces, insulating applications and channels from underlying system complexities

Modernize at Your Pace

Enables incremental modernization via API aggregation and orchestration across legacy and new systems

Decouple Systems

Allows easy upgrading of applications and connectors without impacts to consuming applications

Seamless Upgrades

Connectors can be improved and upgraded without any impact to consuming applications

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API Layer Architecture

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System API Unification

System API Unification abstracts digital channels and internal applications from underlying complexities of System of Record APIs. This critical layer enables gradual migration strategies, multi-core coexistence scenarios, consistent API contracts across consumers, and complete insulation from backend system changes. Key benefits include unlocking incremental modernization paths, enabling legacy and modern core banking systems to coexist harmoniously, providing stable API contracts regardless of backend implementations, and shielding consuming applications from system-of-record volatility.

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Process API Unification

Process API Unification provides aggregated data via orchestration across multiple system APIs. This orchestration layer handles complex business process workflows, enabling data aggregation from disparate systems, sophisticated business process orchestration, intricate workflow management spanning multiple services, and cross-system transaction coordination with proper compensation handling.

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BIAN: Banking Industry Architecture Network

Backbase BIAN Membership: Backbase is a proud member of the Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN), leveraging standardized service domains to create a seamless and interoperable banking ecosystem.

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BIAN Benefits

BIAN standards are used in Backbase products to achieve:

Greater Interoperability

Standardized interfaces enable seamless system integration

Streamlined Operations

Consistent patterns reduce operational complexity

Innovation & Adaptability

Standardized foundation enables rapid innovation

Seamless Ecosystem

Accelerates digital transformation across the industry

Industry Innovation

Fosters collaboration and shared innovation

Market Adaptation

Improves ability to adapt to changing market conditions

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BIAN by the Numbers

200+ Features within Backbase are powered by BIAN service domains, demonstrating deep commitment to industry standardization and interoperability across the banking ecosystem.

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Key BIAN Service Domain Implementations

Functionality: 360-degree customer and accounts viewImplementation: Comprehensive deposit account management including:
  • Account creation and maintenance
  • Balance inquiries and statements
  • Interest calculations and posting
  • Account status management
Business Value: Complete visibility into customer deposit relationships
Functionality: Facilitate seamless lending journeysImplementation: End-to-end loan management covering:
  • Loan origination and application processing
  • Credit assessment and approval workflows
  • Disbursement and repayment processing
  • Loan servicing and maintenance
Business Value: Streamlined lending operations from application to payoff
Functionality: Access account transaction historyImplementation: Comprehensive transaction management including:
  • Real-time transaction processing
  • Historical transaction retrieval
  • Transaction categorization and enrichment
  • Dispute and error resolution
Business Value: Complete transaction visibility and processing capabilities
Functionality: Customer verification during onboardingImplementation: Complete customer lifecycle management:
  • Identity verification and KYC processes
  • Customer onboarding workflows
  • Profile maintenance and updates
  • Relationship status management
Business Value: Compliant customer onboarding and lifecycle management
Functionality: End-to-end payment lifecycle managementImplementation: Comprehensive payment processing including:
  • Payment initiation and authorization
  • Multi-channel payment support
  • Payment status tracking and notifications
  • Settlement and reconciliation
Business Value: Complete payment processing capabilities across all channels
Functionality: Customer access to channels and servicesImplementation: Access control and entitlement management:
  • User authentication and authorization
  • Service entitlement assignment
  • Channel access permissions
  • Security policy enforcement
Business Value: Secure, role-based access to banking services

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API Standardization Benefits

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Development Benefits

Faster Development: Standardized APIs reduce learning curve and accelerate development cycles by providing familiar patterns and consistent interfaces. Code Reusability: Consistent patterns enable component reuse across different implementations, reducing duplication and improving code quality. Reduced Integration Time: Standardized interfaces minimize custom integration development, allowing teams to focus on business value rather than technical plumbing.

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Operational Benefits

Simplified Maintenance: Consistent patterns reduce operational complexity and maintenance overhead by providing predictable behavior across all API endpoints. Better Monitoring: Standardized APIs enable consistent monitoring and observability, making it easier to track performance, identify issues, and maintain SLAs. Easier Troubleshooting: Common patterns make issue identification and resolution faster by reducing the cognitive load on support teams.

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Business Benefits

Vendor Flexibility: Standardized interfaces reduce vendor lock-in and increase choice by making it easier to swap implementations without disrupting consumers. Faster Time to Market: Reusable components and patterns accelerate product delivery by reducing development time and enabling rapid prototyping. Cost Optimization: Reduced development and maintenance costs through standardization, code reuse, and operational efficiency gains.

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Implementation Strategy

Assessment Phase

  • Analyze existing APIs and systems
  • Identify BIAN service domain mappings
  • Define unification requirements

Design Phase

  • Create unified API specifications
  • Map BIAN service domains to business functions
  • Design transformation layers

Implementation Phase

  • Implement unified API layer
  • Deploy BIAN-compliant services
  • Test and validate integrations

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Next Steps

API Management

Learn about API lifecycle management and governance

Integration Platform

Explore low-code/pro-code development capabilities