Betalingsflowet

Betalingsflowet, or the payment flow, refers to the sequence of events and data exchanges that move money from a payer to a payee within a payment system. It encompasses initiation, authorization, processing, clearing, settlement, and notification, and involves both financial and informational messages that accompany a transaction.

The typical flow begins with the initiation of a payment instruction by the payer. This instruction is authenticated and transmitted to the payer’s financial institution or payment service provider. The instruction then passes through validation and risk checks, after which it enters the clearing and settlement cycle. Depending on the payment method, clearing may occur between intermediary institutions, with settlement finality achieved either in real time or on a scheduled basis. Finally, the payee is credited, the payer’s account is debited, and both parties receive confirmations for reconciliation.

Channels and participants vary by payment method but commonly include banks, payment service providers, card networks, and clearing houses. In card-based and real-time payments, networks and rails such as card associations or real-time payment schemes handle the instruction, routing, and settlement. Central banks may participate in the settlement for certain large-value or systemically important payments. Security measures, such as strong customer authentication and fraud monitoring, are integral to the flow, as are data standards and interoperability requirements.

Settlement models differ: real-time gross settlement provides immediate final settlement, while other systems use net settlement or batch processing. Data standards like ISO 20022 and regulatory frameworks such as PSD2 or SEPA influence how information is exchanged and how access to payment rails is governed.

Understanding the betalingsflowet is essential for assessing efficiency, risk, liquidity needs, and regulatory compliance within modern payment ecosystems.