Specialized technical assistance for the structuring and implementation of the instant payment system in Ecuador

Description

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites specialized consulting firms to submit their proposals to provide technical assistance to the Central Bank of Ecuador (ECB) in the regulatory, normative and governance design for the project of immediate and interoperable payments in real time within the Central Payment System.

1. Objectives and technical scope
Main objective: To structure the proposals for regulatory reform and the regulatory framework to enable the interoperability of electronic transfers in real time, guaranteeing the sustainability and security of the system.

Technical articulation: Coordinate closely with the consulting firm responsible for the technological component, providing the necessary normative, regulatory and operational guidelines to guide the technical development and subsequent contracting processes.

2. Key Activities and Components
Diagnosis and regulatory gaps: Evaluate the current legal framework and current resolutions (JPRM-2025-006-M and BCE-GG-007-2026), identifying gaps in cybersecurity, risk management, 24/7/365 operation, clearing, settlement, fraud prevention, and business continuity.

Regional benchmarking and global standards: Analyze international models of instant payments (Brazil's Pix, Mexico's SPEI, Colombia's Bre-B, and Peru's LBTR-SPI), adapting their best practices to the context of Ecuador's dollarized economy. The proposed framework should be aligned with the ISO 20022 standard, the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (CPMI-IOSCO PFMI) and the BIS guidelines.

Regulatory reforms and governance model: Design the required resolution proposals, circulars and technical standards. Define the governance scheme where the ECB exercises its roles as operator, regulator and supervisor, in coordination with the Financial and Monetary Policy and Regulation Board, the superintendencies (Banks, Popular and Solidarity Economy, Companies) and the UAFE.

3. Expected deliverables
Detailed work plan: Research methodology, executive schedule, communication and change management plan, quality scheme and tripartite interaction strategy (IDB, ECB and technology firm).

Regulatory diagnosis and reform package: Gap analysis report, international comparative study, legal feasibility assessment and drafted proposals for resolutions and technical regulations.

Final Report and Executive Presentation: Consolidated document with the complete narrative of the consultancy, implementation roadmaps and executive presentation aimed at senior management and key players in the financial ecosystem.

Note: Interested companies should review the requirements on the BEO Bidder Portal.