nexo standards, the association dedicated to delivering fast, interoperable and borderless card payment acceptance, today announced thatFirst Data (NYSE: FDC), a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, is one of a group of early adopters deciding to implement the latest nexo messaging protocols and specifications into its payment platform.

First Data, which became a member of nexo standards in 2013, will integrate the new nexo standards NIS v.4.0 Specification Guidelines. The updated specification defines the necessary nexo standards messaging protocols and related steps required to implement nexo IS solutions; this includes the development of point of interaction applications, host systems and terminal management systems.

“First Data is thrilled to be one of the early adopters of the latest nexo standards specifications, which simplify the process for our clients working to expand their businesses into new regions,” said Michael Neborak, Executive Vice President, Head of EMEA Region at First Data. “This cross-border payment systems compatibility will help global businesses manage all of their POS and eCommerce transactions from one central payment acceptance platform, regardless of the country they operate in.”

nexo standards offers a suite of messaging specifications and protocols which adhere to ISO 20022 standards, are universally applicable, and freely available globally. The specifications and protocols enable card payment acceptance stakeholders to establish standardised cross-border payment infrastructures.

The freedom that nexo’s universal acceptance standards provide put First Data at the forefront of new payment innovation.  First Data utilised the nexo messaging specifications to provide a central payment acceptance platform for the AccorHotels Group, a global leader in travel and lifestyle. The nexo specifications have enabled AccorHotels to manage all its POS devices and eCommerce transactions from one central location, regardless of which country they are operating in.

First Data’s integration of the latest nexo specifications will include future adoption on its Clover platform. Clover is a business management platform designed for small and institutional businesses, and is currently available to merchants in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and Austria.

“As a Principal member of nexo standards, First Data has long been an advocate of the benefits of our messaging specifications and protocols,” comments Arnaud Crouzet, General Secretary of nexo standards. “The company handles 79 billion transactions per year across more than 100 countries, so its decision to incorporate nexo into its worldwide payment strategy is a huge endorsement.”

First Data will be using the nexo FAST, nexo Retailer, nexo Acquirer and nexo TMS Specifications.