Overview

You may outsource the day-to-day operation of your SWIFT connection to a third party, called a service bureau. The service bureau will then operate the connection to SWIFTNet and possibly the SWIFT interface on your behalf.

The selection and use of a service bureau is under your responsibility and you accept responsibility for messages sent or received through a service bureau as if you had sent or received those messages directly. These principles are described in the shared infrastructure policy, part of the SWIFT User Handbook.

To assist you in the selection, SWIFT operates a programme to register shared infrastructure providers in a directory of service bureaux. Moreover, SWIFT also awards labels to these providers to help users identify the most appropriate connectivity provider. 

Besides to the technical connectivity, you may turn to a member-concentrator who provides additional business services like taking care of the SWIFT administration and invoicing on your behalf.