9th October 2006 - Misys Banking Systems, a global leader in banking software and solutions, has recently undertaken research into the opinions on SEPA, messaging, payments and regulatory issues.  The survey was conducted in August 2006, canvassing opinions from 136 banks around the world. 

Nearly one third (32%) of respondents stated that they did not intend to offer their corporate clients connectivity services and solutions for SWIFT. Another 23% were undecided.  "Less than half of the banks we surveyed have made a decision to offer these services to their corporate customers," comments Leslie Regino, product and marketing manager, Misys Global Managed Services.  "We launched Misys Connection for SWIFT in August to give corporates another option to access the services on the network more cost effectively.  The survey results clearly demonstrate that this kind of offering is a valuable alternative for the majority of corporates who will not have the necessary infrastructure and gateway to the network.  Misys Connection for SWIFT will remove the obstacle between corporates and access to the services available from SWIFT."

The introduction of Misys Connection coincides with SWIFT's campaign to extend the range of messaging and file-based services it provides.  Misys Connection offers outsourced services for existing and potential SWIFT users without them having to operate and maintain their own SWIFT interface when accessing the network.

Not only directed at corporates, Misys Connection for SWIFT also enables banks and fund managers to access the SWIFT network, connecting them to value-added services between counterparties.  Customers no longer need to build and maintain a SWIFT data centre.  They can reduce operational risk while utilising the expertise and infrastructure of Misys Banking Systems to achieve straight-through processing without impacting their existing systems.

Caroline Parker     Edward Taylor
Financial Dynamics    Global Head of Public Relations, Misys Banking Systems
+44 (0) 207 269 7295    +44 (0) 777 55 66 561
caroline.parker@fd.com   edward.taylor@misys.com

Misys Banking Systems supplies over 1,200 customers in over 120 countries, among them 49 of the world's top 50 banks, with software and solutions for retail banking, wholesale banking, treasury and capital markets and risk management. It has 2,500 people around the world, over 70% of whom are outside of the United Kingdom, and sales, implementation and customer support teams in over 28 countries. Misys Banking Systems is part of Misys plc.

Misys plc (FTSE: MSY.L), the global software company, is one of the world's largest and longest-established providers of industry-specific software. Founded in 1979, Misys serves the international banking and healthcare industries, combining technological expertise with in-depth understanding of customers' markets and operational needs. In banking Misys is a market leader with over 1,200 customers, including 49 of the world's top 50 banks. In healthcare Misys is also a market leader, serving more than 110,000 physicians in 18,000 practice locations, 1,200 hospitals and 600 home care providers. Through Sesame, a wholly-owned subsidiary, the company is also a leading provider of support services to financial advisers in the UK. Misys employs around 6,000 people who serve customers in more than 120 countries. For more information, visit www.misys.com