TARGET Services
TARGET Services are a number of services developed and operated by the Eurosystem which ensure the free flow of cash, securities and collateral across Europe.
These financial market infrastructure services include T2 (for settling payments), T2S (for settling securities), TIPS (a service for instant payments) and ECMS (a service for collateral management). All of them settle in central bank money, according to the TARGET System operating schedule.
The TARGET guideline regulates the T2, TIPS and T2S cash accounts in TARGET for settlement in euro in central bank money. It defines the ownership, governance, management, participation and operation of these accounts.
The Eurosystem also engages in a number of initiatives which aim to promote efficiency and innovation and ultimately achieve greater integration in financial markets in Europe. In line with its strategy, the Eurosystem is investigating ways to enhance its financial market infrastructure so that it continues to meet the needs of the market, stays ahead of cyber security challenges and keeps up with the latest technological developments.
Current services
- T2 is the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system
- TARGET2-Securities (T2S) is the securities settlement platform
- TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) is the instant payment settlement service
Upcoming services
- The Eurosystem Collateral Management System is a unified system for managing assets used as collateral in Eurosystem credit operations.
Governance
The Market Infrastructure Board (MIB) is a streamlined management body in charge of Eurosystem initiatives in the field of market infrastructure. It is responsible for the day-to-day operation of T2, TIPS and T2S, as well as for the management of all Eurosystem projects in the area of market infrastructure and payments.
Enhancing our services
The Eurosystem is constantly working towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of its market infrastructure and exploring innovation.