The batch system we utilize within the CPA has been relied upon for many years and has a number of advantages. First and foremost is efficiency. You're allowed to consolidate data from a number of sources and enter it into our system, so it's relatively inexpensive. To develop a one-on-one system just for the message exchange would be rather expensive.
Second is reliability. If you were to open up the system and have additional points of access you would increase your operational risk.
Finally is accessibility. Today financial institutions access our system directly; the billers do not. So the financial institution provides a point of contact so that each biller is not required to connect to our system and increase the cost.
The batch system is extremely efficient and is relied upon by virtually every country in the world, from a clearing and settlement perspective.