As mature real-time schemes begin their evolution to ‘2.0’ iterations and new schemes are developed and launched, one clear theme has emerged: the value of real-time payments is best extracted in combination with Open APIs.  Real-time has brought with it new data standards (ISO), enhanced digital capabilities (RfP), improved cross-border experiences and the movement towards retail and transaction banking convergence as consumers and businesses increasingly share common expectations. Open banking has arrived in parallel and is both spurring and enabling the innovation possibilities.