New Zealands ASB Bank is to release a public-facing API framework and portal to share access to real-time banking data with third party developers.
The first of ASB's APIs provide access to multiple interest rate feeds, foreign exchange rates, and ATM and branch locations.
This first set of APIs focus on providing easier access to information that is already available on the ASB website and mobile platforms. The bank says it will expand the offering to include a number of private APIs in the future.
ASB executive general manager technology & innovation Russell Jones says he expects the platform will encourage developers to create innovative financial experiences for their users that are powered by ASB APIs.
"We're breaking down the barriers financial organisations traditionally had around this type of data, to help power the digital economy," he says. "APIs will make it easier to do business with ASB. By sharing data more easily and enabling secure, customer-authenticated access, ASB will help foster innovation within the developer community."
Developers are required to register themselves and their application on the portal in order to get an API 'key' that unlocks access to the data and functionality provided.
ASB chief architect James Bergin says the platform represents a "bridges not walls" approach to the way banks share information.
"We are now building some robust and safe 'bridges' into our environment which will make it easier to access and use financial information and capability in a variety of apps and digital experiences," says Bergin. "Previously, the only way to directly interact with the bank digitally was as a person sitting in front of a web browser or using a mobile app. But now, a registered and trusted application can get that information for itself."