Swift Address & MT101 Changes

Swift is introducing new structured address standards for cross-border wire payments and MT101 messages to support more precise filtering, improved monitoring, faster reconciliation and higher levels of automation, and to allow for greater straight-through processing.

Starting November 14, 2026, only fully structured and hybrid addresses will be accepted.

What is changing?

Financial institutions and corporations sending wire payments must use hybrid or fully structured addresses or BICs. If using MT messages, senders must include structured Town Name and Country address elements (using the F-Option).

Swift will no longer support unstructured addresses for wire payments. Messages must be CBPR+ compliant and correctly formatted or payments may be delayed or rejected.

Why is it changing?

Structured address data allows for greater straight-through processing and enhanced data quality and data transparency.

These changes aim to improve clarity, ensure compliance with international standards, and enhance the usability of the messages.

Who does this impact?

• RBC clients who use Integrated Payables Direct (IPD) or Payables Direct to send pain.001.001.02 and pain.001.001.03 files.

• All SCORE / MACUG clients who send MT101s.

What does this change mean for you?

If you use Integrated Payables Direct (IPD) or Payables Direct to send ISO20022 files (pain.001.001.02 and pain.001.001.03), your payment file structure must align with the new structured / hybrid address specifications.

If you send MT101s, addresses in your payment message must align with new formatting rules (e.g. Fields 50F, 57D, 59F).

To remain compliant, review your current wire payment submission processes and determine whether any updates are needed. Depending on how your payments are submitted, this may include:

• Collecting City / Town Name and Country information from payees if not already available

• Identifying internal payment flows to ensure City / Town Name and Country are in structured data elements

• System or platform enhancements

• Coordination with third-party vendors

Getting started early will help your team avoid any disruptions to your wire payment service after the November 14, 2026, deadline.

What are Structured and Hybrid Addresses?

Structured Addresses

Each of the details of a structured address (e.g. Building Number, Street Name, Post Code, Town Name) are contained in their own distinct and unambiguous data elements.

Structured addresses streamline the monitoring and screening processes throughout the value chain, allowing for easier automation and reducing errors.

The structured address formatting streamlines the IT, monitoring and screening processes throughout the entire value chain. Automation is enabled, and errors are reduced since data elements contain only one distinct, unambiguous piece of data (e.g. a street name) allowing efficiencies for all parties involved in the end-to-end payment process.

Hybrid Addresses

Hybrid addresses allow you to use structured and unstructured elements. At a minimum, you must include the Country and City / Town Name in structured elements, but we strongly encourage you to provide as much address information as possible in the other structured data elements.

While the elements like City /Town Name, Country Sub Division (i.e. province / state), Postal Code and Country are mapped to their respective ISO 20022 structured format, the street address, which can contain multiple pieces of data (e.g. the building number, street name, suite or floor) can be mapped to the two unstructured, free text Address Line elements. Address Line should only be used for information that does not fit into the available structured data elements and must not repeat any of the information already in the structured elements.

What are the MT101 Changes for SCORE/MACUG clients?

The unstructured Field 50H and 59 No Letter options will no longer be accepted, and the F Option must be used when providing an address in these fields.

You must provide at least a structured Town Name and Country Code for each party. A Branch Identifier Code (BIC) is recommended for F57 Beneficiary banks. Beneficiary bank name and address are permitted using Option D with at least a structured Town Name and Country Code.

Updated message specifications are available to assist with these changes. Speak to your Client Support team if you have any questions.

For example, using the MT101 Field 59 (F Option) format for a hybrid postal address:

What can you expect from RBC?

You will receive detailed information to help you identify changes specific to your impacted RBC products.

How can you get wire payment support?

Should you have any questions regarding this change, please reach out to your Relationship Manager.

For day-to-day support, contact the Client Support Centre at 1-800-769-2535 Option 2.

Hours of Operation:

• English support is available
  Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 AM ET
  Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM ET
  Sunday: 6:30 PM – 2:30 AM ET

• French support is available
  Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM ET