Mandatory IBAN could start in 2016

Dutch Minister of Finance Jeroen Dijsselbloem wants to delay the implementation of IBAN digit bank account number in the Netherlands, Reuters reports.

Dijsselbloem plans to make a request before the European Commission to delay the transition to February 1, 2016. The minister noted that five other countries have already made a request for the postponement. The banks are now automatically converting the internet banking account numbers of their customers to IBAN numbers, Nos reports. The delay, if it is allowed, will allow charities like 'Giro 555' to continue using their easy and familiar account numbers. Recently, charity organisations, including VFI and the Giro 555, raised concerns over IBAN digit bank account numbers. The Dutch charity organisations said that making a shift to 18 digits could hurt charitable contributions.