Even before the 8th Fontus User Group on 23 September 2025, it was clear that the Fontus project was entering a new phase. In our last update, we had already pointed out an impending postponement. Now it has become clear that the previous schedule can no longer be maintained – a provisional target window has been announced for the first time.
Architecture under construction – go-live target expected from the end of 2027
Technically, WM Datenservice is currently focusing on two central architecture components that fell significantly short of performance requirements in recent test runs. According to current information, the processing of large batch runs is around 9–10 times too slow. Rule processing is also presenting structural challenges. Optimisation of the existing setup is not sufficient – instead, a fundamental adjustment is required.
The previously announced go-live date of March 2027 is therefore no longer realistic. WM now cites an expected target corridor between Q4/2027 and Q1/2028. A binding decision is to be made after completion of a proof-of-concept phase by the end of 2025.
Complexity reduction not feasible
A frequently expressed market requirement – the further advancement of additional D20 fields – will not be implemented. This means that the GV1F5 field will no longer be advanced, as originally planned for the end of August 2025. WM Datenservice cites insufficient internal capacities as the reason for this. According to the user group, a reduction in technical complexity is also not possible at this stage. Reference was made to dependencies of historically grown IT systems.
Fontus meets T+1
Particularly controversial is the overlap with other market projects, above all T+1 Europe. Here, too, the focus is on performance: The settlement cycle in securities trading is to be shortened to just one day – with immediate consequences for process speed, data quality and system architecture. In the following chart, we have superimposed the timelines of both major projects based on current information (23 September 2025). This clearly shows that test management in particular is becoming even more important as a critical factor.
Two projects that affect a large number of systems at a financial institution – a shared challenge. The ability to process complex data reliably and in the shortest possible time is a critical success factor in both cases.
Conclusion
Fontus remains a central infrastructure project – and the postponement until (probably) 2028, which has now been announced for the first time, underlines the importance of realistic planning and professional support. At the same time, other major projects such as T+1 and UNO are entering the implementation phase – with similarly high requirements in terms of system stability and processing speed.
DPS keeps track of all relevant timelines and changes for its customers. We provide advice on project management and project work. Especially in phases where parallel project plans encounter variables that have not yet been defined, it is crucial to maintain an overview. This enables financial institutions to ensure that they safely navigate the pitfalls of Fontus, T+1 and UNO.
If you have any questions or need short-term support, you can also contact our team directly at: fontus@dps.de
Our experts have been covering this topic since 2024 in five other published articles. A list of the articles can be found here.
