At EazyPay Tech, we specialize in delivering high-performance, secure and EMVCo-certified solutions tailored for the banking and payments ecosystem. One of our key service offerings includes end-to-end development and certification of EMV Level 2 (L2) Kernels for ATM systems, an area that requires deep domain expertise, secure embedded development skills and a precise understanding of global compliance requirements.

Our approach ensures not just functional compliance but also seamless integration into existing ATM infrastructure and host banking networks. Below, we outline our expert methodology.

Understanding the Role of EMV Level 2 Kernel in ATMs

The EMV Kernel in ATM environments is not just a middleware, it is a mission-critical component that drives secure card-to-terminal transactions, performing the full suite of EMV transaction steps after physical card contact.

• Performs complex EMV transaction logic including terminal risk management, cardholder verification, data authentication and transaction decision-making.
• Ensures full EMVCo compliance in processing APDUs between chip cards and the terminal, using ISO 7816 standards.
• Supports multi-scheme compatibility, enabling one kernel to process cards from Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, UnionPay and more.
• Acts as the intelligence behind PIN authentication, offline/online fallback decisions and cryptographic validations.
• Provides seamless data exchange with host banking applications, secure PIN entry modules (EPP) and hardware security modules (HSM/SAM).

EazyPay Tech’s Proven Process for Kernel Development

Our kernel development approach is grounded in robust architecture, secure coding practices and standards-aligned workflows:

1. Requirements Analysis

• Conduct in-depth analysis of EMVCo specifications (Book 3 & 4) to outline scope and compliance requirements.
• Identify card schemes to be supported (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, etc.) and ensure compatibility with specific scheme rules and certifications.
• Understand ATM hardware and OS environment (Windows Embedded, Linux Embedded) to define integration strategies.
• Review terminal-specific requirements like CVM support, risk management parameters and fallback mechanisms.

2. EMV Kernel Architecture & Design

• Build a modular and scalable architecture to support multiple card schemes and contact protocols.
• Design an abstraction layer to interface seamlessly with EMV Level 1 components, such as card readers and pin pads.
• Create a well-defined API to interface with higher-layer ATM applications, host systems and cryptographic service providers.
• Include robust TLV (Tag-Length-Value) parsing engines to handle EMV tag structures, CDOLs and transaction response logic efficiently.

3. Core Kernel Implementation

• Implement the EMV transaction flow with precise adherence to EMVCo logic, covering transaction initialization, risk management, CVM processing and final decision making.
• Integrate secure cryptographic libraries for SDA, DDA and CDA processing using RSA and ECC algorithms.
• Build real-time APDU handlers to manage error conditions, response codes, retries and fallback protocols.
• Ensure kernel is memory-efficient and optimized for low-latency performance, as expected in real ATM deployments.

4. Integration with ATM Applications

Establish clean and secure interfaces for:

• • Encrypted PIN Entry Devices (EPPs) to support online/offline PIN CVM.
  • Banks host communication modules for online authorization via ISO 8583.
  • Hardware Security Modules (HSMs/SAMs) for offline cryptographic validations.
  • ATM UI components to relay clear prompts for cardholder interaction and error messaging.
  • Provide support for multi-language and multi-region deployments, enabling localization without altering kernel core.

EMVCo Certification: A Turnkey Process by EazyPay Tech

Achieving EMV Level 2 certification is a complex compliance activity and our team has years of hands-on experience managing it from end to end.

1. Pre-Certification Testing

• Run extensive in-house testing using EMVCo-approved simulators (UL Brand Test Tool, FIME, ICCSimTMat) to validate all major and edge-case scenarios.
• Perform regression testing and card scheme-specific behavioral validations, ensuring the kernel handles various AID selections, fallback logic and CVM hierarchies.
• Evaluate kernel performance under stress to check for APDU timeouts, memory leaks and exception handling robustness.

2. Partnering with EMVCo-Accredited Labs

• Collaborate with industry-accredited labs (e.g., UL, FIME, Applus+) to:
  • Ensure full coverage of EMVCo-specified test cases.
  • Validate terminal behavior with certified cards and test scripts.
  • Facilitate efficient resolution of test case failures or deviations.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including:
• Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS) Kernel behavior summaries.
• Test logs and troubleshooting evidence

3. Certification & Approval

• Upon successful testing, we assist in:
• Submission to EMVCo for formal certification review.
• Addressing any final clarifications or supplementary data requests.
• Secure the Letter of Approval (LoA) from EMVCo, after which the kernel is listed on the EMVCo website as a certified product.

ATM EMV Kernel Key Testing Areas Covered

Regional and Scheme-Specific Customizations

Tailored EMV Kernel Behavior for Diverse Regulatory and Market Environments

EazyPay Tech understands that each region and card scheme has unique specifications, risk handling requirements and CVM preferences. During kernel development, we embed adaptive logic to comply with the local payment ecosystem, enabling seamless EMV compliance and faster certification.

United States

Schemes Involved: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Interlink, Star

• Chip-and-Signature Dominance: CVM hierarchy in the U.S. may prioritize “Signature” over PIN in many debit/credit configurations. EMV kernel is tuned to support fallback from Online PIN to Signature as per brand guidelines.
• Durbin Amendment Impact: EMV kernel must be configured for common AID selection logic to support multiple networks on debit cards, ensuring compliance with U.S. Federal Regulation II.
• Fallback Restrictions: ATM kernels in the U.S. require tight fallback handling for fallback-to-magnetic stripe, with encoded flags to support issuer host notification for fallback-based approvals.
• Brand Rules Compliance: Support for Contactless EMV with Visa qVSDC and Mastercard M/Chip Contactless is often required as part of multi-interface ATM terminals.

United Arab Emirates

Schemes Involved: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, domestic GCC debit cards

• High-Security CVM Paths: Many banks in the UAE prefer Online PIN over other CVM methods to enhance transaction security. EMV kernel CVM list is customized to enforce Online PIN as primary.
• Compliance with Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE): Kernel must comply with UAE’s National Payment Systems Regulations including proper data masking, receipt structuring and TLV traceability.
• Multi-currency Support: Terminals require dual-currency prompts (AED + user currency). EMV kernel integrates with ATM hosts to fetch and display DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) rates at runtime.
• Support for Contactless Kernel Integration: Dual-interface ATM terminals in UAE support Mastercard M/Chip and Visa PayWave with additional logic for CVM limit checks and CVM fallback.

South Africa (SADC Region)

Schemes Involved: Mastercard, Visa, Verve, Diners Club, local fintech players

• Offline PIN as Primary CVM: Due to legacy telecom infrastructure in some areas, offline PIN is prioritized where connectivity may be intermittent.
• Terminal Risk Parameters: Custom TAC/IAC values are configured based on issuer and acquiring bank requirements in compliance with PASA (Payments Association of South Africa) guidelines.
• Fallback Logic: Aggressive fallback handling enabled with rule-based fallbacks to magstripe for rural ATMs, controlled by host authorization and floor limits.
• Regulatory Compliance: Integration aligned with PCI PTS standards and SADC (Southern African Development Community) banking policies.

Singapore

Schemes Involved: NETS, Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay

• Multi-scheme support with NETS: NETS (Network for Electronic Transfers) mandates unique AID and CVM processing configurations. EMV kernel supports customized Application Selection and CVM fallback for NETS-specific cards.
• Strong fallback restrictions: Due to high regulatory compliance standards under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), fallback to magstripe is heavily restricted and requires explicit issuer approval.
• Contactless/QR readiness: EMV kernel is often deployed in ATMs supporting contactless (PayWave, PayPass) and interfaces with mobile QR code modules via host extensions.

Malaysia

Schemes Involved: MyDebit, Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay

• MyDebit-Specific CVM Path: MyDebit (domestic debit network operated by PayNet) requires custom AID selection and prioritization, as well as support for fallback to online PIN with APDU command structures specific to MyDebit.
• Data Element Validation: CDOL structures for MyDebit cards often include custom tags; kernel logic is modified to accommodate proprietary TLVs during terminal action analysis.
• Terminal Localization: CVM prompts, error codes and terminal language defaults (Bahasa Melayu, English) are embedded into the UI control layer for regulatory usability compliance.

Asian Markets (India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, etc.)

Schemes Involved: RuPay (India), JCB (Japan), UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, local debit schemes

• RuPay CVM and AID Handling (India):
  • Kernel includes full support for RuPay-specific AID, CAPKs and proprietary authentication logic.
  • Often requires fallback logic to magstripe transactions for non-chip RuPay cards in remote regions.
  • Integration with UIDAI or Aadhaar authentication for biometric ATMs (India-specific).
• JCB & UnionPay Customization (Japan, China, ASEAN):
  • JCB mandates unique risk parameter tables and extended Issuer Action Codes.
  • UnionPay cards frequently expect CDA (Combined Data Authentication) over DDA, especially for ATMs connected to Chinese issuers.
• Language Localization:
  • Support for regional languages (Thai, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia) with kernel-driven UI prompts.
  • EMV Tag 5F2D (Language Preference) parsed dynamically to render multi-lingual prompts.

💼 Why Choose EazyPay Tech?

EazyPay Tech is not just a vendor — we are your technology partner with deep roots in banking software and secure payment infrastructure.

Our Differentiators:

• Custom-built kernels for ATM, POS, SoftPOS and Contactless devices
• Full lifecycle ownership from architecture to EMVCo certification
• Multi-region deployment expertise for Asia, Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe
• Experienced team of EMV domain specialists, cryptographers and embedded engineers
• Ongoing support post-certification, including brand updates, maintenance and integration guidance

Let’s Build the Future of EMV-Compliant ATM Solutions

Are you planning to develop or certify an EMV L2 kernel for your ATM product line? Need help aligning with multiple card schemes or accelerating certification timelines?

Partner with EazyPay Tech — the trusted name in EMV kernel development and banking-grade payment software.

📩 Contact us at info@eazypaytech.com or visit www.eazypaytech.com to schedule a consultation or demo.