This is evolving slowly but surely - take a look at ISO20022 [1] and its adoption by SEPA network [2] in Europe (more slowly - adoption by most other banks throughout the world).
ISO isn't perfect but most things are just a minor XML adjustment, and the schema is well structured.
Europe/SEPA has free non-urgent transfers up to a certain amount. [3]
How do you increase adoption for this except to get involved politically and lobby? Unless you plan on rolling your own - in which case good luck.