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ARTICLE · 18 JULY 2025

ECB Opens Payment Systems To Non-Bank Payment Service Providers

MK Fintech Partners
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The European Central Bank ("ECB") has announced a major policy change aimed at improving the efficiency and stability of the financial system.

MaltaTechnology
Stephanie Marinova
Stephanie Marinova
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The European Central Bank ("ECB") has announced a major policy change aimed at improving the efficiency and stability of the financial system. In an effort to enhance competition, innovation, and efficiency in the financial sector, the ECB has decided to grant non-bank payment service providers ("NB-PSPs") direct access to central bank-operated payment systems. This move marks a significant step toward a more open and integrated payments ecosystem, ensuring faster and more secure transactions across the euro area.

Expanding Access to Payment Systems

The decision, officially titled ECB/2025/2, aligns with Regulation (EU) 2024/886, which seeks to modernize the European payments landscape by facilitating instant credit transfers in euro and ensuring a competitive environment for all payment service providers. It sets out a framework under which NB, including also payment institutions and electronic money institutions, can gain direct access to Eurosystem payment

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