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A leading payments industry news source for more than 17 years. Glenbrook curates the news and keeps you abreast of the important daily headlines in payments.
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August 31, 2026
On the web
Citi: Ongoing Developments in Financial Services Regulation in the EU and UK
Citigroup
"This article tracks the latest developments in EU and UK financial services regulation across digital innovation themes including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoin regulation, crypto-assets under MiCA and the FCA regime, fund tokenisation using distributed ledger technology (DLT) and AI and cybersecurity frameworks. Asset managers and fund operators face an evolving and complex compliance landscape spanning MiCA, DORA, the EU AI Act and new UK frameworks such as FRAME and the FCA's crypto-asset regime"
August 18, 2026
On the web
Cash Remains Most Widely Accepted Payment Method in Euro Area
European Central Bank
"According to the latest survey on the use of cash by companies in the euro area published today by the European Central Bank, cash acceptance has rebounded slightly. In 2026, 92% of companies selling goods and services in physical locations in the retail trade, restaurants and cafés, hotels, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors reported that they accept cash. This compares with 90% in 2024, suggesting that cash acceptance has rebounded after the decline observed during and after the pandemic."
August 14, 2026
On the web
PSD3 Is Coming: Is Your Payments Licence Ready for 2028?
FinTech Global
"According to Vixio, the third Payment Services Directive (PSD3) and its companion Payment Services Regulation (PSR) are nearing official publication in the EU, with entry into force expected in Q3 2026. That triggers a 21-month transition period, putting the compliance deadline at around mid-2028. Payent institutions (PIs) and e-money institutions (EMIs) face a substantial workload before then, from interpreting new requirements to demonstrating compliance across their operations. Among the key changes..."
August 12, 2026
On the web
Why Europe Is Creating An Alternative To Visa & Mastercard [Video 0:00-7:57]
Mshale
In this video, an explanation of why Europe’s is developing a new digital payments network, how it aims to replace Visa and Mastercard, and whether it could work.
July 22, 2026
On the wires
European Central Bank: Payments Statistics: Second Half of 2025
EIN News
The European Central Bank (ECB) published statistics on non-cash payments for the second half of 2025. In the second half of 2025 the number of card payments within the euro area was 47.8 billion, 7.9% higher compared with the second half of 2024. The corresponding total value of card payments was €1.8 trillion, 6.9% higher than in the second half of 2024. In the second half of 2025, 36 retail payment systems within the euro area processed around 60.1 billion transactions with a combined value of €27.9 trillion.
July 21, 2026
On the web
EU Regulators Outline GDPR Requirements for AI Web Scraping
Alston Bird
"On July 8, 2026, the European Data Protection Board, the body that coordinates the EU’s national data protection authorities, published its first draft of Guidelines 03/2026 on web scraping in the context of generative AI. For international businesses, key takeaways from the Guidelines include: Data minimization requirements apply even where training an AI model or system requires large amounts of personal data..."
July 10, 2026
On the web
EU Parliament Greenlights Digital Euro
TechXplore
"EU lawmakers backed starting negotiations on creating a digital version of the euro, as the European Union races to introduce the currency. The EU first needs to agree on the legal framework underpinning the virtual currency before it is available for use. The EU believes a digital euro is the answer to cutting its dependence on U.S. payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. An overwhelming majority of lawmakers approved establishing a digital euro."
June 23, 2026
Top Post
European Parliament Backs Long-Awaited Digital Euro to Reduce US Dominance in Payments
Euro News
"The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee approved the digital euro, as the EU seeks to reduce reliance on US-controlled payment systems. According to European Central Bank data, US payment giants Visa and Mastercard account for 61% of card payments in the euro area and almost all cross-border card transactions. The digital euro is one measures put forward to strengthen Europe's autonomy."
May 21, 2026
On the web
PSD3 Is Getting Closer for EU Banks
RedCompass Labs
"The European Parliament and EU Council have provisionally signed off. Soon, the work to move from PSD2 to PSD3 and PSR (Payment Services Regulation) can begin. PSD3 is the EU’s Open Banking legislation. PSD3 will elevate transparency, reinforcing data security, and strengthening consent management. PSR is expected to be published in the Official Journal in summer 2026 and will come into force 20 days later. More provisions will apply 21 months after coming into force, so we can expect the new payee verification regime regime in early 2028, and the liability shift applying 3 months after that, in mid-2028."
May 1, 2026
On the web
Why “One‑Click Returns” Are an Operational Wake‑up Call [European Union]
Internet Retailing
"By 19 June 2026, online retailers across the European Union will be required to ensure that consumers can withdraw from a purchase contract as easily as they can enter it. In practice, this means a fully digital, frictionless withdrawal process. The regulation is designed to eliminate so-called dark patterns – hidden forms, unnecessary steps or forced contact with customer service that make withdrawals difficult."
April 30, 2026
On the web
Final PSD3 Texts Advance EU Payments Reform
IBS Intelligence
"The European Union’s next major payments rulebook is moving closer to completion after lawmakers published final compromise texts for PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation (PSR), bringing broad reforms for banks, FinTechs and payment providers a step nearer. The next steps are formal approval by the Council and the European Parliament, followed by publication in the EU Official Journal. The rules would then enter into force 20 days later."
April 21, 2026
On the wires
ION Brings Mandatory EU Payee Verification Live at Scale
PR Newswire
"ION Treasury, a global provider of treasury and risk management solutions for corporations, financial institutions, and central banks, announced the introduction of Verification of Payee (VoP) capabilities across its treasury solutions. This enables customers to comply with a major EU payments regulation as it moves into active enforcement."
August 27, 2025
On the web
Verification of Payee and the Evolution of Trust in Payments: An Inside View From a European EMI
Malta Today
"In October 2025, the European Union will mandate the implementation of Verification of Payee (VoP) — a mechanism requiring payment providers to check whether the account name entered by the sender matches the IBAN of the recipient, in real time. While this may appear to be a simple additional security step, the implications are far more structural."
August 13, 2025
On the web
EU Finalizes Crypto Rule for Banks
Banking Exchange
"The European Banking Authority (EBA) has finalized a stringent set of rules requiring banks across the European Union to hold substantially higher capital reserves against unbacked cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. The new framework aims to harmonize capital requirements across EU member states and applies to banks holding crypto assets on their balance sheets. Under the rules, banks must assign a risk weight of 1,250% to Group 2b assets, which include unbacked tokens like Bitcoin and Ether. This means a €1 million exposure to such assets would require €12.5 million in capital reserves."
June 11, 2025
On the web
Visa Describes Upcoming EU Digital Identity Wallet as ‘Gamechanger’ for Payments and Banking
National Technology
"The head of digital identity at Visa has described the upcoming EU Digital Identity Wallet (eID) is as a “gamechanger” for payments and banking. The eID Wallet is a planned digital ID that can be used to authenticate and verify people for payments and banking. By 2026, each EU member state will need to deliver at least one version of the Wallet. The IDs are expected to be fully operational by 2027, with service providers mandated to accept them during the same year."
April 29, 2025
On the web
European Payments Initiative Calls for Unity Among Local Wallets to Strengthen EU Autonomy
Tech.eu
"The European Payments Initiative calls on local providers to unite under a homegrown system, aiming to reduce dependence on Visa, Mastercard, and Big Tech wallets."
April 8, 2025
Top Post
EU May Launch Alternative to Visa and PayPal
RBC-Ukraine
"Europe must get rid of its dependence on American and Chinese platforms like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Alipay and launch a payments revolution, stated European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, according to Business Today. Lagarde said that Europe needs to develop its own alternative to secure financial sovereignty."
January 15, 2025
On the web
Does SEPA Instant Payments Mark a New Chapter for European Finance?
The Global Treasurer
"The SEPA Instant Payments regulation, which took effect on January 9, 2025, has ushered in a new era for Europe’s financial ecosystem with the immediate requirement for all banks and payment service providers (PSPs) in the eurozone to receive instant payments. The defining feature of SEPA Instant Payments is the 10-second rule: transactions must settle within this timeframe, 24/7, across participating countries."
January 13, 2025
On the web
The European Instant Payments Regulation (IPR): A Game Changer for Fintech Startups?
EU-Startups
"The European Instant Payments Regulation (IPR), formally known as Regulation (EU) 2024/886, represents an important step ahead for the EU’s payments ecosystem. By requiring Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to offer instant credit transfers in euros under clear and fair conditions, the IPR accelerates Europe’s shift toward real-time payments. Key Aspects of the IPR are detailed."
January 6, 2025
On the web
Study on the Payment Attitudes of Consumers In The Euro Area Space – 2024
Europa
"To get a better understanding of evolving payment practices, the ECB has carried out surveys since 2016 to investigate the payment attitudes and behaviours of euro area consumers. This report sets out the results of the latest survey round, completed in 2024, and confirms that digitalisation is also affecting the way people make payments."
January 2, 2025
On the web
EU Mandates 10-Second Money Transfers From 2025
Gizchina.com
"A sweeping reform in European banking will revolutionize money transfers from January 2025. Under the new EU Regulation 2024/886, financial institutions in the Eurozone must enable real-time transfers for euros within ten seconds, ushering in a new era of seamless transactions."
November 22, 2024
On the web
European Commission welcomes inclusion of Albania and Montenegro in the Single Euro Payments Area
European Commission
"Today, Montenegro and Albania advanced on their European integration path by becoming the first-ever enlargement countries to join the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) following the green light by the European Payments Council (EPC). As a result, the payment service providers of these countries will have the possibility to adhere to the various SEPA schemes, which is part of a separate process managed by the EPC."
October 17, 2024
On the web
Broadridge Launches Instant Payments Service, Aligned with New EU Regulations
PR Newswire
"Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., a global Fintech leader, announced the launch of its highly resilient and scalable managed service for connectivity, message processing and workflow management for instant payments. The Broadridge service supports real-time money transfers, operating 24/7/365, with transaction processing times of under 10 seconds from payer to beneficiary."
August 1, 2024
On the web
The EU’s AI Act Is Now in Force
TechCrunch
It’s official: The European Union’s risk-based regulation for applications of artificial intelligence has come into force from Thursday, August 1, 2024.
July 15, 2024
On the web
European Union Adopts New Limits on Artificial Intelligence
ABA Banking Journal
"The European Union has adopted what it characterizes as the world’s first comprehensive law on artificial intelligence, which bans some uses of the technology while regulating others. The EU AI Act takes effect Aug. 1, although the beginning of enforcement for different parts of the law will be spread across the next six to 36 months."
March 12, 2024
On the web
EU Introduces European Digital Identity Wallet, With Ukraine’s Participation in Pilot Project
Yahoo News
"The European Union has approved the establishment of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI)."
December 11, 2023
On the web
EU Reaches Agreement on AI Act Amid Three-Day Negotiations
Infosecurity Magazine
"The EU reached a provisional deal on the AI Act on December 8, 2023, following record-breaking 36-hour-long ‘trilogue’ negotiations between the EU Council, the EU Commission and the European Parliament."
October 18, 2023
On the wires
EU Data Watchdog Urges More Privacy Safeguards for Digital Euro
Reuters
"The European Union's data protection watchdog on Wednesday called for stronger privacy safeguards in EU draft legislation to underpin a digital euro."
August 1, 2023
On the web
How EU Instant Payments Legislation Will Impact Finance, Operations, Treasury, and Technology Teams
Electronic Payments International
"In October 2022, the European Commission proposed new legislation to make instant payment services available to everyone with a bank account within the EU. Proposals will likely be approved before the end of 2023. So, banks and payments service providers (PSPs) should plan to offer instant payment services to their EU customers by Q4 2024."
July 18, 2023
On the wires
Swapin Turns Every Bank Account Into A Crypto-Friendly Hub With Dedicated IBAN Feature
GlobeNewswire News Room
"Swapin, a licensed and award-winning crypto payment solution provider, has launched Dedicated IBAN. This innovative new feature allows users to seamlessly withdraw funds and make payments in their name, simplifying the entire crypto payments experience."
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