Annual Report 2025: A Year of Innovation in Domestic and European Payments

7 May 2026

In our 2025 Annual Report, we look back on a year in which the payments sector was in constant flux. Further digitization, new legislation, and societal expectations call for adjustments and close collaboration. Together with our members, we worked in 2025 to create a payments system that is even safer, more reliable, more accessible, and future-proof.

Not only was the payments sector marked by innovation, but our annual report has also been given a fresh look: an interactive online version(opens in new window) with click-through options, short videos, and a focus on accessibility. Our videos bring the report’s key developments and themes to life.

Innovation and European Cooperation

At the national and European levels, significant steps were taken in legislation and regulation, including the Cash Payments Act, the revision of regulations for payment services (PSD3/PSR) (link in Dutch), and the new European rules for Instant Payments. Instant Payments became mandatory throughout Europe, along with a European IBAN Name Check, which offers new possibilities for fast and secure payments.

We supported members in implementing new guidelines and agreements and contributed to European consultations, including within the European Payments Council. Topics such as the digital euro, the European Digital Identity (EUDI Wallet), and standardization (ISO 20022) also required intensive collaboration and knowledge sharing to effectively represent Dutch interests.

Accessibility

In 2025, banks once again focused heavily on accessibility, partly as a result of the introduction of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Through the Accessible Banking Program(opens in new window) , we worked with banks to develop understandable and accessible banking and payment services for people who need extra support.

Payments in Practice

The use of debit card payments remained high, particularly contactless transactions. Banks rapidly rolled out updated debit cards that also allow for online payments. The sector is preparing for even more major changes in online payments, such as the migration from the Dutch iDEAL to the European Wero. For electronic payments, the focus was on providing clear information, including about the Basic Bank Account and the Bank Switching Service.

Stability, Security, and Resilience

Payment transactions in 2025 were characterized by a high degree of stability and availability. Major nationwide debit card outages were rare, and the availability of internet and mobile banking remained high. The sector continuously invests in cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Through partnerships such as Information Sharing & Analysis Centers and the New Payments Fraud Forum, payment service providers shared their knowledge and jointly addressed threats. Attention was also paid to societal resilience, for example by focusing on digital fallback options and the importance of cash during debit card outages.

Organization and Governance

Changes also took place within our association in 2025. Effective April 1, Arjan Bol took over from Gijs Boudewijn as Managing Director of the Dutch Payments Association. With this, we are building on the existing course toward fruitful collaboration within the sector.

All these topics and many other tasks and activities of the Dutch Payments Association in 2025 are covered in detail in our annual report(opens in new window) .