With the European payments sector undergoing rapid modernisation, critical questions around investment, regulation, and market alignment are dominating the agendas of banks, fintechs, regulators, payments providers, and technology providers. To uncover the practical choices defining today’s market, Finextra Research surveyed 195 industry professionals in April 2026 across Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and Belgium. 

Based on data-driven insights and European region-specific takeouts, this survey report is designed to help your organisation manage current friction points and prepare effectively for future transformation. 

Read now to discover regional specific views towards: 

• Agentic AI and fraud management; 
• The rise of A2A, instant, and mobile payments; 
• Stablecoins and the digital euro; 
• European payments interoperability; 
• Regulatory and cross-border payment priorities; and 
• The impact of Open Banking and Open Finance.