DNB pushing for more innovative, EU options to secure payment chain in emergencies

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) is pushing the financial sector to work on innovations such as a digital euro and a DLT solution for the sector, in order to broaden the range of options in the payment landscape. Only with a wider range of European options will the Dutch payment system remain resilient in this time of cyber attacks and ever-increasing geopolitical tensions, the central bank said in a new DNB Payment Strategy for 2026-2028 on Monday.

“Compared to the timeframe of the previous strategy (2022-2025), our society has become more vulnerable due to increased geopolitical tensions worldwide. In parallel, innovations using novel technologies such as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to emerge,” DNB said, calling these trends the “main reason” for updating the strategy.

The first priority in the new strategy is strengthening autonomy and resilience in the payment chain. “The goal is to reduce dependence on non-European players in critical parts of the payment chain.”

Part of that is developing a digital euro. “In the future, consumers should be able to opt for European-originated digital payment instruments that can be used to pay anywhere in the euro area,” DNB said. A digital euro will make the EU’s only current form of public money usable online, as well as in brick-and-mortar shops.

DNB also thinks it is important to be able to settle transactions on DLT platforms in central bank money, also known as wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency. “This will provide greater certainty and security for all market participants, while also preventing fragmentation of European capital markets.

The central bank’s second priority is pushing the financial sector to innovate in the payment landscape. “DNB supports market initiatives that contribute to a wider range of digital payment means and methods. This will make the payment system more resilient in case of outages while also addressing end-user needs.”

The new strategy also focuses on making consumers and retailers “payment-savvy,” educating them on the different types of payment instruments and arming them against payment scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI.