Changing the way Europe pays
The clear next step for payments. Built for Europe, by European players.
In collaboration with leading European banks and payment service providers, we are introducing Wero a groundbreaking payment solution tailor-made for Europe’s present and future.
By joining forces in EPI, European issuers and acquirers are supporting the strengthening of the Single Market and the European digital agenda. Our aim is to stimulate the growth of a unified Europe by continuously innovating in payments, which is an important underlying feature of our economy.
This is just the beginning
We are dedicated to building a unique and new payment platform that embodies trust, efficiency, and adaptability. We set a new standard to serve the needs of people and businesses in Europe.
Introducing Wero
At the core of EPI’s offering is Wero, our digital wallet solution. Designed with the user in mind, this intuitive app streamlines payments across various bank accounts, offering unparalleled transparency and control. As wero evolves, it’s poised to support additional payment methods from third parties, enriching the payment experience. Beyond mere transactions, Wero’s vision encompasses a suite of value-added services, potentially including innovative buy-now-pay-later options backed by banks, digital identity verification (e-ID), and integration of merchant loyalty programs, all seamlessly woven into the payment process.
A flexible payment scheme
EPI allows existing instant account-to-account payment infrastructures to be used in a wider range of use cases. The payment applications will extend and be enhanced over time. Customers will be able to use any of their eligible bank accounts to pay instantly, securely and with ease.
EPI Ecosystem
We are creating a payment ecosystem, with EPI acting as the bridge between a multitude of parties in the complex payment landscape. Technically speaking, EPI will therefore be a 4-corner scheme.
A strong connection
Founding Shareholders
EPI in the news
EPI CEO says Europe ready for one digital wallet
The European payment service will finally come to fruition
This is how Europe will seek to become more independent when it comes to payments
Stay up to date
Meet us at events all across Europe
17 September 2024
Workshop at Paris Retail Week
Join our expert-led workshop to uncover the ideal target audience for the Wero wallet and envision its future users. You’ll also gain insights into the expectations of retailers, helping us shape Wero to meet the needs of the commerce world.
18 September 2024
Paris Retail Week
Join Martina Weimert, CEO of EPI Company, in her keynote speech about new payments on the main stage of Paris Retail Week. This is the leading event for omnichannel commerce in Paris.
20-21 November 2024
MoneyLIVE Payments Europe
Dive into the forefront of the payment innovation: don’t miss your chance to be part of defining the next era of payments – chat with us at this event in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
What is EPI?
EPI stands for European Payments Initiative launched by 16 banks and financial service companies to create a new digital wallet (wero) and a unified account-to-account solution.
The solution aims to become a new standard in payments for European consumers and merchants across all types of retail transactions including in-store, online, and “person-to-person”.
Why EPI?
EPI shareholders aim to enhance the market by introducing Wero, a comprehensive payment solution based on the Instant Payment scheme as defined by the European Payments council (EPC).
Wero is designed to support a variety of transactions, including merchant and person-to-person payments, offering security, immediacy, and ease of use. This initiative aligns with Europe’s push towards instant payments, echoing calls from European authorities for banks and payment providers to develop an independent, alternative payment system based on Instant Payment schemes.
What are the benefits of EPI?
EPI aims to revolutionise digital payments in Europe by offering a consistent solution across all major retail scenarios, including peer-to-peer (P2P), point of sale (POS), and online commerce. This initiative addresses the current fragmented payment landscape in Europe, fulfilling the long-standing demand from both merchants and consumers for a unified pan-European payment approach.
Benefits to European Citizens and Merchants
- For Consumers: EPI promises innovation in payment methods, transitioning from the 50% of transactions still conducted in cash to a more digital approach.
- For Merchants: It offers a seamless, competitive, and unified payment solution, available to all European consumers.
What is Wero?
Wero is a new payment solution that aims to become the standard for European consumers and merchants. It will be available through EPI’s member banks’ applications and as a mobile application on both Android and iOS platforms. EPI is actively working towards launching wero in Belgium, France, and Germany in 2024, followed by the Netherlands, with plans to expand to other countries in the future.
How attractive is Wero be for consumers and merchants?
Wero aims to enrich the payment options available to European consumers and merchants. EPI as a new and innovative market player may be expected to increase competition both in terms of quality and conditions.
Why is Wero based on Instant Payments?
Instant Payments allow the development of a service covering multiple payment use cases such as paying friends and family, paying in a shop, paying online, paying a bill or an invoice, which no other single solution offers for the time being.
Who is involved in EPI at this stage?
EPI is open for European market players, individual banks or banking communities, as well as payment service providers to apply and join EPI. For the time being, 16 European banks and financial services companies are involved spanning across five European countries, including leading pan-European third-party acquirers.
How does EPI position wero towards other payment schemes (local and/or international ones)?
Like existing international solutions, Wero is being designed as a consistent solution across countries. EPI participants will progressively roll out Wero to their customers. EPI’s ambition is for Wero to become a new standard of payments in Europe, thus offering an independent European alternative. Wero as an emerging scheme intends to pursue collaborative discussions with both international and domestic payment schemes.
Does EPI cooperate with merchants or merchant initiatives?
EPI has interacted and continues interacting with European merchant associations to get their feedback on the solution and ensure that Wero will cater for their needs.
I'm a journalist, how do I submit a media request?
EPI Company continues work and preparations for launch. We expect to communicate further in the coming months.
If you are a journalist interested in covering EPI you may register your interest to receive EPI updates the instant they’re available here.
