ECB Names Companies to Build Core Infrastructure for Digital Euro Project

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – The European Central Bank (ECB) has reached a significant milestone in its preparations for a potential Digital Euro, by selecting several leading technology firms. These partners will be tasked with constructing essential components of the central Digital Euro infrastructure, an initiative that could fundamentally reshape the landscape of European digital payments.

On October 2, the ECB announced the results of its procurement process, naming the companies set to provide critical services for five key infrastructure components. This move underscores the institution's broader strategy to ensure its readiness, even as the actual launch of a Digital Euro remains contingent upon regulatory approval.

"As part of the preparation phase of the digital euro, the European Central Bank (ECB) has selected providers for five digital euro components and related services," the ECB clarified in its statement.

The framework agreements delineate specific roles. For alias look-up services, Sapient GmbH & Tremend Software Consulting were chosen, with Equensworldline also selected in this category. Fraud and risk management responsibilities will fall to Feedzai and Capgemini Deutschland. Application and software development will be handled by Almaviva SpA & Fabrick SpA, alongside Sapient GmbH & Tremend Software Consulting. For the offline solution, Giesecke+Devrient has been designated as the primary provider, though a second supplier is yet to be announced. Finally, the secure exchange of payment information will be managed by Senacor FCS, which also includes Equensworldline. The ECB noted that requests will first go to the top-ranked providers, with secondary firms only being engaged if necessary.

However, caution remains a core tenet of the ECB's stance. Officials reiterated, "The ECB will only decide to issue the digital euro once the Digital Euro regulation has been adopted." They added that the development of the components—or any part thereof—will be decided at a later stage, contingent on the ECB's Governing Council's decision regarding the potential next phase of the Digital Euro project.

Concurrently, recent Digital Euro trials conducted by the ECB have highlighted payment innovations like conditional payments and electronic receipts. Nearly 70 participants explored new applications designed to enhance efficiency and inclusion. A second round of experimentation is already slated for 2026, signaling a determined, yet gradual, approach.

While skeptics caution about potential risks to financial stability, proponents argue that a Digital Euro could preserve European monetary sovereignty and establish a secure, state-backed payment alternative, a key aspect of CBDC Europe.