From Expertise to Execution: SBS as an Official ECB Digital Euro Pioneer
The preparatory efforts for the introduction of the digital euro by the European Central Bank (ECB) mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of European payments. To ensure this innovation is both practical and future-proof, the ECB is forming early partnerships with technical experts from industry — including SBS.
Since May 2024, an SBS expert has been contributing both technical and industry knowledge in ECB working groups focused on the digital euro. In January 2025, SBS was officially accepted into the ECB's Pioneer Programme — a key component of the bank's innovation strategy and a milestone achievement for our company.
As part of the Pioneer Programme, SBS gains deep insights into the technical architecture, regulatory framework, and strategic implications of the digital euro. This early access enables SBS to pilot real-world scenarios and gather experience essential for building future-ready architectures supporting the digital euro for banks and payment providers.
What Is the ECB Pioneer Programme?
The ECB Innovation Partnership Programme was established to support the potential rollout of the digital euro. It brings together pioneers from the payments ecosystem — including PSPs, banks, fintechs, and technology companies — to test innovative use cases in a controlled environment.
Key elements of the partnership include:
Technical realization of selected use cases
Interaction with initial ECB interfaces and testing environments
Innovation space for new ideas: Participants can propose and implement their own concepts
Goal: Provide feedback on the feasibility and practical implementation of digital euro-related processes
What Can You Expect from the Digital Euro in the Software Domain?
Our firsthand insights from working with the ECB are made available to banks and PSPs. SBS offers tailored consulting services for institutions that want to strategically and technically prepare for the digital euro — today.
Ready for the Future of Payments?
Sebastian Braunwieser
"Talk to us — we'll support your strategic readiness for the digital euro."
