How do we keep the payment system secure and future-proof for everyone?

We make tens of millions of payments in the Netherlands every day. Although these usually go without a hitch, there are risks behind the scenes that could potentially disrupt smooth payments. Geopolitical tensions, the potential of cyber attacks and reliance on a few key players have made our society more vulnerable. If consumers, businesses and organisations are unable to receive and make payments, society grinds to a halt. There is simply too much at stake. This is why DNB is committed to a secure and reliable payment system, now and in the future.

Greater European autonomy and resilience

The Netherlands currently relies heavily on non-European payment service providers. We would be more resilient if consumers and businesses also had the option of using European digital payment methods for their transactions anywhere on the continent. This is why we in Europe are focusing on our own digital payment methods, such as Wero and the digital euro. Wero is a new European payment solution to be introduced in the Netherlands from 2026. The digital euro can serve as a reliable digital alternative to cash and be used both online and offline.

Consumers and businesses: spread your risks

It’s not something you want to think about, but it could happen: a major outage that brings down payment systems. The risk of such disruptions is increasing due to the changing geopolitical landscape and cyber threats. During such an outage, many shoppers would be unable to pay for their groceries. To avoid this situation, we advise consumers and retailers to carefully consider whether they are adequately prepared.

Together with the National Forum on the Payment System (NFPS), we recommended in May 2025 that households should keep enough cash on hand to get through the first 72 hours of an emergency (€70 per adult and €30 per child). It would also be handy to have access to various payment methods. Alongside cash, households might have a debit card and a mobile phone with a banking app for payment requests. And if a household holds payment accounts with more than one bank, it is less vulnerable to a potential outage at one of them.

Households can weigh these aspects to assess for themselves whether they are sufficiently resilient should an emergency situation arise. And businesses and payment service providers are advised not to depend on a single supplier for vital services. In other words: don't put all your eggs in one basket.

The technology behind the payment system must be resistant to failures. DNB is working with banks, retailers and other parties on:

• making offline debit card payments possible in the event of major payment system disruptions
• a stable number of ATMs nationwide
• robust protection against cyber attacks

Innovation is great, but it must be secure

Payments are changing rapidly and new payment instruments offer many possibilities and convenience. But there are also risks: AI systems will soon be able to make purchases independently, and criminals are using new tricks to deceive their victims.

DNB welcomes innovation, provided payments remain secure, accessible and reliable. This calls for:

• Clear information for consumers on new payment instruments and what happens to their data.
• Cooperation in the fight against fraud, for example against spoofing and deepfakes.
• Responsible use of AI by payment service providers: it must be transparent, explainable and secure.

Towards a single integrated European capital market

DNB facilitates the deployment of innovative technologies by banks and other financial institutions, such as distributed ledger technology. Together with other European central banks, we are also working on innovations to the common central-banking system to ensure it continues to inspire confidence and provide stability in a rapidly changing world. We are removing barriers to cross-border transactions, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, and ensuring that businesses and investors have a greater range of options to choose from.

Cash remains important

Despite the growth in card payments, cash remains an important means of payment. Keeping cash in circulation means consumers can use the payment method of their choice, ensures that payments can still be made if electronic systems are temporarily unavailable and enables even those who are less digitally savvy to make their payments independently. This is why we want cash to remain available, accessible and affordable.

Working together, we can keep payments reliable and accessible

DNB works with banks, the government, businesses and civil society organisations to ensure that everyone in the Netherlands - young or old, well-off or on a tight budget - can continue to make payments securely and easily and in the way that suits them best.

This article is based on our Payments Strategy 2026-2028 (Dutch only).