Better access to payment services: the Dutch experience

Today Olaf Sleijpen spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Foro di Pago Nacional (National Forum on Payments) in Oranjestad, Aruba. He spoke about the experiences with the National Forum on Payments Services (NFPS) in the Netherlands, notably its efforts to enhance the inclusiveness of payment services. The NFPS is a platform of organizations representing providers and users of payment services, which was set up in 2002 with the aim of ensuring a good functioning of the payment system for everyone. Over the past few years, there has been growing awareness of the need to take action to improve the accessibility of payments for vulnerable groups. In April 2023, 23 organisations closely involved in the Dutch payment system signed the Cash Covenant. The Covenant aims to ensure that cash continues to function properly as a means of payment.