The boundary between traditional banking and fintech has officially shifted. Paysera has made history as the first Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in Europe to process Euro payments directly through the European Central Bank’s (ECB) T2 system.
Until now, this elite settlement network—which handles over €2 trillion daily—was the exclusive playground of central banks, commercial banks, and national treasuries. Paysera’s entry marks a significant milestone in the decentralization of European financial infrastructure.
Breaking the “Intermediary Barrier”
For years, EMIs across Europe had to rely on intermediary commercial banks to access central settlement systems. This often added layers of cost and potential delays. By achieving direct participant status, Paysera now operates on the same technological footing as the world’s largest financial institutions.
Key benefits of direct T2 integration include:
- Real-Time Settlements: Interbank transactions are executed instantly across the Eurozone.
- Global Reach: The T2 infrastructure allows for seamless payment flows far beyond the SEPA region.
- Enhanced Efficiency: By removing the “middleman” bank, the company can offer high-speed transfers at significantly lower operational costs.
“Our goal is to become a full-fledged alternative to traditional banks,” says Justina Šidlauskienė, CEO of Paysera. “Direct access to T2 allows us to offer the same speed, reach, and security as major financial institutions, but at significantly lower costs for our clients.”
The Regulatory Catalyst: EU Regulation 2024/886
This breakthrough wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was enabled by a pivotal shift in European law. The implementation of EU Regulation 2024/886 in October 2025 opened the doors for non-bank financial institutions to access central infrastructure.
This regulation recognizes the massive scale at which fintechs now operate. In 2025 alone, Paysera processed:
- 27.6 million transfers (a 19% YoY growth).
- €23.3 billion in total volume.
- 82% of all transfers via SEPA Instant.
Lithuania’s Dominance in the Fintech Landscape
The integration follows a rigorous assessment by both the ECB and the Bank of Lithuania. This achievement reinforces Lithuania’s status as a leading jurisdiction for fintech innovation, proving that the country’s ecosystem has reached a level of technological maturity that rivals the traditional banking sector.
About Paysera
Founded in 2004 in Vilnius, Paysera has grown from a visionary three-person startup into a global fintech powerhouse. With over one million app downloads and a team of 700 employees across 30 countries, Paysera provides a comprehensive suite of services, including e-commerce payment gateways, currency exchange, and advanced mobile wealth management.
