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 in the 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.
SBS Delivers Technological Depth — For the ECB and the Market
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 has launched an innovation platform to collaborate with European market participants as part of the digital euro project.
Key elements of the "pioneers workstream" include:
Exploration of the technical implementation of "conditional payments" and other everyday use cases
Testing interactions with simulated interfaces within the proprietary platform
Contribute and develop innovative use cases
Find out more information here: ECB Press Release from May 5, 2025
What Can You Expect from the Digital Euro in the Software Industry?
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.