Digital Wallets Drive the Next Phase of Growth in European e-Commerce
Europe’s e-commerce payments are at an inflection point. Card-based wallets are accelerating the fastest, while account-to-account (A2A) schemes are gaining traction in specific local markets. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) remains resilient, underscoring a broader shift toward frictionless, mobile-first payment experiences.
Embedded Fintech Vertical Snapshot: Automotive
This snapshot is the second in our Embedded Finance Vertical Snapshot series, focusing on the automotive dealership, repair, and car wash landscape. The automotive industry is highly complex with high software penetration (95% of companies use software to manage at least part of their business). However, embedded fintech adoption varies. While payment acceptance is relatively […]
Podcast: The Battle Between Local and International Card Schemes in Europe
Local card schemes like Girocard, Bancomat, Dankort, BankAxept, and Carte Bancaires are losing ground fast to Visa and Mastercard – but is that decline inevitable? In this episode, Elisabeth Magnor talks with Flagship partner Yuriy Kostenko about what the data really shows, why domestic schemes have fallen behind on innovation, how PSPs and merchants actually […]
Legacy POS is Declining in Europe, Creating Software Imperative for Providers
The number of POS terminals is shrinking across several mature markets, most notably the UK and the Nordics, signaling a sustained downward trajectory for traditional devices. This decline is being propelled by a mix of macro-economic pressures, accelerated retail digitalization, and the growing adoption of alternatives such as SoftPOS. If this trend marks the beginning […]
UK Open Banking: Meaningful Progress, Measured Pace
The UK has long been at the forefront of open banking adoption, serving as a global benchmark for innovation in real-time payments and financial data sharing. A strong regulatory framework, widespread bank connectivity, and a vibrant fintech ecosystem have made the UK one of the most advanced and mature open banking markets in the world. […]
European Local Card Schemes: Pace of Market Share Losses Declines
Europe’s local card schemes are stepping up their digital game. From enabling online payments and mobile wallets to embedding loyalty and cashback programs, domestic networks are closing the gap with global schemes. Merchants are finding more value in these schemes as costs rise elsewhere, while sovereignty and resilience remain key themes. Innovation, cost efficiency, and […]
2025 is the Year of Stablecoins, With Record Volumes and M&A Momentum
Stablecoins have demonstrated strong momentum, with transaction volumes surging to $5.7 trillion in 2024 and accelerating further with a 66% spike in Q1 2025. Investor interest is growing – evidenced by a recent increase in M&A activity, predominantly driven by strategic buyers rather than financial sponsors. A standout example is Stripe’s landmark $1.1 billion acquisition […]
Global Wallets Advance in Europe While Local Wallets Face Mixed Results
Local digital wallets across Europe are experiencing varied levels of success as they face increasing competition from global wallet solutions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. While some local solutions — often backed by strong domestic banking networks — continue to build loyal user bases and demonstrate solid growth, others are seeing stagnation.
European SaaS Bullish on SoftPOS, But Slow to Market
As the digital economy evolves, SaaS platforms across Europe are reevaluating their approach to payments, particularly at the point of sale. One innovation gaining excitement, but less so real traction (yet), is SoftPOS, a tap-to-pay technology that turns smartphones into contactless payment terminals. It is clear in our work and research that SaaS companies love […]
Global Payments to Acquire Worldpay in Landmark $24 Billion Deal
Global Payments has announced its acquisition of a 100% ownership stake in Worldpay for $24.25 billion. As part of the transaction, FIS will receive Global Payments’ Issuer Solutions business, allowing FIS to sharpen its focus on core banking and issuer services, while Global Payments deepens its commitment to merchant acquiring and payment acceptance. Investor reactions […]