Zahlungsdiensteaufsicht

Zahlungsdienst, or payment service, refers to a range of services that enable, process, or facilitate monetary transactions between payers and payees. The term covers activities such as issuing payment instruments, initiating transfers, and processing settlements, whether for domestic or cross-border payments.

In the European Union, payment services are regulated by the Payment Services Directive and its amendment PSD2. PSD2 aims to increase competition, improve security, and foster innovation by allowing licensed third-party providers to access payment accounts via open interfaces, subject to strong customer authentication and other protections.

Typical services include credit transfers, direct debits, card payments, e-wallets, and mobile payments, as well as payment initiation and account information services that may be offered by banks or non-bank PSPs. Key participants include banks, fintech firms, card schemes, merchants, and payment processors.

Security and regulatory compliance are central to Zahlungsdienste. Providers address anti-money laundering and fraud risks, protect personal data, and, for card payments, may comply with PCI DSS. Market developments include real-time payments, cross-border interoperability, and open banking via APIs.