Report

The 2026 state of issuing technology in Europe

Issuing modernization is a top priority for financial institutions across Europe as they work to improve customer experiences, strengthen fraud protection, and deliver faster, more connected payment services.

The 2026 State of Issuing Technology in Europe, developed by TechStudio in partnership with FIS, examines how 135 senior financial services leaders across 18 European markets are approaching issuing modernization. The report explores investment priorities in digital card issuance, API-first integration, real-time data access, and fraud prevention, while highlighting the challenges of legacy systems, regulatory compliance, and budget constraints. It also outlines strategies for modernizing issuing capabilities, applying AI, and improving operational resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Why 100% of European respondents consider issuing modernization a high or critical priority.
• How digital card issuance, API-first integration, and real-time data access are shaping investment priorities.
• What legacy system integration, regulatory compliance, and fraud challenges mean for modernization.
• How AI and modular technologies can support more secure, efficient, and connected issuing experiences.

Download The 2026 State of Issuing Technology in Europe to discover how financial institutions across Europe are modernizing card issuing, prioritizing digital capabilities, and overcoming integration, fraud, and regulatory challenges to deliver secure, connected, and customer-focused payment experiences.

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