"Payments are the "oil in the wheels of the Internal Market". It is of major importance that those wheels run smoothly and safely. The objective is a Single Payment Area, in which citizens and businesses can make cross-border payments as easily, safely and efficiently as they can within their own countries and subject to identical charges". - European Commission, www.europa.eu.


The objective set out above is undoubtedly noble and indeed necessary, but just how effective is the EU regulatory framework in achieving it?

Never before have the activities of issuing e-money and carrying out payment services been more heavily regulated.  The laws governing these matters currently present challenges, including:

  • concern over the implementation certainty of SEPA,


EmoneyAdvice.com examines the issues surrounding e-money and payment service regulation. It also provides useful links to the applicable laws and guidance.

If you require specific or tailored advice on an e-money or payment service programme, please review the details of our Consultancy Service section. Our service can advise on the regulatory challenges and opportunities regarding business models  and products, including those relating to:

  • e-money issuers
  • pre-paid cards
  • merchant acquiring and processing arrangements
  • mobile network operator payment services,
  • money remittance.