ECB Call for Expression of Interest: Workshop on the Future of B2B Payments

Introduction

The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced an exciting initiative focused on the future of business-to-business (B2B) payments. Aligning with the Eurosystem’s retail payments strategy, this call for interest aims to foster efficiency, strategic autonomy, and resilience in retail payments while promoting digitalization and innovation.

Purpose of the Workshop

To harness the evolving payments landscape, the ECB plans to hold a workshop dedicated to innovations in B2B payments and the potential role of central bank money. This workshop will explore several key areas:

• Private sector innovations: Discussion on e-money tokens (stablecoins), commercial bank money tokens (CBMT), and other similar forms.
• B2B payment challenges: Identification of existing gaps and how new technologies could better address them.
• Industry trends: Insights into how automation and digitalization within and between organizations can influence B2B payments.

Key Discussion Points

Participants will have the opportunity to address several vital questions during the workshop, such as:

• Which B2B use cases are currently inadequately addressed?
• How can conditional (programmable) payment services enhance corporate transactions?
• What dependencies exist between B2B payments and other ecosystems like electronic identity (eID) solutions?
• Why are current commercial bank money solutions insufficient for emerging needs?

Participation and Application Process

Presenters

Representatives from the European corporate, banking, and payment sectors interested in presenting their perspectives at the workshop are invited to submit their applications by September 13, 2024. The application should include input addressing key questions related to B2B payment needs and potential solutions.

Attendees

Stakeholders who wish to attend the workshop without presenting can also express their interest via submission of the application form to B2Bworkshop@ecb.europa.eu by the same deadline. The ECB will select the final participants based on several criteria, including the relevance of the input provided, experience, and the representation balance across EU-based companies.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: September 13, 2024
• Workshop Date: October 9, 2024
• Time: 09:00-12:30 (CEST)
• Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
• Language: English

If you’re involved in the corporate, banking, or payment sectors, don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of B2B payments.