Account-to-account (A2A) payment systems are gaining momentum across Europe as regulators and financial institutions push for alternatives to global card networks. Initiatives built on SEPA Instant infrastructure are enabling faster settlement and lower-cost transactions, accelerating the development of sovereign European payment ecosystems.
In its first major strategic move since finalising the acquisition of Worldpay in January 2026, Global Payments Inc. has officially joined the European Payments Initiative (EPI). This partnership allows the newly transformed pure-play commerce leader to offer Wero, a pan-European instant account-to-account (A2A) payment solution, to its massive base of European merchants. This integration with Wero positions Global Payments at the forefront of the shift toward sovereign European payment rails, challenging the dominance of traditional international card schemes with a mobile-first, SEPA-based alternative.
Wero, which launched in mid-2024 across Germany, France, and Belgium, has already reached over 52 million consumers. While the platform initially focused on peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, its integration into the Worldpay ecosystem throughout 2026 marks a critical expansion into online retail. The system operates on SEPA Instant Credit Transfer rails, ensuring near-instant settlement and high-level security. For merchants, the appeal lies in cost-efficiency and a frictionless integration path that requires no additional hardware, allowing them to offer QR code- and phone number-based payments directly at checkout.
James Fry, Head of Enterprise Product at Global Payments, highlighted that by 2030, mobile’s share of e-commerce is expected to reach nearly 65%. He noted that the collaboration with Wero provides European clients with a secure way to meet these rising consumer expectations for flexibility and speed. This move is essential for merchants seeking to capture a share of the forecast $3.8 trillion in global A2A payment volume by the end of the decade.
The scale of the combined Global Payments and Worldpay entity is formidable, supporting over 6 million merchant locations across 175 countries and processing $3.7 trillion in annual volume. Martina Weimert, CEO of EPI Company, explained that teaming up with a global leader allows Wero to instantly and securely unlock opportunities to expand its customer base. This European-native solution is a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to build a digital financial infrastructure that reduces dependency on non-European providers.
In the retail sector, introducing Wero as a standard checkout option is expected to boost conversion rates by catering to local payment preferences. As the rollout continues, Global Payments intends to leverage its sharpened focus on integrated technology to scale Wero across the entire SADC region and other European markets. The acquisition of Worldpay has effectively given Global Payments the distribution engine needed to institutionalise A2A payments as a mainstream commercial reality. As the industry prepares for the Sovereign European shift, the focus remains on the user experience. Wero’s ability to combine instant payments with a digital wallet and broad merchant reach makes it a potent competitor in the digital age. This milestone confirms that the future of European trade is built on high-speed, cost-effective rail that prioritises mobility, accessibility, and consumer choice.
Key takeaways
- Global Payments has joined the European Payments Initiative (EPI) following its acquisition of Worldpay
- The partnership will enable merchants to accept Wero instant account-to-account (A2A) payments
- Wero operates on SEPA Instant Credit Transfer rails, allowing near-instant settlement
- The platform has already reached over 52 million users across Germany, France, and Belgium
- Integration into the Worldpay merchant ecosystem expands Wero into online retail payments
- Supports the EU’s strategy to build sovereign European payment infrastructure
- Reflects a broader shift toward mobile-first and lower-cost A2A payment models
