The future of banking

Capital market infrastructure is undergoing structural realignment. What was long framed as a “crypto topic” is evolving into an institutional transformation: tokenized securities, regulated digital trading venues, stablecoin-based settlement rails and the prospect of 24/7 execution are redefining market mechanics.

AI in trading optimizes speed. AI in treasury controls stability. Both worlds use similar technologies but pursue completely different goals. Anyone who thinks of treasury in the same way as trading underestimates the complexity of bank management. This is precisely where the actual AI transformation begins.

In the „Digital Euro Unlocked“ Report of 2026, msg for banking and Infineon Technologies deliver a strategic, multi-stakeholder analysis of Europe’s evolving central bank digital currency (CBDC) landscape. Tailored for banks, payment service providers (PSPs), and infrastructure operators, the report addresses the core question: What will it take for the digital euro to earn trust and relevance in daily life?Beyond the analysis, this report includes expert contributions from Fraunhofer FIT, Worldline, and the German Retail Association (HDE). It translates regulatory, technological, and market perspectives into concrete guidance – helping stakeholders design a secure, privacy-preserving, and user-centric digital euro that supports Europe’s goals for digital sovereignty.For a quick overview, our Management Summary is now available without registration and offers first strategic impulses on trust, customer acceptance, and implementation choices.

What issues will occupy and challenge the banking sector in 2026? We have compiled five points that should be on every board’s agenda at the start of the year.