The European Central Bank just picked its starting lineup for the digital euro experiment. Thirty-six payment service providers have been selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants to participate in a pilot program that will test whether a central bank-issued digital currency can actually work in the real world.
The pilot is set to kick off in the second half of 2027 and run for 12 months. If everything goes according to plan, the ECB is targeting potential readiness for issuance by 2029, though that’s contingent on getting the regulatory green light.
Who made the cut
The roster includes some heavy hitters. Adyen N.V., Deutsche Bank AG, and Revolut Bank UAB are among the 36 firms tapped for the program. The ECB specifically sought diversity in its selections, looking for a mix of business models, company sizes, and geographic representation from across the euro area.
Applications for the pilot closed on May 14, 2026, giving the ECB roughly two months to evaluate candidates and make its picks. The announcement landed on July 14, 2026.
