“As the European Union finalizes major updates to payment services rules and global standards like PCI DSS continue to enforce stricter security, this one-day virtual course delivers practical insights into PSD3, PSR, MiCAR, and PCI DSS compliance. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of fraud prevention enhancements, crypto-asset oversight, data access reforms, and card data protection requirements amid rapid digital transformation in payments.”
Upcoming Virtual Training Spotlights Critical EU and Global Payment Regulations
The payments industry stands at a pivotal juncture in 2026, with significant regulatory shifts reshaping how financial institutions, fintechs, payment service providers (PSPs), and merchants handle transactions, security, and innovation. A specialized one-day virtual training course scheduled for May 15, 2026, targets these changes head-on, providing an in-depth exploration of the Payment Services Directive 3 (PSD3), the accompanying Payment Services Regulation (PSR), the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
This program arrives at a time when the EU has achieved provisional political agreement on PSD3 and PSR following trilogue negotiations, with final texts and adoption processes unfolding throughout 2026. These reforms build directly on the foundation of PSD2, aiming to address persistent gaps in fraud protection, consumer safeguards, open banking access, and supervisory consistency. Meanwhile, MiCAR’s full application phase approaches its critical milestones in mid-2026, and PCI DSS v4.0.1 enforces mandatory compliance with updated security controls.
The course structure emphasizes practical application over theoretical discussion. Participants will examine the core objectives and provisions of each regulation, their interconnections, and the operational impacts on payment ecosystems. Key focus areas include the transition from PSD2 to the new framework, the integration of crypto payments under MiCAR, and ongoing PCI DSS obligations for cardholder data environments.
PSD3 and PSR: Strengthening the Core of EU Payment Services
PSD3 and PSR represent the most comprehensive overhaul of EU payment rules since PSD2’s implementation. PSD3 primarily targets authorization, supervision, and governance for payment institutions and e-money providers, merging the Electronic Money Directive into a unified regime. It introduces stricter licensing requirements, enhanced supervisory tools for national authorities, and measures to reduce barriers for non-bank PSPs.
PSR, as a directly applicable regulation, standardizes conduct-of-business rules across the EU, eliminating national divergences. Notable provisions include mandatory Verification of Payee (VoP) schemes for SEPA transfers to combat IBAN fraud, stricter reimbursement obligations for unauthorized or fraudulent transactions, and rules on transparency for fees and currency conversion charges. The reforms also tackle hidden costs in online platforms and marketplaces, potentially expanding liability for intermediaries.
Fraud prevention receives particular emphasis. PSPs must implement advanced data-sharing mechanisms for fraud indicators, enforce stronger customer authentication (SCA) protocols, and adopt risk-based approaches to transaction monitoring. Open banking evolves with improved data access standards, reduced technical obstacles, and clearer guidelines on consent management, including potential dashboard requirements for users to oversee third-party access.
Implementation timelines point to publication in mid-2026, followed by an 18-24 month transposition and application period, likely pushing full enforcement into 2027 or early 2028. Financial institutions are urged to conduct gap analyses now, prioritizing fraud systems upgrades, interface adaptations, and compliance roadmaps.
MiCAR: Bringing Crypto-Assets into the Regulatory Fold
MiCAR, fully in force since late 2024 for certain crypto-asset types, reaches a major inflection point in 2026. The regulation’s transitional “grandfathering” periods—up to 18 months in several member states—expire around July 1, 2026, requiring Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) to secure full authorization or cease operations in non-compliant modes.
Key elements covered in the training include licensing for CASPs, white paper requirements for crypto-asset issuers, prudential safeguards, market abuse prevention, and consumer protections. The framework clarifies the interplay between crypto payments and traditional services, addressing stablecoins (ARTs and EMTs) and their integration into broader payment flows.
With enforcement ramping up EU-wide, firms must prepare for supervisory scrutiny, reporting obligations, and alignment with anti-money laundering rules. The course highlights how MiCAR influences payment innovation, such as tokenized assets and digital wallets, while ensuring stability and transparency in emerging markets.
PCI DSS: Maintaining Global Payment Security Standards
PCI DSS remains the cornerstone for protecting cardholder data worldwide. In 2026, organizations operate under PCI DSS v4.0.1, with all requirements mandatory since the 2025 transition from v4.0. The standard shifts toward customized, continuous compliance, moving beyond checklist audits to ongoing risk management.
Core requirements include network security maintenance, vulnerability management, strong access controls, encryption of transmission and storage, regular testing, and information security policies. Updates in v4.0.1 clarified language, fixed errors, and reinforced targeted risk analyses, multi-factor authentication, and scripted payment environments.
The training addresses practical challenges like scope reduction through tokenization, integration with emerging payment methods, and alignment with EU rules like PSD3’s fraud mandates. Non-compliance risks fines, higher processing fees, and reputational damage, making mastery of these standards essential for merchants, acquirers, and service providers.
Interconnections and Strategic Implications
These regulations do not operate in silos. PSD3/PSR’s fraud and transparency rules intersect with MiCAR’s crypto oversight, particularly for hybrid payment models. PCI DSS complements EU efforts by providing a global baseline for card data security, often serving as a benchmark for broader cybersecurity practices.
Professionals attending the May 15 session will explore these overlaps, including compliance overlaps with AML frameworks, data privacy rules, and instant payments regulations. The format encourages interactive discussion on implementation strategies, risk assessments, and opportunities for innovation in secure, compliant payment solutions.
Course Details
Format : Fully virtual, one-day intensive.
Date : May 15, 2026.
Target Audience : Compliance officers, risk managers, payment operations teams, fintech executives, legal advisors, and merchants navigating these changes.
Benefits : Actionable knowledge to prepare for 2026-2027 deadlines, avoid pitfalls, and leverage reforms for competitive advantage.
This training underscores the urgency of proactive preparation as the payments sector adapts to a more secure, transparent, and inclusive environment.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or compliance advice. Regulations evolve rapidly; consult qualified professionals for specific guidance.
