The Reality of Digital Currencies with Clement Jozwiak – Chief Product Officer at Worldline

The Digital Currencies and Wero are being positioned as the next evolution in European payments, offering new ways to transact in an increasingly digital world. But with so many existing options, will consumers and businesses actually adopt them, or are they just adding unnecessary complexity? Are these initiatives solving real problems, or are they solutions in search of a problem?

In this episode of In Check with Fintech, Clement Jozwiak, Chief Product Officer at Worldline, joins Rogier to explore the real challenges behind implementing new payment schemes and whether they are truly addressing gaps in the market or simply competing with existing solutions. As more regulators and financial institutions push for the adoption of digital currencies and alternative payment methods, the real question is whether businesses and consumers will see enough value to change their habits.

With over a decade of experience in issuing, acquiring, open banking, and digital banking, Clement has seen firsthand what works and what does not when it comes to scaling new payment methods. He shares insights into the hurdles financial institutions, regulators, and businesses face in pushing these initiatives forward and the key factors that determine whether new payment systems succeed or fail.

Key Topics Covered:
💳 Do we really need both the Digital Euro and Wero, or is Europe making payments more complicated than necessary? With a market already filled with credit cards, digital wallets, and account-to-account transfers, does introducing another payment scheme solve a real problem, or does it create unnecessary friction?

🌍 Consumer behavior is one of the biggest hurdles in payments innovation. Even the best technology struggles if people are not willing to change their payment habits. What does it take for new payment methods to gain traction, and why do so many fail to shift consumer preferences?

🔐 Regulation plays a major role in payment adoption. From PSD2 to central bank policies, compliance frameworks can either accelerate or slow down the adoption of new technologies. What do financial institutions need to know about navigating these regulatory landscapes?

💡 AI, open banking, and new payment rails are shaping the future of financial services. How do these technologies interact with initiatives like the Digital Euro and Wero, and can they be leveraged to improve adoption rates?

📉 Businesses hesitate to adopt new payment methods unless there is a clear value proposition. If merchants and enterprises do not see real benefits, whether in cost savings, customer demand, or operational efficiency, why should they make the switch? What needs to change for businesses to fully embrace these new systems?

As digital payment options expand, the industry must balance innovation with real-world usability. Consumers may be overwhelmed by too many options, while businesses may be hesitant to invest in something that does not offer a competitive advantage. The challenge for regulators and financial institutions is not just to introduce these payment methods but to ensure that they align with actual market needs.

Despite the push from regulators, banks, and fintechs, one question remains: will people actually use these new payment methods? Are we witnessing true innovation, or are we simply adding complexity to a system that already works?

Tune in now for a deep dive into the reality of payments innovation in Europe and what it will take for the Digital Euro and Wero to succeed.