The Central Bank of Ireland has opened a call for applications to its second Innovation Sandbox Programme, themed “Innovation in Payments”, alongside its 2025 Payments Seminar on the future direction of payments in Ireland. The programme is positioned as a channel for deeper engagement with industry on payments innovation, supporting the development of safer, faster and more inclusive payments while giving the Central Bank early visibility of emerging risks and supervisory questions. Applications are open to firms at all stages of development, from start-ups to established providers, and the Central Bank also invites submissions from partnerships. The call targets products or services using innovative technology to deliver improved payments outcomes for consumers of financial services, with further information, selection criteria and an application form available on the Central Bank’s website. The Innovation Sandbox programme is scheduled to commence in January 2026 and will run for six months.
Central Bank of Ireland 2025-09-23
Central Bank of Ireland opens applications for its Innovation Sandbox Programme on payments innovation
The Central Bank of Ireland has launched its second Innovation Sandbox Programme, themed “Innovation in Payments,” to foster industry engagement and advance safer, faster, and more inclusive payment solutions. Open to firms and partnerships at all development stages, the programme aims to enhance payments outcomes using innovative technology. The initiative will begin in January 2026 and last six months.