Sweden's Riksbank published its Payments Report 2026, setting out measures to reduce vulnerability in the payments market and improve inclusion. The report calls on banks to build more services on national and European payment systems, expand instant payments, and ensure workable payment methods for people without payment accounts or facing digital exclusion, alongside improved access to cash. Within one year (March 2027), the Riksbank expects the market to have started offering additional instant payment services or to have communicated a near-term plan, and it signals that legislation should be introduced if this does not happen. Faster and cheaper cross-currency payments are to be advanced via the TIPS Cross Currency project for instant payments between Swedish kronor, euros and Danish kronor, with banks and other payment service providers encouraged to join, and through linking Swish with similar solutions abroad, with Getswish and its owners urged to work toward such links. On inclusion, banks are expected to consider risk-mitigation measures before refusing or closing a payment account and to develop standardised nationwide alternatives for necessary payments such as bill payments. On cash, the report recommends households keep around SEK 1,000 per adult at home, calls for improved cash services for individuals and companies, and proposes a SEK 10,000 limit for cash purchases in the retail trade to make criminal use of cash more difficult.
Riksbank 2026-03-12
Sweden's Riksbank urges banks to deliver instant payment services by March 2027 and proposes a SEK 10,000 cap on retail cash purchases
Sweden's Riksbank released its Payments Report 2026, outlining measures to enhance payment market resilience and inclusion. The report urges banks to expand services on national and European systems, promote instant payments, and improve access for those without payment accounts. It also recommends legislative action if progress is not made, and suggests a SEK 10,000 limit on cash purchases to deter criminal activity.