In this section, authors comment on economic and financial topics.

This summer, Europe’s elite women’s footballers will light up the stage in Switzerland—but the action isn’t confined to the pitch. Tournaments of this scale also test the limits of payment systems and highlight emerging technologies that could shape the future of Switzerland’s financial ecosystem.

No one goes to a stadium to stand in line. That’s why contactless payments—whether by card, smartphone, or wearable—are transforming the game for everyone: fans, food vendors, retailers, and event operators alike.

«No one goes to a stadium to stand in line.»

Modern point-of-sale (POS) solutions that turn smartphones into payment terminals are making even the smallest businesses digitally capable—fast, secure, and user-friendly. The result? A boost to local commerce and streamlined operations for large-scale events.

For many fans, the first touchpoint with a major event is ticketing. Expectations are high: the process must be seamless and secure. Thanks to technologies like tokenization—which replaces sensitive card data with secure placeholders—this is not only possible but already being implemented.

AI-powered fraud detection, real-time analysis of billions of transactions, and user-centric features such as Click to Pay ensure a frictionless payment experience. The UEFA ticketing platform serves as a case in point, demonstrating how trust and technology can converge to deliver end-to-end secure journeys.

Behind the scenes, payment providers are no longer just service vendors—they’re strategic tech partners. Emerging solutions like Flexible Credential, which allow users to switch seamlessly between debit, credit, and loyalty points, offer a new level of control and flexibility.

«Today’s consumers expect fast, secure, and intuitive payments across all channels.»

We’re also entering the era of AI-powered commerce, where intelligent agents could not only suggest purchases but execute payments on behalf of users. The industry is actively working with leading AI players, blending decades of fraud management expertise with resilient data infrastructures.

Today’s consumers expect fast, secure, and intuitive payments across all channels. For banks and financial institutions, this means rethinking their business models and making significant investments in digital infrastructure.

«Recent advances in payment technology are reshaping the way people manage and use money.»

What’s needed are robust risk management frameworks, cutting-edge cybersecurity capabilities, and deep RegTech expertise to align regulatory compliance with digital customer expectations. Visa and other players in the space offer not just technology—but the full ecosystem—to enable secure, scalable innovation.

Events like the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 are more than just spectacles of sport—they’re proving grounds for innovation and catalysts for local economic growth. Transaction data routinely reveals surges in hospitality, retail, and transportation activity during major tournaments, underscoring their broader impact beyond the pitch.

Recent advances in payment technology are doing more than improving safety and convenience; they’re reshaping the way people manage and use money. Those adopting digital payment solutions today aren’t simply keeping up—they’re helping to shape the future of financial ecosystems.

Santosh Ritter is Country Manager for Switzerland & Liechtenstein at Visa. A recognized expert in digital payments, he held senior risk management roles for many years and lectures on cybersecurity and compliance. He holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance and is committed to driving the future of payments.

• Read all previous articles on finews.com