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Greece: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Greece fintech & payments: Bank of Greece oversight under EU PSD2/PSD3 framework

Lead regulator:
Bank of Greece
Key law:
Law 4261/2014 (transposition of PSD2)
Last updated:
2026-07-12

The Bank of Greece serves as the primary supervisor for payment institutions and electronic money institutions, operating within the European Union's harmonized framework. Licensing is governed by national laws transposing EU Payment Services Directives, requiring authorization for payment and e-money activities.

Recent regulatory actions, such as the resolution of the Cooperative Bank of Peloponnese and the establishment of New TT Hellenic Postbank, demonstrate the Bank of Greece's active role in maintaining financial stability and authorizing credit institutions. These events highlight the regulator's capacity to manage market exits and new market entries under strict supervisory powers.

The regulatory environment is mature and aligned with EU standards, providing a clear pathway for fintech and payment service providers to operate legally. Oversight focuses on compliance with anti-money laundering rules, capital adequacy, and consumer protection standards mandated by both national and EU law.

Who regulates

  • Bank of Greece

    Primary supervisor for payment institutions, electronic money institutions, and credit institutions; member of the Single Supervisory Mechanism.

    [1][2]

Core laws & rules

  • Law 4261/2014 (2014)

    Transposes the EU Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) into Greek law, regulating payment services and electronic money institutions.

Licensing & registration

  • Payment Institution / Electronic Money Institution

    Authorization required to provide payment services or issue electronic money. The Bank of Greece grants licenses to entities meeting capital and governance requirements.

  • Credit Institution

    Authorization required to conduct banking activities. The Bank of Greece has the power to authorize new entities, as seen with New TT Hellenic Postbank.

    [2]

Restrictions & warnings

  • The Bank of Greece can withdraw authorization and apply resolution tools, such as the sale of business tool, to failing institutions to protect financial stability.

    [1]

Direction of travel

  • Regulatory oversight remains robust, with the Bank of Greece actively managing both new market entries and the resolution of distressed entities in line with EU banking union standards.

    [1][2]

Sources

  1. Resolution Measures Committee Decision on Application of Sale of Business Tool to Cooperative Bank of Peloponnese · 2015-12-18
  2. Resolution Measures Committee Decision Authorising New TT Hellenic Postbank S.A. as Interim Credit Institution · 2013-01-22

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This guide is compiled automatically from 2 primary-source documents published by Greece's regulators, reviewed by RegAlert, and refreshed monthly (last updated 2026-07-12). It is not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the regulator or local counsel before acting.