Poland: fintech & payments regulation

Regulated

Poland fintech regulated under PSD2/PSD3; KNF oversight; ECB security recs

Lead regulator:: Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)
Key law:: Act on Payment Services (2011) implementing PSD2
Last updated:: 2026-07-12

Poland maintains a fully regulated fintech and payments sector under the national Act on Payment Services, which transposes the EU Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2). The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) serves as the primary supervisor for payment institutions and electronic money institutions.

Payment service providers must obtain authorization from the KNF to operate, adhering to strict capital and governance requirements. The sector is further guided by European standards, including ECB recommendations on strong customer authentication for internet payments.

Recent regulatory direction emphasizes enhanced security measures and harmonization with EU-wide frameworks, including the upcoming PSD3 and DORA regulations, to mitigate fraud and ensure operational resilience.

Who regulates

Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)
Primary supervisor for payment institutions, electronic money institutions, and fintech entities in Poland.

Core laws & rules

Act on Payment Services (2011)
The core national legislation implementing PSD2, governing the provision of payment services and issuance of electronic money.

Licensing & registration

Payment Institution License
Required for entities providing payment services or issuing electronic money. Includes provisions for Payment Institutions (PIs) and Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs).

Restrictions & warnings

Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is mandated for internet payments in line with ECB recommendations and PSD2 requirements to reduce fraud.
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Direction of travel

Regulatory focus remains on security harmonization and compliance with evolving EU directives, including PSD3 and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).

Sources

Recommendations of the European Central Bank on Internet Payment Security · 2013-01-01

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This guide is compiled automatically from 1 primary-source documents published by Poland'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.