New Delhi, October 3, 2025– In a bold step toward launching one of Europe’s most ambitious financial innovations, the European Central Bank (ECB) has chosen Portuguese artificial intelligence firm Feedzai to guard the digital euro against fraud and cybercrime. The move signals a major milestone in the ECB’s push to build a secure, resilient digital currency backed by central bank trust.
The high-value contract worth up to €237.3 million (approximately $278.7 million) positions Feedzai at the core of the ECB’s digital euro infrastructure. Over an initial four-year term, with the potential for a 15-year extension, the fintech firm will develop cutting-edge AI tools to monitor and detect suspicious activity in real time, ensuring that every transaction in the future digital euro system is protected.
Partnering with consulting giant PwC, Feedzai will create an intelligent surveillance system capable of analysing billions of digital wallet transactions. The technology will flag abnormal behaviour such as sudden changes in user habits or unexpected patterns, enabling payment providers to instantly approve or block transactions with precision and speed.
“The success of the digital euro depends on more than just convenience; it must be secure, trustworthy, and immune to manipulation,” the ECB said in a statement. “By bringing in advanced AI expertise, we’re laying the foundation for a safe digital future.”
The ECB’s decision comes as central banks worldwide race to launch digital currencies. Unlike private-sector giants such as Visa and Mastercard, or U.S.-backed stablecoins tied to the dollar, the digital euro is designed to be a sovereign, public-good payment option independent, inclusive, and anchored in European values.
Feedzai’s appointment is part of a broader framework of contracts supporting the digital euro’s architecture. The ECB has awarded five major contracts, each focused on different components of the system, with values ranging from €27.6 million to €220.7 million. Among the selected companies is French IT leader Capgemini, which has played a prominent role in the early testing of digital euro prototypes.
However, these deals are currently part of a preparatory framework. Actual payments will only begin once the digital euro receives formal approval from European lawmakers, a decision expected by mid-2026. If approved, the currency could roll out across the eurozone as early as 2029.
For Feedzai, the ECB contract marks a watershed moment. Already a global leader in AI-powered risk management, the Lisbon-based company processes nearly $8 trillion in transactions annually for clients including Novobanco in Portugal and Wio Bank in Abu Dhabi.
Adding to its momentum, Feedzai also announced on Thursday a fresh $75 million investment round led by Lince Capital, Iberis Capital, and Explorer Investments, a strong vote of confidence in the company’s expanding influence in global digital finance.
This latest development sends a clear message: Europe is not just preparing for a digital currency, it’s determined to build one that is secure, sovereign, and future-proof. The ECB’s partnership with Feedzai underscores a broader ambition to establish technological independence and shield the eurozone’s financial system from external vulnerabilities.
With AI-driven fraud detection at the core of its design, the digital euro aims to set a new global benchmark for safe and efficient public money. As the ECB moves closer to turning its digital vision into reality, the focus will remain on building public trust, regulatory clarity, and a strong technological foundation.
Whether Europe’s lawmakers give the final green light in 2026 remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: with Feedzai on board, the digital euro project is no longer just an idea; it’s a rapidly advancing strategy to redefine the future of money in the eurozone.
