The Future of Payments Infrastructure: From SEPA to Safeguarding Accounts

Why Payments Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever

Global commerce is changing. Businesses today don’t just operate in one country; they scale across multiple jurisdictions, serving clients, partners, and investors around the world. To support this growth, companies need robust payments infrastructure — systems that can move money quickly, securely, and in compliance with complex regulations.

For fintechs, EMIs, PSPs, and corporates, having the right infrastructure isn’t a luxury — it’s the foundation of growth. From SEPA membership in Europe to safeguarding accounts for regulated institutions, these tools unlock scale, credibility, and stability.

SEPA Access: The European Standard

The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has become the backbone of European financial transactions. With SEPA, businesses can send and receive euro payments seamlessly across 36 countries, at the same cost and speed as domestic transfers.

For fintechs and financial institutions, SEPA access offers:

Speed: Settlements typically clear within one business day.
Cost efficiency: Avoids heavy international wire fees.
Market credibility: Being SEPA-enabled signals compliance and professionalism to clients and partners.

But gaining SEPA membership is not easy. Institutions must either:

Secure direct membership with a clearing system, or
Partner with a sponsor bank or payments institution that provides indirect access.

This creates opportunities for advisory firms like Sodalite Capital, who understand both the regulatory hurdles and the right connections to establish SEPA capability.

Correspondent Banking and Beyond

Even with SEPA, companies often need global reach. This is where correspondent banking comes in. By establishing relationships with banks in key jurisdictions, companies gain access to SWIFT networks, cross-border transfers, and liquidity pools.

Different jurisdictions offer unique advantages:

UK – Strong for licensed APIs and EMIs.
Switzerland & Luxembourg – Excellent for EU/EEA licensed payments companies.
Lithuania & Latvia – Attractive for EMIs and offshore-friendly banking.
Singapore – A leading hub for Asia-Pacific connectivity.

The right correspondent accounts provide businesses with the ability to scale across continents without relying on a single banking partner.

Safeguarding Accounts: Building Client Trust

For regulated payment institutions, safeguarding accounts are a legal requirement. These accounts ensure that client funds are fully segregated from company funds, protecting customers in the event of insolvency.

But safeguarding is more than just compliance — it’s also about trust. Clients, investors, and regulators all want reassurance that their money is secure. A company with well-structured safeguarding accounts is more likely to win customers, pass audits, and maintain long-term credibility.

The Future: Integrated Infrastructure

The future of payments is not about individual components, but about integration. Companies will need:

SEPA for European operations
Correspondent accounts for global transfers
Safeguarding structures for compliance and trust
White-label card programs and Visa/Mastercard partnerships to expand customer offerings

Those who can bring these elements together into a seamless infrastructure will have a clear competitive advantage.

How Sodalite Capital Helps

At Sodalite Capital, we advise fintechs, PSPs, EMIs, and corporates on building end-to-end payments infrastructure. Our expertise includes:

SEPA membership access
Correspondent account opening across Europe, Asia, and offshore hubs
Safeguarding account setup
White-label card programs and SWIFT BIC code activations

We don’t just open doors — we design long-term, scalable solutions that position our clients for growth in an increasingly competitive global payments environment.

Let’s Build Your Infrastructure

If your business is ready to scale, the right payments infrastructure is non-negotiable. Don’t wait until regulators or counterparties force your hand — plan for success now.

contact@sodalitecapital.com