On June 4, 2025, it was that time again: the Germany Banking Industry Committee to GBIC 2025, and over 200 guests from banks, retail sector, fintech companies, politics, and the media accepted the invitation to the Von Greifswald in Berlin. The unique location of a converted freight depot not only provided an atmospheric setting, but also served once again as a platform for intensive exchange, inspiring ideas, and forward-looking discussions on payment services Germany and Europe.
The evening before, many participants used the traditional get-together to hold initial discussions and get in the mood for the extensive program. With 17 speakers, a trio of moderators and a clear focus on content, GBIC Info offered orientation, an overview and points of contact for the challenges and opportunities of a changing payment ecosystem in the usual way.
Safety first: cyber resilience as a common goal
The morning was all about digital security - and this common thread deliberately ran through several keynotes and impulses. At a time when cyber attacks are on the rise and digital attack surfaces are becoming more widespread, it is clear that security is not a
technical measure, but a social and strategic task.
Kolja Gabriel, Head of Policy and Innovation at the German Banking Association, summed it up in his keynote speech: payment services caught between technological progress, growing competition, and a present threat. True resilience can only be achieved if all parties involved—banks, technical service providers, network provider the retail sector work closely together. "Together" was therefore not only the motto of his speech, but also the guiding principle that ran through the entire event.
The presentation by Thomas von der Gathen (PSA) was particularly impressive, as he made it clear that cyber security cannot be achieved through regulation alone - people remain the most vulnerable link in the chain. Whether social engineering or digital investment fraud: Protection comes from structured prevention, open communication about cases of fraud and a common stance against manipulation. His message: "Just start - and don't wait for the perfect solution."
Pierre du Bois (classifieds) also made it clear how vulnerable digital ecosystems can be. The classifieds market not only brings (sellers) buyers together, but also victims and fraudsters. Phishing remains the most common form of fraud, far ahead of scamming or malware. What is particularly alarming is that even those who are aware of the dangers rarely change their own behavior. The solution? Projects such as the "Digital Internet Driving License (DiF)", which aims to promote digital education for everyone - regardless of their level of education or social background.
Focus girocard : Innovation meets trust
In addition to the topic of security, the afternoon agenda focused in particular payment services trends and developments in payment services —and with them numerous highlights relating to girocard.
Several sessions and presentations made it clear that girocard and will remain a central component of German payment services. Both the review of its integration into mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and new ideas for customer loyalty from partners such as Payback and the Sparkassen how versatile girocard is girocard —and what potential it has.
The BVR representatives also had exciting news to share. After a brief digression on European standards and the Digital Market Act by Matthias Hönisch, David Paul promised that they would soon be integrating the digital girocard into their VR Banking app.
Another highlight was a digital interview with Gunnar Hartmann (SumUp), who announced girocard in SumUp terminals in his video message. This expansion marks an important step in the spread girocard mobile payment environment—especially for smaller merchants and service providers who rely on flexible and cost-efficient solutions.
In addition, Umweltbank contributed its perspective, emphasizing the importance of introducing girocard its own account model. Marion Bernhard-Tischler explained that they will soon be offering their customers a checking account for the first time and will therefore also be issuing Germany's most popular debit card. She emphasized that, especially when it comes to sustainable banking services, it is essential to focus on trust, widespread use, and sovereignty when it comes to payment methods – three characteristics that girocard .
Between technology and regulations
Pia Heßner (BVR) also contributed to the technical development of the girocard system with her presentation. Under the title "Giro API - What can it do? Who is it for?" she presented the new interface, which enables third-party providers to integrate girocard-based payment solutions more easily into their applications.
The program was rounded off with a practical look at the upcoming regulatory developments in Europe. Whether PSD3, the digital euro, eIDAS or instant payment - the legal framework is changing rapidly.
GBIC Info 2025 managed to present these complex topics in a compact format and make them tangible. Once again, it became clear that regulation and innovation should not be mutually exclusive - on the contrary. If you want to design sovereign and secure payment systems, you have to help shape them at an early stage and consistently consider the European perspective.
Conclusion: collaboration is the key
GBIC 2025 has once again demonstrated how diverse, dynamic, and challenging the payment services . But it has also shown what makes it strong: the willingness to cooperate, a clear commitment to security and sovereignty—and a payment method that everyone can use: girocard.
With over 200 guests, committed speakers and exciting practical examples, the event offered orientation and exchange in equal measure. It strengthened existing networks and provided new impetus - exactly what is needed to enable secure, confident and user-friendly payments in Germany in the future.
And best of all: we'll see you again! The next GBIC Info will take place on June 23 and 24, 2026 - again at the "Von Greifswald" in Berlin.
