European fintech firm Sola has teamed up with Salt Edge to strengthen open banking and payment options across the continent. Announced on October 20, 2025, this partnership integrates Salt Edge’s technology to connect merchants to thousands of banks, promising quicker and safer transactions for businesses.
What the Partnership Means for Open Banking
This collaboration comes at a time when open banking is gaining traction in Europe, driven by regulations like PSD2 that encourage secure data sharing between banks and third parties. Sola, known for its payments gateway, now taps into Salt Edge’s vast network to offer instant account-to-account payments.
By linking with Salt Edge’s Payment Initiation Solution, Sola can reach over 5,000 banks in more than 50 countries. This move addresses common pain points like slow transaction times and high fees in cross-border payments.
Experts in the fintech space note that such partnerships are crucial as Europe pushes for instant payments under the Instant Payments Regulation, set to fully roll out by late 2025. The timing aligns with growing demand for seamless financial services amid rising e-commerce.
Key Benefits for Merchants and Businesses
Merchants stand to gain from faster processing, which could cut down settlement times from days to seconds. This is especially useful for high-volume sectors like retail and online services, where speed directly impacts customer satisfaction.
Security remains a top priority, with the integration ensuring compliance with strict European standards. Businesses can now handle payments without building their own complex systems, saving on development costs.
Here are some standout advantages:
- Access to a broad bank network without multiple integrations.
- Reduced fraud risks through advanced verification tools.
- Scalable solutions for growing enterprises entering new markets.
In recent months, similar fintech tie-ups have shown success. For instance, other platforms have reported up to 30 percent faster transaction speeds after adopting open banking tech.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Jūlija Pandeva, Sola’s Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the strategic fit. She explained that Salt Edge’s expertise in regulations helps Sola deliver reliable infrastructure for modern payment needs.
On the other side, Virgiliu Bodrug from Salt Edge praised Sola’s innovative approach. He noted that combining their open banking rails with Sola’s gateway paves the way for smoother money movement across Europe.
These views echo broader industry trends. At events like the Open Banking Expo UK and Europe in October 2025, leaders discussed how such alliances are key to overcoming market fragmentation.
Fintech analysts predict this could accelerate adoption of alternative payments, with projections showing open banking transactions in Europe reaching 100 billion euros by 2027.
How It Fits into Europe’s Fintech Landscape
Europe’s fintech scene is buzzing with activity in 2025, from stablecoin launches on blockchains like Solana to new APIs for corporate accounts. This partnership builds on that momentum, offering tools that rival traditional banking.
For comparison, here’s a quick look at features from major open banking providers:
| Provider | Bank Connections | Key Feature | Regions Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Edge | 5,000+ | Payment Initiation | 50+ countries |
| Competitor A | 4,000+ | Data Aggregation | EU only |
| Competitor B | 3,500+ | Verification of Payee | UK and Nordics |
This table shows Salt Edge’s edge in connectivity, which Sola leverages for broader reach.
As digital payments evolve, initiatives like this could help small businesses compete with giants, especially in underserved areas.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
With the partnership now live, early adopters are testing the enhanced gateway. Industry watchers expect it to support innovations like real-time DeFi applications and borderless transfers.
Challenges remain, such as navigating varying national rules, but the duo’s focus on compliance positions them well. By 2026, experts forecast a 25 percent increase in open banking users in Europe, fueled by partnerships like this.
This development ties into global trends, including Solana’s push into European markets with staking products and multi-currency support.
What do you think about this fintech shift? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow business owners who might benefit.
