Transition to PSR & PSD3 Diana Kučerová 12. 1. 2026

Strong Customer Authentication: Transition to PSR & PSD3

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Transition to PSR & PSD3

Are you ready for the new EU standards for SCA?

While the PSD2 directive introduced the Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) standard and gave rise to modern mobile keys, the new PSR regulation pushes the boundaries of security and accessibility even further.

It builds on a proven combination of factors that verify your identity, but introduces fundamental changes in the obligation to offer alternatives to smartphones.

The basis of SCA remains the compliance of at least two of the following pillars:

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Knowledge

Traditional authentication using information you know – typically a password or PIN.

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Possession

A physical object in your hands, such as a HW token, smart card, or smartphone.

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Inherence

Your unique biometric features – most commonly fingerprint, FaceID, or behavioral biometrics.

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Use of SCA
Strong Customer Authentication must be used when a client:
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Accesses their payment account online;
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Accesses payment account information;
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Initiates a payment order for an electronic payment transaction (including direct debits and subscriptions according to Art. 85);
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Any remote action with a risk of payment fraud or other misuse.

If a financial institution fails to provide the necessary services for strong customer authentication, it bears full responsibility for any resulting financial losses. According to Article 58 (PSR), providers are in such cases obliged to compensate all affected parties for damages.

When will PSD3 and PSR become effective?

Q1–Q2 2026 | Final political agreement
Expected conclusion of the legislative process at the EU level.

2026–2027 | PSR Regulation in force
The regulation becomes effective immediately upon publication in the Official Journal of the EU (expected: mid-2026).

2027–2028 | Full application of PSD3
Deadline for transposition of the directive into the national legislation of member states (typically 18–24 months from approval).

Providers must not make strong authentication (SCA) conditional on a single method, nor directly or indirectly require ownership of a smartphone.

What are the options beyond a mobile token?

Monet+ offers proven solutions that allow banks to fulfill the obligation of alternative SCA methods and ensure the highest security:

SmartCard

A chip card with the possibility of expanding functionalities (QSCD).

USBToken

A hardware key in the form of a USB flash drive (QSCD).

OTPToken

A device generating one-time passwords/codes.

BYOK+ desktop application

Support for clients’ own FIDO2 tokens (e.g., Thales, Yubico) with the provision of a banking client application for authorizations.

A Trusted Partner
How does Monet+ help?

Our solutions are designed for full compliance with the strictest PSD3/PSR requirements, emphasizing security and user comfort.

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HW Supply and Personalization

We own a personalization line located in the Czech Republic for SmartCard, USB, and OTP tokens.

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Targeted HW Distribution

We send tokens directly to your clients worldwide. We can ensure that tokens reach your clients' hands securely and on time.

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Software Ecosystem

Comprehensive tools for token management and their integration into the banking environment.

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Support for Standards

Easy integration of client applications and support for external keys (BYOK).

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Find out how we can help you with a timely transition to the new PSR standards.
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