Sopra Steria at the heart of transformations in digital identity and payments
Digital identity in Europe is still in its infancy. In several countries, there is no electronic equivalent to the paper identity document issued by the state. Generally speaking, user authentication is highly heterogeneous, with multiple identifiers, passwords and so on. The result: a fragmented user experience, increased risks of fraud and disclosure of personal data
With the eIDAS2 regulation adopted in 2024, Europe is introducing a paradigm shift: the issuance by states of digital identity credentials, which will be stored and managed in secure digital wallets ("ID Wallet"). Eventually, these ID wallets will also manage other identity documents (driving licenses, diplomas, banking documents, etc.)
eIDAS2 and ID Wallet: a revolution in identity
Unlike current systems, based on databases managed by centralized players, eIDAS2 digital identity is based on decentralized technology. Each user retains full control over his or her data, and decides what information to share and with whom. This approach reduces the risk of cyber-attacks, limits dependence on a trusted third party and protects privacy, while guaranteeing Europe-wide interoperability.
Its use will be recognized by all administrations and companies in Europe, making administrative and banking procedures accessible in just a few clicks. No more need to send a copy of your ID or multiply your supporting documents: the eIDAS2 digital identity becomes a universal and secure access key to numerous services.
Concrete uses for banking
From November 2026, every member state will have to offer an eIDAS2 digital identity and at least one ID Wallet to its citizens. And from November 2027, banks will be legally obliged to accept this identity in their customer journeys. This adoption will revolutionize the way banks interact with their users, transforming the banking experience by offering new uses and in particular :
1. Simplified KYC and pathways
With digital identity, identity verification (KYC - Know Your Customer) can be carried out in a matter of seconds, thanks to secure and instantaneous sharing of the necessary data.
2. Smoother, more payments
ID Wallet could simplify the shopping experience by combining payment and identity. Indeed, there are many situations where this combination would be very useful: age could be automatically verified for regulated purchases, discounts applied without proof of address or identity, and transactions requiring control (such as the purchase of airline tickets with a visa) would be made more fluid.
3. Enhanced security and reduced
Digital identity introduces strong, forgery-proof authentication, considerably reducing the risk of fraud. By limiting data sharing to what is strictly necessary, it reduces the risk of identity theft and phishing.
However, the integration of eIDAS2 digital identity and multiple ID Wallets also represents a major challenge for banks, requiring technical and organizational adaptations. They will have to update their systems to guarantee interoperability and compliance with eIDAS2, and rethink their customer paths to take full advantage of the new uses, while supporting users in this transition. Establishments that anticipate these changes will gain a competitive edge by offering smoother, more secure services.
LSP: a key phase for deployment
To prepare for the widespread introduction of eIDAS2 digital identity, the European authorities have organized Large-Scale Pilots (LSPs). These operations help to validate concrete uses in compliance with eIDAS2, and to highlight the associated technological challenges.
Sopra Steria is fully involved in this dynamic by participating in the Aptitude consortium, one of the two new LSPs. Alongside other players in the financial industry, its role will be to explore and structure payment-related use cases. Thanks to its expertise in business consulting and technological integration, Sopra Steria is helping to define the operational models needed to industrialize the future eIDAS2 digital identity.
Building s digital trust
eIDAS2 digital identity is not just a technological innovation: it is shaping a new digital ecosystem of trust, where citizens regain control of their identity and businesses gain in security and efficiency.
For users, this means a simplified experience, enhanced data protection and less red tape.
For banks, it's an opportunity to optimize processes, cut costs and offer innovative, secure services.
As a strategic partner, Sopra Steria is supporting this transformation and helping economic players to prepare for this revolution now. Like bankcards and IBANs in their day, eIDAS2 digital identity and ID Wallets will become an essential service. Those who anticipate this transformation will be ahead of the game