The Role of Cards in The Future of Payments - February 12, 2026 - Brussels

Instant payments, real-time account-to-account solutions, digital wallets and new forms of digital money are moving from PowerPoint to production. In that world, cards risk becoming the invisible utility in the background, or, in the worst case, a stranded legacy product.

For decades, cards have been the workhorse of everyday commerce and a reliable profit engine for banks. Today, that model is under pressure: regulators challenge fees, merchants push for cheaper rails, and customers increasingly don’t care what is behind the tap or click.

This executive round table, in partnership with FIS, brings together a select group of senior banking leaders to address a simple but uncomfortable question: what is the future of cards in the payments ecosystem?

Why join this executive round table?

At this closed-door dinner session, you will:

• Challenge how card strategy remains relevant in a world of instant payments, wallets, and alternative payment methods.
• Confront key strategic risks: disintermediation from new schemes, margin reduction, regulatory challenges, and changing customer behaviour.
• Share candid opinions with peers from top banks and payment companies in an informal, high-level environment, under the Chatham House Rule.

Participation is strictly limited to ensure a focused, interactive discussion.

Format and setting

• Format: Moderated executive round table over dinner
• Location: De Warande, Rue Zinner 1, 1000 Brussels
• Date & time: February 12, 18:30 – 22:00
• Language: English
• Chatham House Rule: Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speakers or any other participant may be revealed.
• Group size: ±10–14 senior participants to enable a genuine dialogue.

The setting of De Warande offers a private and comfortable environment, with space for candid discussion and networking before and after the formal rounds.

Express your interest

This is an invitation-only event, and seats are reserved for Benelux-based executives and decision-makers responsible for all aspects of cards, payments, strategy and innovation. If you would like to participate or nominate a colleague to attend, please get in touch here to discuss if this is the right fit for you.