The Electronic Money Association (EMA) is a prominent European trade body representing electronic money issuers and payment institutions across Europe. Established in October 2001, the EMA has grown to become the industry’s collective voice, advocating for the interests of its members before EU regulators, policymakers, and international organizations. Its membership base includes electronic money institutions, payment institutions, third-party payment service providers, and cryptoasset service providers, reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of digital payments and financial technology in Europe.
The EMA plays a crucial role in shaping regulatory frameworks affecting the payments industry. It actively engages in dialogue with EU institutions, responds to regulatory proposals, and establishes industry guidelines to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative development of electronic money and payment services. The association is also a key participant in policy discussions on major EU files, such as the Payment Services Directives, the Anti-Money Laundering Directives, the Electronic Money Directive, the Digital Operational Resilience Regulation, and the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.
EMA’s organizational structure is inclusive, with decisions made in plenary sessions where all members have an equal say. Subcommittees and working groups address specialist areas such as money laundering, fraud, and IT security, feeding their findings into the larger association. The EMA also organizes annual conferences and regular meetings, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and industry networking.
Since its registration with the EU Transparency Register in September 2012, the EMA has demonstrated a commitment to transparency and good governance. Its lobbying activities are primarily funded through flat-rate membership fees, and the association’s expenditures are dedicated to staff costs and advocacy efforts. The EMA maintains strong affiliations with key sectoral organizations and participates in several European Commission expert groups, ensuring its members’ perspectives are well-represented in EU policy development.
