Instant payments in Czechia : Adoption and future trends

This paper analyses the adoption and evolution of the Czech instant payment system (IPS), focusing on its integration into the Czech Express Real Time Interbank Gross Settlement (CERTIS) system. Since 2018, CERTIS has enabled 24/7 CZK fund transfers, boosting transaction efficiency. Voluntary bank participation led to rapid uptake, and by 2024, IPS-participating banks handled over 90 per cent of CERTIS client transactions, with 50 per cent of interbank retail payments processed instantly. Czechia’s IPS stands out for its seamless bank integration, high reliability and flexible limits. It also outperforms priority payments for lower-value transactions. The paper also examines emerging cyber-security risks linked to instant payments, highlighting how growing fraud threats influence system design, transaction limits and the development of preventive measures. Finally, paper explores future developments, including cross-border payments and links to central bank digital currencies. This article is also included in the Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.