From AI to self-service: payments in 2026 according to John Kolthof (CCV)

(Advertorial) Payments in Belgium are changing faster than ever. For Belgian retailers, this presents both opportunities and challenges. How can they adapt to these changes without losing customers?

“Invisible and personal”

Digital wallets, instant payments and stricter security requirements have set the tone since 2025, but 2026 brings a new wave of innovation. Transactions are becoming faster and more secure, but also more personal and almost invisible.

John Kolthof, Chief Commercial Officer at CCV, sees a clear shift in the world of payments: “In 2026, the payment experience will become invisible and personal. Convenience, security and speed are no longer extras – they are the new standard. Companies that combine these three pillars will win the trust of their customers and, with it, revenue and loyalty.”

The Belgian payments market in transition

This outlook is in line with a series of concrete developments in the payments landscape. The Belgian market is undergoing a radical transformation. The mobile payment app Payconiq is being phased out, with Bancontact QR taking its place – a move that is forcing consumers and merchants to adapt to a new standard for mobile payments. At the same time, a European player is emerging: WERO. From 2026, this solution will not only enable fast payments but also simplify invoice processing.

Developed by European banks, WERO aims to provide a uniform, secure and user-friendly solution for both in-store and online transactions. It positions itself as a counterbalance to international giants such as Apple Pay and Google Pay and as a response to the fragmentation of payment methods in Europe.

Bancontact’s role in the Belgian market

Bancontact remains a key player in Belgian payments, with an increasing number of real-time transactions and strong digital integration. At the same time, the National Bank of Belgium is fully committed to innovation and supports initiatives such as WERO and A2A payments. This approach ensures that Belgium not only keeps pace with the European payments revolution, but is even leading the way in some areas.

“Belgians are both discerning and loyal,” says John Kolthof. “If a solution works, they stick with it. Our job is to ensure it always works: quickly, securely and simply.”

CCV as a guide through the transition

For payment solutions provider CCV, this evolution is crucial. The company ensures that retailers and service providers make a smooth transition to the new standard by preparing terminals and software for QR payments.

“The QR experience is becoming simpler and more consistent,” says John. “We ensure that customers switch easily and immediately see the benefits: less friction, more convenience.”

CCV makes payments simple and future-proof. Whilst others emphasise a single aspect, CCV combines ease of use with strong security and a flexible system. This enables Belgian businesses to embrace new payment methods without having to completely overhaul their infrastructure. John sums it up: “We turn innovation into an opportunity, not a risk.”

So much more than just a payment moment

According to Kolthof, it is no longer about the ‘payment moment’, but about a seamless, integrated experience. “Design the experience first; the payment will follow naturally,” he explains. “Businesses that enable seamless payments gain time, trust and repeat purchases.”

Self-service as the norm

“We’re only at the beginning of this revolution,” says John. “Self-service will become the standard by 2026. Customers increasingly want to pay for themselves – whether it’s coffee machines, beer dispensers, parking or couriers processing payments on the spot.”

“Self-service is no longer a gimmick, but an expectation,” he adds. “Those who let customers choose where and when they pay will see satisfaction levels rise. Those who lag behind will lose ground to competitors who do offer this.”

Digital wallets

By 2026, more than 60 per cent of people will be using a digital wallet, and this trend is accelerating in Belgium, with Bancontact as a key player. Customers expect to be able to pay with their smartphone anywhere – both in-store and online.

“Retailers must offer this,” says Kolthof. “Not because it sounds modern, but because customers will otherwise stay away. Wallet integration is a basic expectation. Ensure your terminal supports all services, such as meal vouchers, as well as future innovations. A terminal must work not only today, but also tomorrow.”

AI-driven payments

Virtual assistants will not only handle the shopping process but also manage payments. The result: fewer abandoned shopping trolleys, happier customers, higher conversion rates and stronger loyalty. “AI connects separate steps into a single seamless experience,” explains John. “Payments follow the customer, not the other way round.”

Security as a priority

All these innovations, from self-service to AI-driven payments, only work if security is guaranteed.

“Electronic payments must never become a risk,” says Kolthof. “That is why we operate under the supervision of the National Bank and continuously test our systems. Terminals that no longer meet the latest standards, such as older Yomani and Verifone models, must be replaced after nine years. It requires investment, but it is crucial to keep payments secure.”

“The aim is to integrate payments seamlessly into the flow, but never at the expense of security,” emphasises Kolthof. “The challenge for 2026 and beyond? Combining innovation and trust. The more invisible payments become, the more visible the responsibility of the providers becomes. In a world where convenience is the norm, security remains the unspoken prerequisite for success.”