In 2015, TEHA created the Cashless Society Community
A high-level platform to generate ideas and content regarding cashless payments and promote constructive discussion between the business community and institutions in the spirit of developing concrete actions to benefit the nation.
The Observatory of the Cashless Society Community offers an overview on the dissemination of electronic payments in the world, in Europe and in Italy.
11th edition
After celebrating 10 years of activity, the Community continued its analysis of the scenario and trends in cashless payments in Italy, Europe, and worldwide, updating the Community Indices and key economic and employment data related to the digital payments supply chain, with a focus on added value, investments, and professional skills.
Between 2025 and 2026, the working group, together with its Partners, held Advisory Board meetings and thematic workshops to develop a number of vertical business cases of interest and commented on topics that were suggested by participants at previous Forums. The results were presented during the annual Forum, held at Villa d'Este in Cernobbio on Thursday, March 26, 2026, on the eve of the Workshop “The Economic and Financial Scenario.”
In addition to presenting the Community's 2026 Report and proposals for Italy's cashless transition, the participants discussed the transformation of payment systems, regulatory developments and service innovation, policies and initiatives for ecosystem development, and how to build a digital payment culture to strengthen financial inclusion and accessibility.
Morning sessions
Afternoon sessions
What does cashless mean?
A "cashless society" is one in which "cash, in the form of physical banknotes and coins, is not accepted in any financial transaction" (source: Britannica). A cashless payment is made by card or electronic payment and ensures a greater traceability, transparency, and security.
Through the #CashlessRevolution campaing we inform and create awareness around benefits and misbeliefs on electronic payments.
Read all previous Reports
- Report 2025 - Towards a Cashless Italy: use cases and the role of citizens, companies, and merchants
- Report 2024 - Towards a Cashless Italy: use cases and the role of citizens, companies, and merchants
- Report 2023 - Accelerating the cashless transition for the country: enablers, use cases and future perspectives
- Report 2022 - Towards a Cashless Italy: opportunities offered by the NRRP and innovative trends
- Report 2021 - Cashless Italy: Changes in progress and outlook for the future
- Report 2020 - Towards the Cashless Revolution: progress made in Italy and what remains to be done
- Report 2019 - Cashless revolution: where we stand and what remains to be done for Italy
- Report 2018 - Cashless revolution: where we stand and what remains to be done for Italy
- Report 2017 - Cashless revolution: where we stand and what remains to be done for Italy
- Report 2016 - Cashless revolution: where we stand and what remains to be done for Italy
Cashless payment instruments are playing an increasingly central role in business and society. Italy can narrow the digital gap with other European countries by taking advantage of the opportunities offered by cashless payment systems to obtain major benefits: enhanced transaction security, reduction in the cost of money, surfacing of the underground economy and stimulus for consumption and business.
Main Partners
Partners
