Handelswatch has published an article about The Nordic Summit 2026, where the Nordic's leading retail companies come together to define future competitiveness in a rapidly changing market. The summit addresses a fundamental question: Who will shape customer relationships in an age of artificial intelligence, global platforms, and geopolitical uncertainty? This is the challenge every major Nordic retail company is grappling with right now. For the third consecutive year, Nordi

At the first-ever GS1 Nordic Summit in Oslo, Nordic Initiative was invited to share how stronger alignment between merchants, GS1 and nexo standards can help create more efficient, interoperable and cost-effective customer journeys across the Nordics. The GS1 Nordic Summit brought together approximately 450 participants from across the Nordic region, highlighting the growing importance of common standards in an increasingly interconnected retail ecosystem. Representing Nordic

David Birch, Senior Research Fellow at King's College London Business School and one of Europe's leading voices on payments and digital identity, will deliver a keynote at Nordic Summit October 28-29. Birch will address how Nordic retailers can prepare for AI-driven payments and what payment resilience means when autonomous agents enter the transaction flow. As Non-Executive Chairman of Digiseq and board-level advisor to companies including OneID, PaymentWorks, Au10tix, and K

The Nordic Initiative participated in the nexo standards General Assembly in Brussels, joining industry leaders from across Europe to discuss the future of payments, interoperability and standardisation. As part of the programme, Nordic Initiative CEO Iren Tranvaag delivered a keynote on the Nordic merchant journey and the work being carried out through the Merchant Advisory Committee (MAC), highlighting how merchants can contribute more directly to future payment infrastruct

Idar Kreutzer, Special Advisor at NHO and member of the Norwegian government's Transformation Commission, will deliver a keynote at Nordic Summit October 28-29. Kreutzer will address how the Nordics translate European ambitions in payments and agentic AI into practical, scalable infrastructure. With his background as former CEO of Finance Norway and Group CEO of Storebrand, Kreutzer brings a unique perspective on the interplay between regulation, technology, and implementatio

To mark International Women’s Day 2026 , our CEO Iren Tranvåg joined nexo standards for a conversation about her journey in the payments industry and the importance of creating opportunities for the best talent to thrive. In the interview, Iren shares reflections on the challenges she has navigated throughout her career and how the payments industry continues to evolve. She also highlights practical steps organizations can take to make the industry more inclusive and offers

Eric Marcus Torkildsen, Head of Identity and Payments at Rema1000 At the February meetup, Erik Marcus Torkildsen gave a status update on the "Standardisation and Interoperability" initiative, one of the most concrete workstreams currently underway in Nordic Initiative. His message was clear: Nordic retailers must move faster, and they must move together. "Nordic retailers have to cooperate on matters where we do not compete. We have a shared interest in ensuring efficient p

Nordic Initiative AS has been formally approved as an Associate Member of nexo standards in the Acceptors category. This gives Nordic merchants a structured and formal channel to influence global payment acceptance standards. A Clear Merchant Voice Through MAC Our engagement will take place through the Merchant Advisory Committee (MAC). MAC is an independent advisory forum that guides the nexo Board on standardisation topics relevant to retailers. Its mission is clear: To art

On February 4, leading Nordic merchants gathered at NHO to address one core challenge: How do we move from fragmented, scheme-driven solutions to merchant- and customer-centric standards that work seamlessly across channels, devices and borders? Chief Economist Øystein Dørum opened the session with a strong reminder of the value of cooperation in uncertain times — setting the tone for a discussion focused on coordinated Nordic action. The conversations confirmed a clear messa

The year begins with strong engagement among Nordic Initiative members in Oslo , with the meeting hosted by NHO . At a time of increasing complexity and uncertainty, the focus is on what truly drives progress: Nordic alignment, shared foundations, and the ability to turn intent into concrete action. The February meeting brings together members to explore several key topics shaping Nordic retail towards 2026: standardisation and interoperability moving from fragmentation to co

Thank you for a strong year defined by trust, engagement, and clear progress. Together, we have strengthened Nordic Initiative as a united and ambitious Nordic Tier 1 group - with a growing voice in shaping the future of retail. As we move into 2026, momentum is high. Nordic Initiative is being further strengthened as a clear, unifying Nordic brand, firmly anchored with our members and key external stakeholders. Together, we shape shared solutions, set direction, and cont

Day 2 took us deep into the forces reshaping retail – from building resilient payment systems in collaboration between retailers and central banks, to understanding how digital wallets are evolving into central hubs for loyalty and customer engagement.

When executives from Nordic retailers meet at The Nordic Summit, they will be joined by representatives from the European and Nordic central banks to discuss how central bank digital currencies (CBDC) can strengthen resilience in an uncertain world.

We have been given insights from leading experts within technology shifts that transform the retail sectors. And several companies have shared best practices in how they adapt to future consumer expectiations and behavior.

The Nordic Retail Summit is back in Malmö this October with one clear theme: The Consumer of the Future. Tomorrow’s customers are rewriting the rules of retail - demanding trust, loyalty, speed, and seamless experiences powered by AI.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) plays a vital role in shaping the future of global aviation, bringing together over 300 airlines and key players in payments and commerce. On June 24, Nordic Initiative was honored to participate in IATA Payment Day.

Our June meetup in Stockholm brought together Nordic retailers and partners to align on next steps for the Nordic Merchant Service Framework. Lars Erik Fjørtoft (PwC), our Project Manager for the framework and ongoing initiatives, opened the day by outlining a structured path for growth and strategic partnerships, followed by an engaging merchant group discussion.

The Nordic Initiative has established a strategic partnership with nexo standards to transform payment systems across the Nordic Tier 1 consumer- facing industries. This collaboration aims to develop standardized payment solutions to benefit businesses and consumers throughout the region. The partnership unites major Tier 1 members of The Nordic Initiative across industries and Nordic borders to create payment solutions that enhance merchant flexibility while improving custo

We are proud to highlight and celebrate our partner and sponsor Market Pay, who has once again demonstrated their leadership in payment...

The countdown has begun! The Nordic Initiative Summit 2025 is an exclusive gathering of the region’s top retailers, banks, and policymakers,