Doing Payments Differently in DACH | Computop | Nexi Roadshow: Bits & Pretzels Munich

Doing payments differently in DACH.

The Nexi Roadshow has the latest insights on payments and e-commerce in the DACH region and for our first interview from Munich, we spoke to Henning Brandt, Chief Communication Officer at Computop. 

Brandt shared his thoughts on Computop’s vision for the e-commerce market, particularly in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), while offering a broader view of the changing landscape of payments and technology.

There’s talk about the impact of regulatory changes like PSD2, and Computop’s ongoing partnership with Nexi to optimize payments for large enterprises and SMEs.

Longstanding technology company

Brandt has been in the business for a long time. His wealth of experience provides him with a unique perspective on the evolution of the payments industry, especially in Germany, where traditional payment methods like paying on invoice remain popular despite the global shift towards digital solutions.

Computop have also been key players in the local e-commerce market for some time too. They hold an impressive 35% share of the market in terms of e-commerce turnover. Founded in 1997 by Frank Arnold and Ralf Gladys, Computop was born in the early days of e-commerce and has grown alongside the industry. Their primary focus has been on securing and simplifying payments, making them more convenient for both consumers and merchants. As they continue to innovate, Computop aims to maintain its strong position and introduce smoother, more user-friendly payment options in the DACH region.

DACH region difference

Brandt goes on to explain the key differentiating factors of the DACH region, including its consumer preference for bank-to-bank payments and paying on invoice, which contrasts with the more card-focused markets of other European countries and the US. Regulatory changes, particularly the introduction of PSD2 and its requirement for two-factor authentication, have played a major role in further shaping the industry.

Brandt notes that while this shift initially posed challenges, it has ultimately improved security and instilled trust in online payments. Looking ahead, the upcoming regulation of instant payments and the Consumer Credit Directive from the European Commission, could have significant impacts on the market, especially regarding installment payments and the traditional pay-on-invoice method that dominates in Germany.

Brandt also touches on how consumer habits have evolved over the years, particularly with the rise of smartphones and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. These technologies have made payments far more convenient, a crucial factor for both consumers and merchants. Security is now seen as a given, but convenience continues to be the game-changer. 

Merchant partnerships

As for what merchants are looking for in a payment provider, Brandt emphasized the need for accessibility and ease of use. For large retailers, enterprises, and banks, integrating payments into complex software ecosystems is essential, and Computop’s job is to make that process seamless. Payments must fit smoothly into the broader business operations, whether it’s for consumer transactions or internal processes.

We were also pleased to hear about the importance of partnerships, particularly with Nexi. Computop and Nexi have had a long-standing relationship, dating back over 20 years, and this partnership has been essential in delivering comprehensive payment solutions, including credit card acceptance. With their enhanced partnership, Computop and Nexi are looking to offer new services and expand their reach, especially in areas like financial services and the SME sector, where Nexi can bring additional expertise.

It’s a brilliant addition to our stop in Munich for Bits & Pretzels and indeed to the wider Nexi Roadshow and should provide some much needed insights into how payments work in this interesting region.