Bank Pekao S.A. Selects NCR Atleos Authentic Platform to Modernize Card Payment Infrastructure

Bank Pekao S.A. has selected the NCR Atleos Authentic payment switching platform to modernize its card processing infrastructure. For fintech professionals, this deal signals a significant shift in the Central and Eastern European market as major legacy institutions move toward scalable, software-defined payment environments to support operational resilience and rapid service innovation in a competitive landscape.

What was announced

Bank Pekao S.A., a major financial institution in Central and Eastern Europe, has entered into an agreement with NCR Atleos Corporation to implement the Authentic payment switching platform. This selection is a core component of the bank’s broader strategy to modernize its card payment processing infrastructure. The platform is designed to replace or enhance legacy systems, providing a more flexible and scalable foundation for the bank’s card operations.

The implementation focuses on streamlining existing payment processes while enabling the bank to accelerate the introduction of new payment services. By moving to the Authentic platform, Bank Pekao S.A. aims to improve the efficiency and resilience of its mission-critical card processing environment. The platform is already utilized by various global financial institutions to manage complex payment ecosystems and support evolving customer demands.

This agreement strengthens Atleos’ footprint in the Central and Eastern European region, where there is a growing demand among financial institutions seeking modern alternatives to traditional, rigid payment processing systems. The deployment will support Bank Pekao S.A.’s innovation objectives, ensuring the bank can adapt to the shifting technological requirements of the regional banking market. The agreement highlights a trend of large-scale institutions prioritizing the replacement of legacy payment processing systems with modern, scalable platforms designed to support future growth.

"As one of the leading financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe, we are continuously investing in technologies that enhance efficiency, resilience and innovation across our operations. After a comprehensive evaluation process, we selected the Authentic platform because of its proven capabilities, flexibility and strong track record supporting payment modernization initiatives at financial institutions around the world. We look forward to working with Atleos to advance our infrastructure strategy and support future growth."

Maciej Jopyk, CIO/head of IT, Bank Pekao S.A.

The companies involved

NCR Atleos, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a specialist in self-service financial access and ATM technology. Trading on the NYSE under the ticker NATL, the company operates the largest independently owned ATM network globally and employs approximately 20,000 people. Atleos focuses on improving operational efficiency for financial institutions and retailers while providing digital-first self-service experiences for consumers. The company was recently recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces list, ranking at number 12.

Bank Pekao S.A. is one of the largest financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. Based in Poland, the bank provides a wide range of retail and corporate banking services and is a significant player in the regional financial services market. The bank has a long-standing reputation as one of the most respected banking brands in the region. Its decision to modernize its infrastructure reflects a broader institutional commitment to maintaining technological leadership within the CEE banking sector. Both companies are focused on the intersection of traditional banking infrastructure and modern, software-driven payment solutions.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely followed NCR Atleos’ recent moves to expand its global service footprint and advocate for payment choice. In June 2026, the company secured a multi-year ATM management extension with Shell UK Forecourts, reinforcing its presence in the retail sector. Earlier that month, Atleos announced a partnership with Sesami to drive branch modernization via intelligent cash recycling. The company has also been vocal about the importance of physical financial access, with NCR Atleos applauding New York’s new cash acceptance law as a victory for financial inclusion. Furthermore, the firm recently highlighted its operational scale, reporting that it delivered 5.8 million hours of ATM availability to its customers through advanced service innovation.

What this means

This announcement highlights the mounting pressure on legacy banks in Central and Eastern Europe to overhaul their core payment architectures. As fintech challengers and digital-first banks gain ground, established players like Bank Pekao S.A. can no longer rely on rigid, decades-old switching systems that hinder speed-to-market. The industry is moving toward a model where the "switch" is not just a utility, but a strategic layer for rapid product deployment. This deal suggests that the market for payment modernization is maturing beyond the pilot phase into large-scale infrastructure replacement. The primary question for the sector is whether these legacy migrations can happen fast enough to keep pace with consumer expectations for real-time, cross-border payment flexibility.