For years, there have been calls for the European Union to develop its own alternatives to the American giants Visa and Mastercard, especially in light of geopolitical shifts. With Donald Trump's return to the White House, this concept has gained urgency, potentially affecting other countries like the UK as well. Currently, the vast majority of payment cards in Europe are issued by these two dominant companies, raising concerns about the dependence on foreign entities for essential financial services.

Aurore Lalucq, president of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, expressed that in an extreme scenario, the US government could force these companies to shut down their services in Europe overnight, leaving millions unable to make basic transactions. This risk isn't purely theoretical; similar situations have already unfolded in Russia following the start of the war, highlighting vulnerabilities in relying on external payment systems.

The UK appears to be shifting towards establishing its own financial infrastructure as a strategic move to mitigate risks associated with reliance on US payment networks. By developing local alternatives, the UK not only seeks to secure its payment systems but also aims to enhance its economic independence and stability in the face of unpredictable international relations.