The data in the dossier highlights a picture of asymmetrical knowledge. Although Bitcoin is almost universally known (89%), theDigital Euro has already positioned itself as the "third currency" on the market with a prompted awareness of 24%, driven by the strength of the "Euro" brand. 

The substantial difference emerges in the degree of trust: 

• Digital Euro: It enjoys the trust of 59% of the population, a value that does not derive from its technological specifications, but from the guarantee offered by the European Central Bank (ECB). It is perceived as a secure, public alternative to cash that complements it. 

• Stablecoins: Despite still limited spontaneous awareness (9%), they enjoy a 24% trust rating. They are particularly appreciated for their speed and low transaction costs, but remain held back by fears of cyber risk and lack of regulation. 

First Adopters and the Role of Retailers 

The research identifies a highly receptive core target: young people under the age of 34, with a high level of education and incomes above €4,000 per month. These users represent the gatekeepers of mass adoption. 

However, retailers appear to be more cautious. Almost half of merchants are unable to name a digital currency that comes to mind, and only 12% would be willing to accept the digital euro. The main barriers for businesses are the perceived complexity of the infrastructure (72% of POS terminals would not support wallets or cryptocurrencies) and the need for tax incentives or dedicated training. 

UlixePay: The Infrastructure for Digital Transition 

In the current scenario, the difference between those who will undergo change and those who will lead it lies in infrastructure capacity. To respond to this challenge, the Ulixe Group has launched the Digital Payments Business Unit and developed UlixePay. 

UlixePay is a multi-asset digital wallet designed with a compliance-by-design approach. The cloud-native and blockchain-ready platform allows for native integration of: 

1. Digital Euro 

2. Regulated stablecoins 

3. Prepaid instruments 

UlixePay's goal is to enable banks, financial institutions, and merchants to operate in an ecosystem where regulatory compliance (MiCA, PSD2, GDPR) is not a burden but a competitive advantage. 

Roadmap for the Future: Education and Safety 

To turn interest into actual adoption, the research suggests some strategic guidelines: 

• Educational Strategy: Over three-quarters of the sample requires more information to overcome their mistrust of the "non-concrete." 

• Central role of banks: Credit institutions must act as educational intermediaries, integrating these new tools into existing banking apps to leverage their established trust. 

• Retail Support: It is essential to support retailers with technical training courses and financial incentives for upgrading their payment systems. 

The future of regulated payments in Italy is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity. With UlixePay and the expertise of the Ulixe Group, organizations can now equip themselves with the tools they need to navigate the Digital Banking Innovation Journey and build a more efficient, secure, and interoperable financial ecosystem. 

Ulixe. It's By Your Side.