The change brought about by SEPA represents an opportunity for all the players involved in the payment systems sector. SEPA permits the set up of the process of rationalization and harmonization of internal processes and the management of payments at European level, also taking into account the possible externalization of non "core" components, leading to greater efficiency and a reduction in delivery costs.

The main opportunities:

• banks can centralize management of payments systems at European level and develop value added services that complement the new direct debit and payment instruments
• businesses present in several countries can set up the process of treasury consolidation and simplify administration processes with the aim of integrating the supply chain with the financial value chain
• public sector has the opportunity to improve and rationalize the service levels of a considerable number of the payments ordered, also at cross border level 
• providers of solutions and clearing infrastructures benefit from a widening of the potential market, the elimination of barriers to entry in overseas markets and a cultural transformation which results in them being considered partners in a win/win relationship.

SEPA: a common infrastructure for communication between the various players.