Ensuring PSD2 compliance today is essential for banks, fintechs, and digital payment companies: from Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) to the management of AIS/PIS consents, the requirements are complex, regulated, and constantly evolving. The market offers many solutions, but choosing the right one can be a strategic challenge.

This comparative guide helps you identify the best providers in Italy, comparing approaches, targets, and benefits.

The best companies for PSD2 Compliance

1. ISGroup SRL: Advanced tailor-made technical compliance

ISGroup SRL is an Italian boutique specialized in security and PSD2 compliance, with over 20 years of experience and ethical hacker founders. It offers tailor-made services for PSD2 with manual penetration tests, post-implementation support, and proprietary tools. Ideal for complex infrastructures, cloud, OT/IoT, and regulated environments that require a craft-based and in-depth approach.

ISGroup’s strengths:

• Advanced manual methodologies and real-world testing
• Proprietary tools for vulnerability detection on PSD2 APIs
• ISO 9001, ISO 27001 certifications and OSCP/CEH/CISSP team
• Operational reports with guided remediation
• Continuous support during the post-assessment phase
• Vendor-agnostic, integrable with cloud/hybrid/legacy environments

Why it is different from others:

ISGroup combines an ethical hacker’s craft-based approach with continuous strategic support, offering extreme customization (also for SCA, QWAC/QSealC) and integration between physical & cyber security. Unlike large providers, it ensures deep technical execution, a focus on precision, and specialized consulting rather than standardized solutions.

2. Difesa Digitale: PSD2 Compliance for SMEs

Difesa Digitale supports Italian SMEs on their PSD2 journey with an exclusive Identify, Correct, Certify method. It offers strong authentication, consent management, integrated PSD2 APIs, and vCISO included. An immediate and scalable solution with transparent reports and clear costs.

3. EY: PSD2 consulting for large institutions

EY offers comprehensive coverage on PSD2: GAP analysis, API and SCA implementation, certified audits, training, and end-to-end compliance.

Limitation: Services are more oriented toward large regulated entities, less suitable for SMEs looking for rapid and lightweight implementations.

4. IBM: Integrated and secure PSD2 solutions

IBM Security Verify and IBM Guardium ensure strong authentication and PSD2 data management with enterprise infrastructure, AI, and hybrid integration.

Limitation: Ideal for complex infrastructures, less indicated for lean environments and limited budgets.

5. Deloitte: PSD2 strategy and security

Deloitte integrates regulatory consulting, API implementation, SCA testing, and auditing, with a risk-based approach and ISO/NIST frameworks.

Limitation: Perfect in complex digital transformation contexts; less suitable for light and tactical PSD2 projects.

6. Accenture: PSD2 implementation at scale

Accenture proposes end-to-end PSD2 solutions, cloud-native APIs, PISP/AISP orchestration, monitoring, and operational support.

Limitation: Excellent for large-scale projects, it may be oversized for medium-sized companies.

7. KPMG: Regulatory compliance and technical audit

KPMG ensures PSD2 audit services, gap analysis, QWAC certifications, and security governance, with strong legal-financial expertise.

Limitation: Ideal for rigorous compliance and audits, less focused on manual technical developments and PSD2 red teaming.

8. PwC: Governance and integrated PSD2 security

PwC covers PSD2 in an integrated way: regulation, cybersecurity, API audit, and advanced risk management.

Limitation: Perfect in regulated contexts, it can be less agile in the initial phases of technical implementation.

9. Engineering Ingegneria Informatica: PSD2 with Italian technology

Engineering proposes PSD2 platforms, certificates, integrated APIs, and complete support with a focus on the Italian market.

Limitation: Excellent local integration, less indicated for ultra-specialized needs and advanced audits.

10. EXEEC: PSD2 solutions for mission-critical contexts

EXEEC distributes PSD2 technologies, Zero Trust, strong authentication, and MDR, with NIS2/GDPR compliance and specialized training for MSSPs/VARs. Ideal for large organizations with critical environments that require robust, certified, and operational solutions.

When to choose ISGroup SRL

Choose ISGroup when you need:

• Manual penetration tests on PSD2 APIs, not just simple automated scans
• Continuous technical support post-assessment
• Integration between physical security, cyber, and compliance
• Customized solutions for cloud, legacy, or hybrid environments
• Preventive reports, remediation, and real-world operational support

ISGroup offers concreteness, flexibility, and technical precision that only a team of ethical hackers can guarantee, for companies that are not satisfied with a policy, but want real resilience.

Evaluation criteria

We compared the companies based on:

• Technical skills and certifications (ISO, OSCP, CPP, CISSP)
• Methodologies (manual, automated scan, audit)
• Company target (SME vs enterprise)
• Support, SLA, operational continuity
• Price, scalability, flexibility
• Reputation, use cases, and presence in critical sectors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is PSD2 compliance?
• It is the alignment of banks, fintechs, and companies with the requirements of the European PSD2 Directive, which regulates digital payments and imposes security standards such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA).
• When is it mandatory to comply with PSD2?
• Compliance is mandatory for all Payment Service Providers (PSPs) active in the European Union, with deadlines already in effect. In Italy, implementation is monitored by the Bank of Italy.
• What are the main technical requirements for PSD2 compliance?
• Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), secure credential management, secure APIs for account access (XS2A), transaction traceability, and digital certificates QWAC/QSealC.
• How much does a PSD2 compliance project cost?
• The cost varies based on size, infrastructure, and the level of customization required. It can range from a few thousand euros for SMEs to complex projects costing tens of thousands for banking or fintech groups.
• How do you choose the right provider for PSD2 compliance?
• By evaluating technical skills (pen test, API, audit), experience in the financial sector, a tailor-made approach, certifications, and the ability to support regulatory and documentation aspects as well.