What is causing the pause in SEPA bank transfers?

The pause is due to TARGET2 and related euro clearing systems observing year-end holidays. Batch SEPA credit transfers sent on December 27 will not be processed until systems reopen on December 29. Files queue during the break, which delays payrolls, vendor payments, refunds, and other euro transfers that rely on batch clearing.

Do SEPA instant payments work during the pause?

In most cases yes. SEPA instant payments settle in seconds and are not tied to the batch cycle. Availability depends on both banks, transaction limits, and potential fees. If timing is critical, ask the sender to use instant and confirm the receiving bank supports it, including weekend and holiday processing.

How should Canadian businesses prepare for Eurozone transfer delays?

Advance euro payables by a few days, keep a small CAD buffer, and confirm cutoffs with partners. For urgent items, request SEPA instant payments or split invoices into an instant portion and a batch remainder. Communicate expected value dates with clients, and reconcile queued receipts on December 29 and 30 to release orders quickly.

When will my pending SEPA bank transfers arrive?

If a batch transfer was sent around December 27, expect posting when clearing reopens on December 29. Exact timing depends on bank processing cycles and time zones. Many payments will land later on December 29 or the next business day. Check your bank’s status page and ask the sender for the execution timestamp.

Global Market Insights

December 27: SEPA Bank Transfers Paused, Delays Until Dec 29

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

SEPA bank transfers are paused across Europe through December 29, creating Eurozone transfer delays that can ripple into Canada. The TARGET2 holiday window means batch euro payments will not settle until banks reopen. For Canadians paying suppliers, funding accounts, or expecting euro payrolls, timing matters. We explain what is paused, what still moves, and how SEPA instant payments can help. We also outline cash planning tips and what investors should watch in banks and fintechs as fee mix and volumes shift over this period.