Why are SEPA transfers paused until Dec 29?

European interbank clearing observes a holiday pause, so batch credit transfers do not settle over the weekend. Banks queue instructions and process them when clearing reopens on Monday, Dec 29. Card activity and some instant rails may still work, but standard SEPA batches wait for clearing windows to resume.

How does this impact Canadians sending money to EU accounts?

You may see funds land later than usual, affecting payroll, supplier invoices, and brokerage top-ups. If you instruct from Canada late Friday, time zones add delay. Expect settlement after Monday catch-up cycles. Consider instant options, confirm cut-offs, and keep buffers in CAD to cover weekend obligations.

Can SEPA Instant bypass the SEPA bank transfer delay?

Often yes. SEPA Instant can credit in seconds if both banks support it and transaction limits fit your need. Fees and coverage vary, so test with a small amount and confirm the recipient’s IBAN supports instant. Use it for urgent gaps, then resume standard SEPA once Monday queues clear.

What should employers with EU staff do about payroll?

Inform employees of the shift, adjust value dates to Dec 29 or 30, and ensure files are approved ahead of catch-up cycles. Maintain liquidity in Canada to cover the extra day. If urgent, pay critical amounts via SEPA Instant and remit the balance via standard SEPA after clearing resumes.

Global Market Insights

December 28: SEPA Bank Transfers Paused until Dec 29 – What to Expect

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

A SEPA bank transfer delay runs through Dec 29, affecting euro payments across Europe. For Canadian investors and businesses, this can shift cash timing for payroll, vendor bills, and brokerage top-ups linked to EU accounts. Clearing resumes Monday, with backlogs likely. We explain what to expect, how to plan around bank cut-offs, and which alternatives can help if you need funds to settle in Europe before markets move.