6 March - London, UK. The highly coveted licence from the FCA enables the fintech to better serve UK SMEs.
iBanFirst, the next-generation cross-border payment services provider, today announces that it has secured an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. The milestone underscores its commitment to delivering the highest standards of financial reliability and operational resilience, as it prioritises growth in the UK.
With the new licence, iBanFirst will continue to scale its operations and build on its success in Europe. The fintech achieved a turnover of €50 million in 2023 and €65 million in 2024, and is now targeting revenue growth of over 25% in 2025 as it aims to reach more SMEs across the UK.
The licence highlights the company’s commitment to SME security, ensuring seamless transactions, while keeping payments and funds fully protected. With comprehensive risk protection, including anti-money laundering (AML) and financial crime frameworks, SMEs can focus on international growth, with greater confidence.
The news comes as CEO Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier has relocated to London to spearhead the company’s next development phase. Under his leadership, iBanFirst aims to strengthen its foothold in the region, with plans to double its workforce at its Square Mile office by the end of the year.
Vivek Savani, UK Country Manager at iBanFirst said: “In an increasingly volatile global trade environment, SMEs need a trusted partner to navigate the complexities of international trade – from paying suppliers or hedging against FX fluctuation. Securing our EMI licence helps us provide more customers with the stability, security and compliance they require to make international payments with confidence.
“Alongside this, we’re thrilled to be included in the FT1000 - one of only 10 companies listed for the sixth consecutive years - a testament to our continued business growth.”
About iBanFirst
iBanFirst is the next-generation cross-border Payment Service provider that combines a powerful platform and the support of FX experts to process more than £1.8billion each month.
It was founded by fintech entrepreneur Pierre-Antoine Dusoulier in 2016 and is establishing itself as the first alternative to cross-border B2B payments. It has 12 offices and 350 employees across the continent, including a dedicated team in London.
iBanFirst has been part of the 'Financial Times 1000' ranking since 2019, which lists the fastest-growing European companies.