The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has granted Uruguayan payment platform dLocal the Authorised Payment Institution licence.
This license allows dLocal to provide a full range of regulated payment solutions to UK merchants, including seamless pay-ins and payouts, cross-border transactions and advanced fraud protection.
This development offers UK merchants the opportunity to expand global reach through dLocal’s localised payment solutions, which include more than 900 alternative payment methods (APMs) that cater to consumer preferences in emerging markets.
John O’Brien, Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director UK at dLocal, said: “Our new Authorised Payment Institution licence goes beyond regulatory compliance – it enables us to empower UK-based merchants with access to the vast opportunities in high-growth markets across Africa, Asia and Latin America.”
As O’Brien highlighted, dLocal operates in regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where international cards account for just 20% of transactions. In these markets, alternative and instant payment methods like Brazil’s Pix have become the consumer’s preferred option.
Moreover, dLocal has been chosen by the International Chamber of Commerce UK (ICC) to partner in its flagship Trade for Prosperity programme, which aims to assist British businesses in expanding into new markets.
O’Brien concluded: “With this licence, we are well-positioned to continue our strong relationships with existing customers and welcome new clients seeking pay-in and pay-out solutions in more than 40 markets that dLocal serves.
“Our innovative, secure, and efficient payment solutions are designed to help UK businesses scale globally and thrive in dynamic, emerging economies.”
This deal comes amid a broader shift in European payments from cards to instant payments. Today (January 9) marks the regulatory deadline for the EU’s Instant Payments Regulations (IPR), with euro area member states required to comply with two key provisions.
