Payment Expert’s Fintech Unwrapped delivers the latest and developing news that has shaped the sector over the course of the week.
This week, ClearBank partnered with Ozone API to scale open banking globally, Adyen and JCB launched a tokenisation service to bolster payment security, MoonPay and Mastercard pushed stablecoins closer to everyday use, and Nubank rolled out tap-to-pay Pix to modernise contactless payments in Brazil.
ClearBank partners with Ozone API to accelerate open banking worldwide
Ozone API and ClearBank have announced a new partnership. This collaboration combines Ozone API’s global open API platform with ClearBank’s cutting-edge real-time clearing and embedded banking capabilities. The partnership ensures that ClearBank can deliver open banking APIs that meet the highest global standards, helping businesses navigate the open finance opportunity beyond PSD2 compliance.
ClearBank’s partnership with Ozone API allows its customers to utilize open APIs that are compliant with UK and EU regulations, providing a scalable solution for financial services across the globe. This collaboration positions ClearBank at the forefront of open banking innovation, especially as it continues its global expansion following its launch in the Netherlands.
Huw Davies, Co-founder of Ozone API, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting the mutual success they have had with shared customers and the synergy of their technologies. Spiros Theodossiou, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ClearBank, added that this partnership is crucial for maximising their platform’s capabilities as they expand further into Europe.
Checkout.com and du Pay Partner to Enhance Digital Payments in the UAE
Checkout.com has partnered with UAE-based fintech firm du Pay to enhance digital payment services across the region. By integrating Checkout.com’s unified payment platform, du Pay aims to improve key offerings like wallet top-ups and streamline backend processes via a single API.
The partnership supports du Pay’s mission to expand financial inclusion, especially for underbanked communities reliant on digital tools. CEO Nicolas Levi emphasised the need for performance and scalability in delivering seamless, secure financial access. Checkout.com’s founder Guillaume Pousaz echoed this alignment in values, highlighting their shared goal of breaking down barriers in digital finance.
This collaboration marks another step in du Pay’s growth as it seeks to offer an inclusive, user-friendly mobile wallet for all UAE residents, regardless of mobile provider. The move follows Checkout.com’s recent strategic partnership with CellPoint Digital.
Adyen and JCB launch card-on-file tokenisation to boost payment security
Adyen has become the first to implement JCB’s innovative card-on-file (COF) tokenisation service, designed to enhance the security of online payments and reduce credit card fraud. In response to increasing e-commerce transactions and data breaches, JCB’s COF tokenization replaces sensitive card information with a secure, anonymised token, which is stored safely, minimizing the risk of data theft.
The collaboration between Adyen and JCB not only strengthens security for both merchants and consumers but also enhances payment authorization rates, providing greater convenience for cardholders. Roelant Prins, Chief Commercial Officer at Adyen, noted that this new service will be available globally, reflecting their commitment to improving payment security across various platforms.
MoonPay and Mastercard Partner to Expand Stablecoin Payments Globally
MoonPay has announced a major partnership with Mastercard to enable stablecoin payments at over 150 million merchant locations worldwide. The collaboration will allow fintechs and businesses to issue Mastercard-branded cards linked to users’ stablecoin balances, converting digital assets into fiat at the point of sale.
The initiative is powered by API-driven infrastructure from Iron, a company MoonPay acquired in March, and aims to turn crypto wallets into functional digital bank accounts, streamlining global transactions, cross-border payouts, and disbursements to gig workers and creators.
Executives from both companies emphasised their commitment to integrating crypto with mainstream finance, promising a faster, more accessible, and secure global payment system. With over 100 million active crypto users and 20 million wallets transacting monthly in stablecoins, the move meets growing demand for real-world utility of digital assets.
This partnership marks a significant step toward mainstream adoption of stablecoins in everyday commerce.
Sumitomo Mitsui and SoftBank tie-up on digital payment services
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and SoftBank have partnered to bring the PayPay smartphone payment service to the Olive general financial app. The collaboration, which also involves integrating rewards programs and utilizing data and AI, will enable both companies to enhance their digital payment services in Japan.
With PayPay boasting 69 million users and Olive having about 5 million accounts, the partnership is set to intensify competition in the Japanese digital payments market. By offering customers more flexibility and innovative payment options, the two companies are poised to lead the digital payments transformation in Japan.
Nubank launches tap-to-pay Pix
In Brazil, Nubank has introduced a tap-to-pay feature for Pix instant payments. This new feature allows customers to make contactless payments at any enabled point-of-sale terminal using their Android devices. With Pix’s growing popularity in Brazil, Nubank is enhancing the payment experience for users by enabling quick and secure transactions.
The new feature also allows users to pay directly from their account balance or opt for installment payments, making it a versatile solution for consumers. Pix’s continued success is reflected in its increasing adoption, further solidifying its position as the leading payment method in Brazil.
