Pliant receives UK’s EMI licence to support payment expansion

The approval enables Pliant to issue payment products and serve customers directly through its own regulated entity in the UK. The company said the licence strengthens its position in one of its key international markets and provides a stronger regulatory foundation for expanding relationships with businesses, financial institutions, and public-sector organisations.

The authorisation also supports Pliant’s ongoing investment in commercial payment capabilities and provides greater flexibility to develop and deliver payment services locally.

Malte Rau, CEO and co-founder of Pliant, said, “Securing our own UK EMI authorisation is a major step forward in building Pliant’s long-term presence in the market. We’ve invested heavily in developing the regulated infrastructure behind our platform, and this authorisation gives us greater independence and flexibility to serve UK customers directly. It also puts us in a stronger position to bring our technology to more businesses, financial institutions and public-sector organisations as we continue to expand our capabilities and reach.”

The authorisation followed an extensive FCA review of Pliant’s business model, technology infrastructure, operational processes, customer onboarding procedures, risk management framework, safeguarding arrangements, and financial controls.

As a regulated EMI, Pliant will be able to further develop its UK payments infrastructure and support increasingly complex commercial payment programmes through its locally authorised business. The approval is expected to enhance the company’s ability to offer payment services directly while reducing its reliance on third-party regulated partners.

The move marks another step in Pliant’s international expansion strategy as demand for digital payment solutions and embedded commercial payment services continues to grow among businesses and financial institutions.