Cloud Currencies

About Cloud Currencies

Currencycloud operates a cloud-based platform focused on simplifying and automating cross-border payments for businesses. The company was founded in London, initially as FX Capital in 2007, by Nigel Verdon, who identified an opportunity to digitize and bring transparency to the foreign exchange market. It was later rebranded to Currencycloud around 2012, with co-founders Stephen Lemon and Rich Arundel. Mike Laven was brought in as CEO to lead the company's growth.

The firm's core business revolves around a 'Payments-as-a-Service' model, providing the financial infrastructure that enables other companies to offer international payment services. Its business-to-business (B2B) approach targets fintechs, banks, and payment service providers who embed Currencycloud's technology into their own products. Revenue is primarily generated through transaction fees on cross-border payments, with costs varying based on factors like currency pairs and transaction volume. This embedded finance model allows clients to offer branded international payment solutions without building the underlying infrastructure themselves.

Currencycloud's platform is accessible via a suite of APIs, offering functionalities for currency exchange, multi-currency accounts, and global payments. Key features include real-time wholesale FX rates, the ability to hold funds in over 35 currencies with named accounts, and a payment network reaching more than 180 countries. The platform supports various payment systems like SWIFT, SEPA, and ACH. A significant milestone was the acquisition by Visa, announced in July 2021 and completed in December 2021 for a value of £700 million. This acquisition built upon a prior strategic partnership and funding from Visa, integrating Currencycloud into Visa's global network to enhance cross-border payment solutions.