Rapyd joins forces with Rakuten Viber for digital payments launch
Ellie Duncan | News
29 Jul 2022
Global fintech Rapyd is partnering with Rakuten Viber to launch cross-border digital payments directly within the Viber app.
Through the partnership, Rapyd will integrate its licensed financial technology offerings directly into the Viber app, enabling Rakuten Viber, which specialises in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, to expand into digital payments.
The introduction of in-app payment transactions to the Viber app will initially rollout in Greece and Germany, before expanding into other countries.
Viber users will be able to store money in a mobile wallet with an IBAN, available in the Viber app, allowing them to send and receive money instantly and securely with no fees.
The service, powered by Rapyd, will open with euros, but Viber said it will later expand to include multiple currencies and additional services.
The partnership sees Rapyd become Rakuten Viber’s first official payments partner.
“The future of payments is integrated fintech, and this partnership demonstrates why we founded Rapyd in the first place: to democratise fintech for all,” said Arik Shiltman, CEO of Rapyd.
“We’re proud to provide the infrastructure and licensing for global companies like Rakuten Viber, one of the world’s most trusted and recognised messaging and communications platforms, to develop their own financial services without them having to build the foundation from scratch.”
According to recent research by emarketer published in the US Mobile Peer-to-Peer Payments Forecast 2022, more than 70% of smartphone users globally are expected to use peer-to-peer mobile payments by 2026.
Ofir Eyal, CEO of Rakuten Viber, added: “There was no doubt our in-app payment offerings would have to feature the world-class security and privacy protection that the Viber app is already known for.
“For this reason we’re thrilled to have Rapyd, a trusted leader building the future of global finance, to serve as the licensed cross-border payments solution enabling us to bring safe and simple instant payments features to Viber users across borders.”
