AIB makes a strategic bet on the digital future as Brexit storm clouds gather. AIB has invested €30m in cross-border B2B payments player TransferMate, in a move aimed at reducing international payments costs for business customers. TransferMate was founded in 2010 and has since developed a wide regulatory footprint. ‘This partnership is a great example of how a leading bank and a fintech company can work together to improve their customers’ experiences’ – COLIN HUNT Informed sources say that the deal values TransferMate at between €250m and €300m. So far, more than $10bn has been sent to more than 100 countries over the TransferMate platform. TransferMate and AIB have also agreed to a strategic partnership focused on providing Irish businesses with international payments and receivables capabilities. “Cross-border B2B payments can be complex, time-consuming and expensive for businesses,” explained TransferMate CEO Terry Clune. “At TransferMate, we aim to provide the most convenient and cost-effective way for businesses to move money around the globe. B2B payments represent 98pc of the $138trn of currencies traded annually cross-border. “TransferMate has built a unique technology platform, and we are delighted to welcome AIB as an investor and partner.” Clune said the investment will enable TransferMate to invest in its commercial teams across the US, Canada, Australia and Europe, and grow its head-office, commercial and technology functions in Ireland. “This partnership is a great example of how a leading bank and a fintech company can work together to improve their customers’ experiences,” Clune added. Co-founder and CFO of TransferMate, Sinead Fitzmaurice, added: “Our partnership with AIB aims to combine the bank’s forward-looking digital strategy with our technology and global reach to bring business customers of the bank a truly convenient and cost-effective solution when sending or collecting funds globally.” TransferMate has broad regulatory approval in major markets. Post-Brexit, it will become the only EU payment institution regulated throughout the EU and United States. “This €30m investment demonstrates our commitment to deploying our capital and expertise in support of leading enterprises such as TransferMate,” explained AIB’s managing director of wholesale, institutional and corporate banking, Colin Hunt. “The investment is in line with AIB’s strategic priority to increase the pace of innovation to serve changing customer needs by working with both dedicated internal teams and with external partners and start-ups. We will work with TransferMate and other digitally innovative partners to continue to ensure AIB business customers have access to the some of the best digital banking capabilities in the world.” AIB branch in Galway. Image: Martin Good/Shutterstock
Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has invested €30m ($35m) in cross-border payments platform TransferMate in a deal that gives the latter firm an estimated valuation of between €250m and €300 million. The two firms will also form a strategic partnership to offer Irish businesses international payments and receivables capabilities ahead of Brexit. TransferMate CEO Terry Clune said the funds would allow the company to expand its head office and technology functions in Ireland, as well as support its commercial teams around the world.