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Currencies Direct

Can a 30-year-old specialist currency broker become the embedded international payments layer for SMEs, SaaS platforms, and expat consumers by wrapping its FX liquidity network in modern APIs and card products?

Founded1996
HQLondon, United Kingdom (One Canada Square, Canary Wharf)
IndustryFintech / Cross-border payments
The story

Founded in 1996 as a specialist currency broker serving retail customers moving money internationally, Currencies Direct has evolved from a phone-and-web FX broker into a multi-channel international payments platform serving both consumers and businesses. The company has deepened its B2B and partner-channel proposition through a suite of APIs that enable embedded FX and cross-border payments for SaaS platforms, estate agents, wealth managers, and relocation specialists. More recently, under the Redpin parent brand, it has extended into card issuance with a multi-currency Mastercard debit card, moving toward a broader international banking-lite proposition for expats and globally mobile consumers.

Last 12 months
2025-03
2025-03
Product timeline
1996
Currencies Direct founded as a foreign exchange and international money transfer specialist.· pivot
2011
Established South Africa external profit company (FSP licence 43493) to serve cross-border FX transactions in Africa.· banking
2023
Won MoneyFacts Best Business FX Provider and MoneyAge Transfer Provider of the Year awards, signalling growth in B2B segment.· pivot
2025
Described as a flagship brand of Redpin, indicating corporate restructuring under a parent holding entity.· pivot
2025
Launched multi-currency debit card (Mastercard) for consumer and expat customers, accepted in 200+ countries, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.· card
2025
Expanded API integration suite for SaaS and enterprise clients offering white-label FX and international payments within partner platforms.· banking
Regulated entities
EMI
UK FCA
Currencies Direct Ltd
FSP
South Africa (FSCA)
Currencies Direct External Profit Company
MSB
Canada (FINTRAC)
Currencies Direct (Canada) Inc
MTL
US
Currencies Direct, Inc.
The stack
Payments / PSP
Currencies Direct (self-operated international money transfer)
Card issuing
Thredd
FX & payouts
Currencies Direct (self-operated)
Accounting gap: significant