Merge, a London-based fintech, has received approval from French regulators to operate as both an electronic money institution (EMI) and a virtual asset service provider (VASP). This dual licensing enables the company to offer cross-border payment services that integrate traditional fiat currencies with blockchain-based stablecoin transfers.
Positioned as one of the few providers with regulatory coverage across both systems, Merge aims to simplify global treasury operations for businesses navigating fragmented or inefficient payment channels.
The dual licences, granted by French regulators ACPR and AMF, enables Merge to support businesses in Europe and globally with a services ranging from collecting and holding funds to executing cross-border payments and converting between fiat and digital currencies. .
From settling global invoices to repatriating revenue, or paying out to vendors in local currencies, Merge says it can simplify the entire process through one compliant and scalable platform. Through a single API, Merge provides a suite of services including multi-currency accounts, real-time payments, SWIFT connectivity, named sub-accounts and foreign exchange capabilities.
“This is a major leap in making global money movement truly borderless,” said Kebbie Sebastian, founder and CEO of Merge. “By merging stablecoins with real-time payment rails, we’re enabling businesses to move funds instantly and cost-effectively, without the friction of legacy systems. It’s a game-changer for companies that have long struggled with international transfers taking days and a lack of visibility throughout the process.”
COO Michael Burtscher also added: “Stablecoins are transforming how money moves globally. With both EMI and VASP licences in place, Merge provides the regulatory foundation needed for organisations to confidently adopt stablecoin-powered payment infrastructure at scale.”
Merge is backed by investors including Coinbase and Octopus Ventures.
Source: https://thefintechtimes.com/
