Can you introduce yourself and your current role?
I’m Haris Karonis, co‑founder and CEO of Viva Wallet Group, based in Athens. We operate across 24 European countries, offering fully licensed neobank and payment services.
What was your vision when founding Viva Wallet?
From the start in 2000 (as Realize SA) evolving into Viva Payments in 2011, our aim has been to deliver seamless digital payments and business banking that empower merchants and small businesses across Europe.
What core services does Viva Wallet offer?
Vivabank current accounts, EMI-based payment solutions, e‑POS terminals, merchant acquiring, online checkouts, multi-currency FX, and business loans.
How is your banking license structured?
We hold a full banking license via Vivabank (acquired 2020) supervised by Bank of Greece, alongside EMI capabilities under Viva Payments.
What’s unique about your offering?
We deliver an integrated financial stack—digital banking, payments, merchant services—on one platform, with strong local currency and FX support.
How did you become a fintech unicorn?
In January 2022, JPMorgan Chase purchased 48.5% of Viva Wallet, driving a valuation above $1B and positioning us as Greece’s first unicorn.
In which countries do you operate?
Active in 24 European markets, with strong presence in Greece, UK, Germany, Italy, and France.
What’s your revenue/funding history?
After €33 M in Series A (2022) and €50 M Series B (early 2024), total funding exceeds €100 M.
Who are your main competitors?
Competitors include Adyen, Wise, Revolut Business, and local merchant-acquirers. We differentiate by bundling banking with payments and lending.
Advantages over Adyen or Revolut?
We offer full bank accounts + FX + merchant acquiring and credit—whereas Adyen focuses on payments and Revolut on personal/mobile banking.
How do you compare to EMIs like Stripe?
EMIs don’t offer deposit-taking or lending. Our license gives us deposit guarantees and enables lending products.
How do merchants benefit?
All-in-one onboarding: POS, online checkout, business account, FX—all in-app, VAT-compliant with swift settlements.
What about SMEs?
SMEs gain ecommerce payments, FX, multi-currency accounts, loans, invoice management, and analytics via dashboard.
How do you manage compliance and risk?
We follow PSD2, AML/KYC rules, and regulated data privacy. As a licensed bank, we offer deposit protection and live under regulator oversight.
How do you approach data security?
Committed to GDPR across EU; we use tokenization, encryption, fraud tools, and 3D‑Secure for online transactions.
Any recent partnerships?
Partnership with JPMorgan drive market expansion and tech synergies. We also collaborate with e‑commerce platforms for payments integration.
Are you expanding product offerings?
Yes—exploring business lending, BNPL for merchants, and deeper open banking integrations.
What markets are next?
Further growth across Eastern Europe; potential entry into UK and U.S. via EMI structure.
Main roadblocks?
Navigating fragmented regulations, integrating with local banking systems, intense competition from fintechs across payments and digital banks.
What’s your long‑term vision?
Becoming Europe’s default digital banking + payments hub for SMEs—covering cross-border payments, credit, and embedded finance.
Viva Wallet Overview
Core Services
– Bank + EMI accounts (Vivabank + Viva Payments)
– Merchant acquiring, POS, online checkout
– Multi-currency FX, business loans
– Digital SME banking suite
Competitors
– Adyen: global payments, no deposit-taking
– Revolut Business: mobile business banking, limited acquiring
– Wise for Business: FX-centric, no lending or POS
– Local acquirers: country-specific, often lack unified stack
Positioning
Viva Wallet is one of the only providers to unify full-scope business banking, merchant acquiring, FX, and credit with its own licenses across Europe. It bridges the functional gap between EMIs like Stripe and fully regulated banks, making it particularly attractive for SMEs and mid‑cap e‑commerce operators.
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FAQ
Is Viva Wallet a licensed bank or EMI?
Both. Viva Wallet includes Viva Payments (EMI) and Vivabank (bank license). This enables a wider service offering than EMIs alone.
Are merchant services and accounts integrated?
Yes, merchants can onboard with a full stack: payments, business IBAN, POS terminal, FX, and lending—all in one platform.
Does Viva Wallet serve businesses outside Greece?
Yes. Services are available in 24 EU/EEA countries including France, Germany, UK, Italy, Netherlands, and more.
Can businesses get loans via Viva Wallet?
Yes. Business lending is part of the roadmap and partially live in selected jurisdictions.
Are customer funds protected?
Yes. Deposits held in Vivabank accounts are protected up to €100,000 under EU deposit guarantee schemes.