Algbra becomes first ethical FinTech to receive Authorised E-Money Institution License from the FCA

8 June 2022

Algbra, the ethical and values-focused FinTech, has received full authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI).

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Algbra Co-Founders Zeiad Idris and Fizel Nejabat (Photo: Business Wire)

Algbra’s pioneering proposition – with the principles of ESG and Shariah-compliance at its core – leads the movement towards values and lifestyle-based banking that is defining the next evolution of financial services. Algbra’s offering includes a sustainable card; the ability to make direct charitable donations to UK-registered charities; carbon tracking to review the impact of purchases; and the option to offset that carbon footprint with a few taps. Algbra requires all partners to sign up to its ethical standards, including clarity on where consumers’ money is held - ensuring customer funds are not held or invested in unethical industries. The EMI license now enables Algbra to build bespoke products to service diverse communities in the most uncompromising and impactful way possible, including further disrupting the sector by developing their B2B technology platform.

At a time when applications for licenses are experiencing delays, Algbra’s relatively fast approval turnaround – in comparison to other financial services firms – speaks to a successful investment into regulation and compliance built into the foundations of the company. The approval demonstrates the FCA’s commitment to their ESG strategy which aims to assist firms and regulators to overcome some of the challenges that moving to a net zero economy will raise in the area of sustainability. This programme of work includes a Green FinTech Challenge as well as an ESG-focused Digital Sandbox.

Zeiad Idris, Co-Founder and CEO of Algbra, said: "The FCA is rightly regarded as the world’s leading regulator of financial services. For Algbra to have our EMI license approved with such a turnaround – in such challenging external circumstances – is a ringing endorsement of both our commitment to the highest standards of regulation and compliance, as well as our commitment to building the world’s leading values-focused and sustainable financial institution. I look forward to Algbra moving the dial even further on what customers should expect from fintechs."

Fizel Nejabat, Co-Founder and COO of Algbra, said: "This is a special day for everyone involved with Algbra, especially our consumers and communities. We have embedded regulatory compliance, ethics and sustainability into every element of the company – from the design of our proprietary technology platform to how we implement our community engagement. Our EMI license ensures we can continue designing the best quality financial products with an experience that speaks to the widest of audiences."

About Algbra
Algbra is a next generation fintech platform headquartered in London, leveraging state-of the-art technology, working with tier one partners and operating within the UK regulatory framework. The Algbra platform is built to create a values-based ecosystem that fits with the everyday financing needs of ethically-minded consumers, offering products and services that have the following principles at its heart – transparency, fairness, sustainability and non-interest based finance. Combining grassroots community understanding with global expertise, Algbra will serve communities around the world to enhance financial wellbeing globally and actively facilitate global social mobility.

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For customers who joined Algbra before 22 July 2024: The e-money in your Algbra account is currently issued by Modulr FS Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with company registration number 09897919 and registered address at Scale Space, 58 Wood Lane, London, W12 7RZ. Modulr is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for issuance of electronic money with FRN 900573. As of 23 September 2024, or earlier if you accepted Algbra’s updated terms before this date, the e-money issued to your Algbra account is issued by Algbra Group Limited, which is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with company registration number 12629086 and registered address at Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP (Ref: CSU) No.1 Spinningfields, Hardman Square, Manchester, England, M3 3EB. Algbra is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 with FRN 952360.

For customers who joined Algbra on or after 22 July 2024: The e-money issued to your Algbra account is issued by Algbra Group Limited, which is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with company registration number 12629086 and registered address at Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP (Ref: CSU) No.1 Spinningfields, Hardman Square, Manchester, England, M3 3EB. Algbra is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 with FRN 952360.

For those customers who have ordered an Algbra Card: Your Algbra Card is currently issued by Transact Payments Limited (incorporated and registered in Gibraltar with company number 108217 and registered office of 6.20 World Trade Center, 6 Bayside Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA). As of 24 September 2024, or shortly after, the Algbra Card will be issued by Algbra Group Limited (FCA FRN  952360), a Principal member of Mastercard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Algbra Group Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with company registration number 12629086.