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B4B Payments Partners with Weavr to Enhance Embedded Finance Capabilities Across Europe

We’re excited to welcome Weavr.io as a partner we’re proud to power. Thank you to the team at Weavr for trusting our infrastructure to accelerate the next generation of embedded finance solutions.

Through this collaboration, B4B’s robust payment capabilities are now integrated into Weavr’s orchestration platform, enabling companies across the UK and Europe to launch, manage, and scale embedded payment solutions with increased flexibility and speed.

By combining Weavr’s dynamic embedded finance technology with B4B’s regulated infrastructure, we’re helping to shape the future of embedded payments—securely, efficiently, and one step at a time.

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B4B Payments Finalists for FinTech Partner & Team of the Year at UK FinTech Awards 2025

We are excited to announce that we are finalists in two prestigious categories at the upcoming UK FinTech Awards 2025: FinTech Partner Award and Team of the Year. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing dedication to delivering innovative and efficient financial solutions for our clients and to the incredible efforts of our team, whose passion and hard work continue to drive our success.

Team of the Year

The Team of the Year nomination reflects our employees’ dedication, talent, and hard work, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure our clients & partners receive the best possible service and innovative solutions. From our tech experts developing cutting-edge payment solutions to our business development managers forging strong client & partner relationships and our dedicated account managers working to ensure our partners’ needs are met. Our team plays an integral role in shaping the future of payments. This recognition serves as an acknowledgement of the passion, commitment, and teamwork that have helped us achieve success.

Fintech Partner Award

The FinTech Partner Award celebrates companies that consistently provide partnerships in the fintech sector, driving their clients’ growth, innovation, and success. B4B Payments has always prided itself on its customer-centric approach, ensuring that our Banking-as-a-service solutions are tailored to meet each partner’s unique needs. Being recognised as a finalist in this category reaffirms our position as a trusted and reliable partner for businesses across industries.

We’re thrilled to announce that B4B Payments has won the ‘Fintech Partner of the Year’ award in the UK Fintech Awards 2025. This recognition reflects our relentless commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering flexible payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses across sectors. While we were finalists in three categories, this win celebrates our leadership and excellence in the Fintech space.

Being named finalists in these two competitive categories is not just a win for B4B Payments. Still, it’s a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, the strength of our partnerships, and the relentless commitment of our team to push boundaries in the fintech space.

Looking ahead, B4B Payments is excited to continue working alongside partners and clients to drive innovation and shape the future of the payments industry.

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Streamlining Payroll and Payments in the Public Sector

Managing payroll and disbursements in the public sector comes with unique challenges. Government agencies and institutions often handle benefits distribution and departmental expense management—requiring secure, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. As an approved supplier on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Fund Administration & Disbursement Services DPS (FAADS) framework, B4B Payments simplifies procurement for public sector organisations, ensuring compliance and transparency in payout transactions.

Traditional payment methods, such as bank transfers and cheques, can lead to delays, increased administrative workload, and inefficiencies that impact both employees and vendors. Prepaid card services offer a modern alternative, simplifying financial management while ensuring timely and secure transactions.

Businesswire report shows that The UK’s prepaid card market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% between 2022 and 2026, potentially reaching a value of US$65.54 billion. This growth reflects the increasing adoption of prepaid solutions in both government and private sectors.

The Challenges of Public Sector Payroll and Disbursements

Public sector entities face several challenges when managing payroll and payments:

  • Administrative Complexity – Processing payroll for government employees, contractors, and social benefits recipients often involves multiple financial institutions, increasing complexity and often leading to bank fees and cheque processing costs, making traditional methods expensive and less sustainable.
  • Payment Delays – Bureaucratic hurdles can slow down payroll processing, affecting employees and beneficiaries. Some employees and citizens receiving government benefits may not have access to traditional banking, complicating payment distribution.
  • Fraud and Security Risks – Paper-based payment systems are vulnerable to fraud, mismanagement, and compliance risks.

How Prepaid Card Solutions Support the Public Sector

Prepaid card services provide an innovative solution that enhances financial efficiency, stimulates local economies, and provides security for government payroll and other disbursements. Local councils can promote ‘Shop Local’ prepaid cards to support small businesses in the area. 

Here’s how prepaid cards benefit the public sector:

1. Enhanced Security and Compliance

With advanced fraud protection features such as real-time tracking, spending controls, and two-factor authentication, prepaid cards offer a secure way to disburse public funds. Additionally, they ensure compliance with government financial regulations and anti-money laundering (AML) policies. In 1997, The UK government introduced Government Procurement Cards to streamline purchases and support prompt payments, demonstrating the efficiency of prepaid solutions in reducing administrative burdens.

2. Cost Savings and Budget Control

Government agencies can reduce administrative costs associated with paper-based payroll and expense management. Prepaid cards also allow for better budget tracking, as funds can be allocated to specific use cases, such as travel expenses, departmental budgets, or one-time government disbursements.

3. Seamless Expense Management

Prepaid cards offer detailed reporting and spending controls for public sector organisations managing operational expenses. Departments can allocate budgets to prepaid cards for travel, training, or procurement, ensuring responsible spending while minimising reimbursement processes.

Prepaid Cards in the Public Sector

The UK’s public sector is increasingly leveraging prepaid cards for financial disbursements. Governments worldwide are adopting prepaid card services to streamline payroll and payments across multiple sectors:

  • Social Benefits Disbursement – Welfare, unemployment benefits, and pension payments can be loaded onto prepaid cards for easy access.
  • Travel and Expense Management – Prepaid cards help government officials and civil servants manage travel expenses.
  • Emergency and Disaster Relief Funds – Quick distribution of aid and relief funds during crises.
  • Vendor and Contractor Payments – Faster, more secure payments to suppliers and contractors working with government institutions.
  • Payout Programs – Public sector agencies can leverage B4B Payment solutions to disburse funds using virtual and physical MasterCard cards for specific payout programs.
  • Food, Childcare, and Heating Vouchers – Prepaid cards ensure easy and controlled distribution of welfare vouchers to beneficiaries.
  • Return of Overpayments – Government agencies can refund excess payments seamlessly through prepaid card solutions.
  • Hardship Payments – Securely providing emergency financial support to individuals in need.
  • Care or Fostering Expenses – Prepaid cards offer a streamlined method for distributing funds to foster parents and caregivers for child-related expenses.

The Benefits of Prepaid Cards for the Public Sector

As governments modernise financial processes, prepaid card solutions provide an ideal balance between efficiency, security, and cost savings. B4B Payments is an approved supplier of the CCS Fund Administration & Disbursement Services DPS (FAADS) framework, making it easier for public sector bodies to procure regulated and compliant payment solutions. From local councils to national procurement strategies, prepaid cards are a proven tool for simplifying financial management in government operations.

At B4B Payments, we offer a variety of prepaid card solutions that are accepted globally and have been built on our 19 years of experience in the business, perfect for government agencies to simplify financial management while enhancing security and compliance.

Interested in exploring prepaid card solutions for your organisation? Contact B4B Payments today to learn more.

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Consumer vs. Corporate Lending: How Embedded Payments Are Transforming Both

The Shift in Lending: Why Speed and Security Matter More Than Ever

Lending has always been the backbone of financial growth, but how funds are distributed has evolved. Today, individuals and businesses expect seamless access to capital, with minimal friction in receiving and managing funds. Traditional methods—bank transfers, cheques, and cash—are slow, operationally intensive, and often create unnecessary barriers for borrowers. As digital lending accelerates, lenders must rethink how they disburse funds efficiently while staying compliant with evolving regulations.

Embedded payments are at the core of this shift, offering lenders a way to provide instant, secure, and controlled access to funds. Whether supporting a consumer facing an urgent financial need or enabling an SME to maintain to manage working capital, the ability to disburse funds instantly is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s an expectation.

Consumer Lending: Fast Access with Built-in Compliance

Consumer lending spans everything from short-term loans to installment financing, where access to funds is often time-sensitive. A borrower managing an unexpected medical expense or essential household repairs cannot afford to wait for a bank transfer to clear. Delays can create unnecessary financial strain, which is why lenders need solutions that allow immediate payouts with real-time disbursements.

Prepaid physical and virtual cards offer an additional layer of control, ensuring that funds are used for their intended purpose via an open or restricted loop offering.

 A lender offering financing for consumer lending, for example, can issue a restricted-use prepaid physical or virtual cards that allow transactions only at the required stores. This ensures compliance with loan terms while providing borrowers with the flexibility they need.

Security is another key consideration. Fraud prevention in consumer lending is a growing challenge, with unauthorised access to funds and misuse of disbursed capital creating risks for both lenders and borrowers. By leveraging virtual card solutions, lenders can reduce fraud exposure through spending controls, real-time transaction monitoring, and enhanced traceability—offering a more secure alternative to traditional disbursement methods.

Corporate Lending: Enabling Business Growth Without Operational Delays

Access to capital is essential for businesses to manage their finances, secure inventory, and drive expansion. However, traditional bank disbursements often introduce unnecessary friction. Loan processing delays can disrupt business operations, forcing companies to slow down projects or postpone critical payments. Prepaid and virtual cards give consumers faster, more convenient access to loaned funds, eliminating long wait times.

Another key challenge in corporate lending is ensuring funds are allocated for their intended purpose. Restricted-use prepaid and virtual cards provide a secure, trackable way to disburse loaned capital while ensuring spending compliance.

A construction firm secures a business loan to purchase materials and pay subcontractors. Instead of waiting for traditional bank transfers to process, funds are instantly loaded onto a B4B Payments prepaid card, pre-programmed to be accepted only by registered suppliers and equipment vendors. This not only speeds up access to funds but also prevents misuse, simplifies reconciliation, and improves cash flow visibility.

How B4B Payments Empower Lenders

B4B Payments provides embedded financial solutions that enable lenders to offer fast, secure, and compliant loan disbursements. Our prepaid and virtual card technology ensures borrowers—whether individuals or businesses—gain instant access to funds, while lenders maintain full control over compliance and spending oversight.

With API-driven integrations and tailored card solutions, B4B Payments allows lenders to streamline their payout processes without sacrificing security or operational efficiency. By integrating B4B Payments’ card solutions, lenders can enhance the speed, control, and flexibility of business funding—allowing companies to focus on growth instead of waiting for capital.

Lending is evolving—make sure your disbursement strategy keeps pace. Get in touch with B4B Payments today to learn how our embedded financial services can help you deliver faster, more efficient loan payouts.

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Powering PropTech: How B4B Payments is Managing Real Estate Payments for a Seamless Experience

The PropTech industry is undergoing a digital revolution, leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimise property transactions, management, and financing. As the market grows—projected to reach $86.5 billion by 2032 (Source) —payment solutions remain crucial in driving efficiency and scalability. Traditional methods often fall short, causing delays, inefficiencies, and administrative bottlenecks. B4B Payments offers an advanced, seamless, and scalable payment solution that streamlines financial operations across the PropTech ecosystem.

Modern digital payment solutions have reshaped financial transactions in PropTech. According to Statista, real-time payments in the UK are expected to continue growing, with instant payments comprising nearly 10% of overall payments in 2023 and anticipated to increase further by 2028. (Source). While this data encompasses all sectors, the real estate industry’s growing adoption of digital payment solutions suggests a significant contribution to this growth. Factors such as the rise of PropTech innovations, the demand for seamless transaction processes, and the global shift towards cashless payments are driving this trend.

These advancements drive efficiency, reducing transaction times and enhancing financial transparency.

Addressing Payment Challenges in PropTech

PropTech businesses, including property developers, estate agents, and construction firms, face persistent challenges in financial transactions, such as delayed payments caused by traditional banking processes that hinder cash flow and disrupt project timelines. These businesses also struggle with cumbersome expense management systems, navigating the complexities of tracking costs related to travel, supplies, and marketing. Reliance on manual payment methods for vendors and contractors slows transactions and amplifies administrative workloads. At the same time, the absence of streamlined systems for client and employee incentives limits opportunities to foster loyalty and motivation through structured rewards. Together, these issues underscore the need for innovative financial solutions tailored to the PropTech sector. 

B4B Payments provides innovative prepaid and digital payment solutions tailored to PropTech businesses, offering an agile and secure way to handle financial transactions:

Business & Employee Expense Management:

  • Prepaid cards simplify travel expenses, office supplies, and project-related purchases with real-time tracking.
  • Customisable spending limits ensure controlled financial management.

Client Incentives & Commission Payouts:

  • Estate agents can leverage prepaid cards to reward client referrals and successful property transactions.

Corporate & Tenant Rewards:

  • Property developers can provide prepaid cards as rewards for lease renewals and community engagement.
  • These cards can cover utility payments and on-site amenities, enhancing tenant satisfaction.

Vendor & Subcontractor Payments:

  • Digital payment solutions enable quick, secure, and automated transactions for service providers, subcontractors, and suppliers, reducing reliance on manual transfers and streamlining operations.

As PropTech payments evolve, businesses need a flexible, scalable, and secure payment infrastructure. B4B Payments delivers a future-proof solution by offering both prepaid cards and digital payment options to meet diverse financial needs.

Prepaid cards provide a controlled, efficient way to manage vendor, client, and employee expenses, ensuring funds are allocated securely and conveniently. Digital payments automate transactions, streamline cash flow, and ensure compliance, enabling faster and more seamless financial operations.

With real-time insights and advanced reporting, property developers, estate agents, and construction firms can optimise financial workflows, control spending, and accelerate payments.

🚀 Want to transform your PropTech payment processes? Contact B4B Payments today to explore how our tailored solutions can drive efficiency in your business!

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Driving Humanitarian Efforts: How B4B Supports Human Appeal’s Global Relief Operations

We’re proud to support Human Appeal’s mission to provide critical aid worldwide. B4B Payments’ secure and efficient payment solutions help streamline fund distribution, ensuring donations reach those in need faster.

From emergency relief to long-term development projects, our prepaid card solutions empower humanitarian organisations to deliver aid swiftly & effectively.

Learn how B4B Payments is driving impact in global relief efforts.

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Optimising Accounts Payable: B4B Payments Featured in The Payments Association’s Latest Article

We’re excited to share that B4B Payments has been featured in The Payments Association’s latest article, showcasing insights from our whitepaper on optimising accounts payable. 

As businesses navigate the shift towards digital payments, our payment solutions help streamline accounts payable automation, reduce inefficiencies, and improve financial control. 

Learn how embedded payments and automated AP solutions are transforming financial operations.

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Digital Payments Bringing Value to Travel and Tourism Rebound

Travel and tourism are rebounding in the U.S. and abroad, and digital payments are being used to support renewed growth, offer added value, and streamline payments to vendors and suppliers

Around 1.4 billion tourists traveled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. The U.S. tourism industry continues to experience remarkable growth within that recovery, reaching a record-breaking $2.36 trillion. This upward trend reflects not only the resilience of the sector but also the increasing demand for seamless and convenient travel experiences.

Modern travelers and tour operators increasingly value digital solutions that enhance convenience, security, and efficiency. As a result, digital payments, including prepaid cards and digital wallets, are pivotal in supporting the industry’s continued expansion. Businesses operating in tourism must adapt to this shift by integrating flexible payment solutions to remain competitive and improve customer and vendor experiences.

Evolving Travel Trends and Digital Payments
The nature of travel is evolving. Today’s travelers, particularly younger demographics and high-income professionals are taking longer trips, seeking premium accommodations, and blending work with leisure. These travelers rely heavily on digital transactions, preferring secure and budget-friendly payment methods like prepaid cards.

Enhancing the Travel Experience with Prepaid Cards
With the continued increase in travel costs due to rising fuel prices and inflation, travelers are more conscious of budgeting than ever before. Businesses can provide added value by offering prepaid cards, which empower travelers to manage their spending effectively.

Using B4B Payments’ prepaid travel cards and mobile applications, travelers can:

  • Instantly load and track funds
  • Monitor real-time transactions and upload receipts
  • Add physical or virtual cards to mobile wallets for seamless payments

Additionally, prepaid cards eliminate the inconvenience of carrying cash. Should a card be lost or stolen, users can quickly deactivate it and transfer funds to a new virtual or physical card, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Businesses can also deploy prepaid cards for specific scenarios, such as emergency assistance for stranded passengers, rapid funding for tour guides, or as part of a customer loyalty program.

Streamlining Vendor and Supplier Payments
Beyond enhancing traveler convenience, prepaid cards and digital payments significantly benefit travel and tourism businesses in managing supplier and vendor relationships. Prompt and reliable payments strengthen partnerships, improving service quality and customer satisfaction.

B4B Payments offer businesses a streamlined alternative to traditional banking methods such as wire transfers, checks, and cash. Our prepaid card solutions allow travel and tourism businesses to:

Simplify Expense Management

  • Equip your teams with secure virtual and physical prepaid cards for seamless, on-the-go payments covering everything from rentals and reservations to food, transportation, and beyond.
  • Pay commissioned sales associates faster and more efficiently.

Transact in Local Currencies

  • Rapidly issue USD, EUR, or GBP cards to match your travel and tour needs.
  • Minimize high FX fees, ATM costs, and international transaction charges.

Centralized Control, Real-Time Insights

  • Manage everything from a single, user-friendly platform.
  • Features include receipt capture, automated card loads, auto top-ups, and detailed expense tracking.
  • Streamline reconciliation.

Furthermore, companies can leverage digital payments to incentivize vendor loyalty through channel incentive programs and rewards, fostering stronger relationships that support business growth.

As the travel and tourism industry continues upward, businesses must embrace digital transformation to meet evolving traveler expectations. Prepaid cards and digital payments present an opportunity to enhance tour and travel experiences while optimizing business operations. By adopting B4B Payments’ secure and flexible prepaid solutions, travel companies can stay ahead in a competitive landscape, ensuring their customers and service providers benefit from streamlined, efficient, and secure payment methods.


To find out more about how B4B works with travel and tourism companies, get in touch with us.


References:

World Tourism Organization

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B4B Payments: Supporting Charities with Digital Payment Solutions

We’re excited to share our collaboration with Gilgal, a charity dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, as part of our ongoing mission to provide innovative digital payment solutions. In the January 2025 edition of CRA Blog, we showcase how B4B Payments have helped charities transition from cash-based systems to cashless payment solutions, streamlining financial processes and improving operational efficiency.

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Pioneering Innovation & Driving Change: B4B Payments is a finalist for 5 Categories at the FS Tech Awards

B4B Payments is thrilled to announce that we’re a finalist for five prestigious categories at the FS Tech Awards. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative payment solutions that empower businesses across industries. Our advanced payment infrastructure supports growth and drives meaningful change in the fintech landscape.

Best Customer Service and Experience Technology

At B4B Payments, we prioritise creating a seamless, user-centric payment experience for our clients. Whether issuing prepaid cards or managing complex expense programs, our platform is designed to simplify every step of the journey and foster trust and reliability.This focus on customer service and user experience drives satisfaction and increases retention

Payments Innovation of the Year

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. B4B Payments harnesses advanced technology to deliver flexible, scalable, and forward-thinking payment infrastructure. By offering instant provisioning and spending controls, we’re transforming how organisations handle finances—ensuring they remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Financial Sector Innovation of the Year

Our ambitious approach to redefining financial services extends beyond just payments. We collaborate with businesses across multiple industries—healthcare, travel, education, and more, offering a scalable platform that opens new revenue streams and enhances customer loyalty. Our infrastructure is designed to evolve alongside emerging industry needs and regulations, making it easier for businesses to harness new technologies and maintain compliance. By keeping innovation at the core of our strategy, we empower clients to adapt, grow, and lead in their respective markets.

 Financial Inclusion Award

We believe that everyone should have access to secure, convenient, and compliant payment methods. B4B Payments’ solutions empower businesses to extend financial services to those who may have been overlooked by traditional banking. Our platform’s low barriers to entry mean organisations across the globe can efficiently distribute funds, aid, or benefits, ensuring those most in need have the resources to participate in the financial system. By supporting financial inclusion initiatives, we help businesses and charities make a meaningful impact on their communities.

Banking as a Service (BaaS) – Platform of the Year

At B4B Payments, our vision for Banking as a Service goes beyond standard financial tools. Our platform enables businesses to embed financial services directly into their operations, unlocking new growth opportunities. This modular approach allows organisations to choose and integrate only the features they need, creating bespoke payment solutions without the complexities of building everything in-house. Our BaaS platform accelerates go-to-market times and fosters innovation.

We’re thrilled to announce that B4B Payments has won the ‘Banking as a Service (BaaS) – Platform of the Year’ at the FS Tech Awards. This recognition reflects our relentless commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering flexible payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses across sectors. While we were finalists in five categories, this win celebrates our leadership and excellence in the BaaS space.

Each award category highlights a different facet of what we do best at B4B Payments: customer-centric service, forward-thinking innovation, cutting-edge platform capabilities, and a dedication to financial inclusion. Our payment infrastructure is designed to be scalable, reliable, and future-ready, equipping businesses with the tools they need to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Explore how B4B Payments can transform your organisation’s payment infrastructure and help you stay ahead in a dynamic fintech environment. Visit our website to learn more about our solutions and get in touch with our team.
B4B Payments is a leading provider of innovative payment solutions, offering comprehensive prepaid card programs, digital disbursement tools, and embedded finance platforms. We’re committed to driving financial innovation that makes a real difference for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors