ClearBank facilitates PhotonPay's expansion into the UK payment rail system.

ClearBank facilitates PhotonPay’s expansion into the UK payment rail system.

2026-01-20

ClearBank and PhotonPay have entered into a partnership that expands PhotonPay’s access to UK domestic payment infrastructure.

This arrangement allows PhotonPay to utilize ClearBank’s API-driven banking platform, offering named virtual accounts alongside access to Faster Payments, BACS, and CHAPS. The setup also includes Confirmation of Payee functionality, which supports payer verification for GBP transactions. These services aim to support UK-based collections and payouts with real-time settlement capabilities.

Utilizing ClearBank’s Infrastructure

By leveraging ClearBank’s clearing and settlement infrastructure, PhotonPay can connect to the UK’s main payment systems without requiring a UK banking license of its own. According to representatives from PhotonPay, this approach is intended to minimize settlement times and support compliance requirements while integrating local payment options into their existing international platform.

ClearBank officials stated that the collaboration enables PhotonPay to expand its services using ClearBank’s real-time clearing capabilities. They noted that indirect access to UK payment systems can aid non-UK firms in localizing payments, which is particularly relevant for companies seeking to operate within the market.

PhotonPay was established in 2015 and offers payment and financial infrastructure services to businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. Its product range includes virtual accounts, card issuing, and both domestic and cross-border payments. The company operates from a network of international offices and supports business customers in numerous countries and regions.

ClearBank functions as a UK clearing bank with its own banking license, focusing on providing embedded banking and real-time payment services to financial institutions and fintech companies. Its platform allows partners to offer payment processing and account services without having to build banking infrastructure internally.

The partnership is expected to support PhotonPay’s European expansion plans by establishing local payment connectivity in the UK, a base often used for regional operations.