Zilch, the UK-based consumer payments platform, is officially entering the payments big league. The company has secured a payments services licence from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a milestone that removes its reliance on third-party providers and opens the door to faster innovation—including stablecoin integration.

A Strategic Leap in Payments Autonomy

The FCA licence marks a major step for Zilch, giving the company the regulatory clearance to expand its product offerings in-house. With direct oversight from the regulator, Zilch can now develop new payment methods, test products early, and engage in deeper commercial partnerships.

“This is a major step change for Zilch, bringing us firmly into the payments tent and giving us a true seat at the table to shape the ecosystem,” said Philip Belamant, Co-Founder and CEO. “In just five years, we’ve amassed over 5.3 million users and thousands of retail partners. Now with our licence, we’re even better positioned to innovate and scale efficiently.”

Fueling Innovation: Zilch Pay and Intelligent Commerce

The licence comes as Zilch prepares to roll out two flagship products. Zilch Pay, launching in H1 2026, promises a one-click checkout experience aimed at capturing more consumer wallet share. Meanwhile, Intelligent Commerce leverages AI to turn live engagement data into real-time insights, transforming how merchants interact with customers.

With FCA approval, these launches can be accelerated, providing Zilch with early access to roadmap discussions and enabling a more agile approach to product development—critical in the fast-moving world of digital payments.

Strengthening Partnerships: Visa Principal Membership

Zilch has also secured Principal Membership with Visa, reinforcing its strategic collaboration with the payments giant. Visa and Zilch plan to explore innovations in agentic commerce and other advanced payment solutions.

“We’re excited to continue supporting Zilch’s growth to bring new, cutting-edge solutions to the UK market,” said Mark Berry, Head of UK Clients at Visa. “Together, we can deliver smarter ways to pay and be paid at scale.”

A Strong Regulatory and Financial Foundation

FCA licences have become increasingly stringent, often subjecting applicants to scrutiny comparable to that of a new bank. Zilch’s successful approval underscores its operational governance and regulatory credibility. This comes alongside a recent USD $175 million fundraising round—including debt and equity—and the expansion of its securitization program led by Deutsche Bank.

The company has also become the Official Way to Pay for Arsenal Football Club, signaling its growing brand presence and market reach.

Implications for the Market

By combining regulatory approval, financial strength, and innovative products, Zilch is positioning itself as a leader in the next phase of consumer payments. The FCA licence and Visa partnership not only boost credibility but also pave the way for new technologies like stablecoins and AI-powered commerce to enter mainstream payment workflows.