Strategies, profitability, and AI in focus: Interview with Rapyd CEO Arik Shtilman on the company's future plans
Rapyd, a leading cross-border payments company, is charting a bold course for its future, focusing on global expansion, payment infrastructure enhancement, and partner ecosystem development. This strategy is underpinned by the recent acquisition of PayU's Global Payment Operations (GPO) and the launch of the Rapyd Payment Partner Programme.
The acquisition of PayU GPO, finalized in Q3 2024, marked a significant milestone for Rapyd. By integrating PayU's GPO business, Rapyd enhances its merchant base and global payment operation capabilities, strengthening its footprint in key international markets and expanding its service offerings for cross-border and localized payments.
The Rapyd Payment Partner Programme, launched amid broader changes in the B2B market, is a key component of the company's growth strategy. This initiative aims to cultivate partnerships with Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), Payment Facilitators (PayFacs), and other intermediaries to scale payment acceptance globally. Partners are provided with advanced infrastructure, seamless onboarding, and diversified payment options to address local market requirements.
Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in Rapyd's strategy, as evident in the context of the Rapyd Payment Partner Programme. The company invests in AI and Gen AI technologies to improve fraud detection, optimize payment workflows, and enhance customer experience, reflecting a forward-looking approach to fintech innovation.
The changing global merchant opportunity is a key focus within the Rapyd Payment Partner Programme. Rapyd's strategy is designed to broaden its revenue contribution from referral partners and increase its scale and reach. The company aims to strengthen its competitive position in the evolving B2B fintech landscape by offering localized, scalable, and integrated payment solutions worldwide.
In August 2023, Rapyd announced the acquisition of PayU's Global Payment Organisation (PayU GPO) for $610m. This move was designed to super-charge Rapyd's growth, providing the company with a robust infrastructure to support its ambitious plans.
In an interview with CEO Arik Shtilman, he discussed Rapyd's strategy and future, emphasizing the company's focus on global expansion via multi-license acquiring and alternative payment methods (APMs). Shtilman highlighted the importance of local payment options for international business expansion and Rapyd's commitment to offering a wide range of payment methods to its merchants.
The Rapyd Payment Partner Programme and the acquisition of PayU GPO are part of a broader strategy for the company to increase its scale and reach. By leveraging its recent acquisitions and partnership initiatives, Rapyd is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving B2B fintech landscape, ready to help merchants adapt to increasing operational rigor, compliance demands, and digital payment complexity.
Rapyd's execution-focused strategy for sustained growth is reflected in its strong emphasis on infrastructure expansion and operational execution. Industry benchmarks highlight Rapyd’s resilience and scalability in competitive fintech markets, reinforcing its status as a top cross-border payments company.
The company is also aligning its corporate and capital structure to support potential future liquidity events, indicating long-term plans for sustained growth and market presence. With its strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and technological advancements, Rapyd is poised to continue its growth trajectory in the dynamic world of fintech.
The acquisition of PayU's Global Payment Operations (GPO) in Q3 2024 enhances Rapyd's business by expanding its global payment operations capabilities and strengthening its footing in key markets, while the Rapyd Payment Partner Programme aims to leverage advanced technology to scale payment acceptance worldwide, partnering with Intermediaries like Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) and Payment Facilitators (PayFacs).
