Mastercard Launches Accreditation Program for UK FinTech Sponsors

Mastercard has introduced a new accreditation framework designed to streamline market entry for financial-technology startups in the United Kingdom, according to a Jan. 15 press release.

The initiative, titled “BIN Sponsor Plus,” aims to connect FinTechs and other businesses with a vetted network of financial institutions capable of facilitating rapid card program launches.

Bank Identification Number (BIN) sponsorship is a critical mechanism in the digital economy, allowing non-bank entities to access global payment networks without the regulatory and administrative overhead of becoming a licensed issuer. Under the new program, approved sponsors must adhere to enhanced standards regarding due diligence and training. In return, these partners receive specialized operational support and a “Partner Mark” from Mastercard signifying their accreditation.

The program launches with four founding participants: Transact Pay, PSI Pay, IDT Financial Services and Edenred Payment Solutions.

Darren Deal, Mastercard’s senior vice president for FinTech, government and digital partnerships, stated that the program provides a “ready-made list of best-in-class partners” to help companies scale efficiently. The sponsorship model has previously served as a launchpad for major U.K. challengers, including Monzo, Starling and Revolut, which utilized sponsors before becoming direct Mastercard issuers.

The initiative arrives as the U.K. solidifies its status as a global FinTech hub, with the sector generating 32.4 billion pounds ($45 billion) in revenue in 2024 and ranking as the second-largest market globally for funding.

The U.K. initiative aligns with a broader global framework Mastercard is implementing to formalize the complex web of relationships behind digital wallets and cards.

In a related industry analysis, the payments network highlighted the necessity of new oversight structures to manage the risk associated with non-bank issuers. While BINs have routed transactions and identified issuers since the 1970s, most FinTechs lack the regulatory status to manage them directly, making sponsorship essential for market access.

Rich Audet, Mastercard’s vice president of franchise customer enablement, emphasized that the updated guidelines are intended to “fuel new growth without compromising on our ability to manage and mitigate risk.”

This focus on transparency seeks to define clear roles for all parties, preventing operational fallout for sponsor banks and consumers should a startup fail. The urgency for robust standards is underscored by the sector’s rapid expansion; citing data from Boston Consulting Group, Mastercard noted that global FinTech revenues climbed 21% in the last year alone.