EMI

Electronic Money Institutions

Digital-first accounts for modern businesses

Licensed EMIs offering IBANs, multi-currency accounts, and payment services without the overhead of a full bank.

Regulated

Licensed under EMD2 by EBA-member national regulators across the EU/EEA.

Multi-currency

Most EMIs support 10–50+ currencies with competitive FX rates.

Fast onboarding

Digital KYC means accounts can be opened in days, not weeks.

Business-first

Designed for SMEs, startups, and international operations.

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What are Electronic Money Institutions?

Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) are regulated financial entities authorised to issue electronic money and provide payment services. Unlike traditional banks, EMIs offer faster onboarding, lower fees, and modern digital-first interfaces — making them ideal for startups, international businesses, and companies that need multi-currency accounts without the complexity of a full banking relationship. EMIs in the EU are regulated under the Electronic Money Directive (EMD2) and supervised by national competent authorities.

Choosing among electronic money institutions?

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Tell us how you operate and what you need from a emi. We’ll surface relevant electronic money institutions from the directory and explain the signals behind them.

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Frequently asked questions

Are EMIs safe?

EMIs are regulated by national financial authorities and must hold client funds in safeguarded accounts separate from their own capital. However, unlike banks, EMI deposits are not covered by deposit guarantee schemes (DGS) up to €100,000.

Can an EMI replace a bank account?

For most business payment needs, yes. EMIs provide IBANs, SEPA transfers, SWIFT, and card issuance. They lack lending products like overdrafts or loans.

How long does EMI onboarding take?

Most EMIs complete KYC/KYB in 1–5 business days for straightforward applications. Complex structures or high-risk industries may take 2–4 weeks.