About Marqeta
Marqeta is a US card issuer that entered the growing European market more than five years ago. Built from the ground up, Marqeta’s platform allows developers to launch new programmes with speed, flexibility and scale.
The challenge
They say knowledge is power, and starting operations in a new market is a tricky undertaking. From a regulatory standpoint, there are many potential pitfalls.
For example, it’s no secret that, when it comes to card transactions, the US does things differently from Europe, with its own product expectations and legal requirements. And while the US is a single unified market, London’s regulatory landscape is very different from those in Belgium, France, Malta or Germany.
Having all the knowledge you might need at your fingertips is a powerful way to limit your chances of faltering. Many companies try. Many fall short. We wanted to make sure we were a success story. So far, that’s very much been the case.
How London & Partners helped
When we looked at Europe as a new destination, we knew there was little substitute for hands-on experience. That remains true today, and the success of our entrance into the region has only been enhanced by our work with London & Partners – leveraging its deep roots across the continent has been a priceless part of our success.
London's vibrant and dynamic fintech ecosystem has also played a pivotal role in Marqeta's growth. The city has a rich financial heritage and a forward-thinking approach to innovation. This has created a dyed-in-the-wool environment for fostering fintech excellence.
London boasts diverse and highly skilled talent in its fintech sector, with a global appeal that attracts top professionals in financial services, technology and innovation. This skilled workforce has been instrumental in driving Marqeta's innovative solutions and contributing to our success in a new market. Finding the best people is paramount to any company’s growth, both in the short and long term.
Finally, this supportive regulatory framework has allowed Marqeta to navigate this complex landscape and implement cutting-edge solutions.
The outcome
London's ecosystem has been a catalyst for Marqeta, offering a supportive foundation for innovation, fostering collaboration and providing the resources necessary for sustained growth in the ever-evolving fintech industry.
Everywhere you look in the city, you’ll find examples of success in the market. We have no doubt we can mirror what we’ve achieved in the US right here in London.
As anyone who’s moved into a new geography will tell you, it’s not a quick fix or a short-term aim: it’s a long-term operation. This approach will help Marqeta go from strength to strength and provide a fantastic base for wider penetration in the global market.