Africhange, a UK-licensed cross-border financial technology company, has partnered with Griffin, a licensed UK bank that supports fintechs, to provide GBP bank and savings accounts for its users. The collaboration will allow individuals, especially new immigrants, to manage their finances more easily while living and working in the UK.
Through this partnership, Africhange users can now open dedicated GBP bank accounts with their own Sort Code and Account Number. This will enable them to receive payments directly, hold GBP balances, and transfer funds within the Africhange platform. The feature is designed to simplify financial management for people who regularly move money between the UK and Africa.
Opening a standard current account in the UK can be difficult for many newcomers. Most high street banks require proof of address, such as a utility bill, council tax bill, or UK driving licence. New arrivals often do not have these documents immediately, as they may be staying in temporary or employer-provided accommodation where bills are not in their name. This situation makes it hard to open a bank account, and without one, they struggle to receive salaries or pay bills—creating a cycle that delays their financial integration.
Unlike many virtual accounts that act only as intermediaries for transactions, Africhange’s GBP account is a fully functional UK bank account powered by Griffin. It provides all the standard banking details and access that users need for day-to-day transactions.
In addition to transactional services, Africhange users will also gain access to savings options, combining the security of a UK bank with Africhange’s customer-focused platform. The service will include 24/7 customer support through chat, email, or phone, providing direct and timely assistance to users.
For customers, the new GBP accounts represent an opportunity to access reliable banking tools within an ecosystem built for cross-border users. For the wider fintech and banking industry, it shows how collaboration between regulated banks and technology firms can deliver inclusive financial services to a diverse user base.
Commenting on the partnership, David Ajala, Chief Executive Officer of Africhange, said: “At Africhange, we don’t just understand the immigrant journey, we’ve lived it. As a founder who’s walked this path, I know that sending money home is only part of building a new life. That’s why launching our UK bank account with Griffin is personal. We’re moving beyond remittances to become a true financial partner, giving our community a trusted place to hold their balance, manage their UK finances, and earn Afripoints, all from one platform.”
David Jarvis, Chief Executive Officer of Griffin, added: “Too many immigrants face unnecessary friction in accessing basic bank accounts. We’re proud to be working with Africhange in helping people access the basic financial tools they need to live and work in the UK.”
Michael Price, Chief Operating Officer of Africhange UK, described the collaboration as a key step forward. “Partnering with Griffin marks a turning point in Africhange’s mission. We are giving our users the control, trust, and functionality they need to thrive financially in a new country. This is more than a product launch; it’s a statement about what inclusive, cross-border banking should look like, with further enhancements on the way.”
Africhange entered the UK market in July 2024, enabling users to send money to Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya with real-time rates and no hidden fees. The company is also licensed in Canada and supports transfers from Canada, Nigeria, Australia, and the UK to multiple countries in various currencies, including USD, CAD, CNY, NGN, KES, GHS, INR, AUD, and GBP.
UK users can access Africhange by downloading the mobile app on the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting Africhange’s official website.
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