APS, a leading challenger to the banks, offering alternative banking and payments solutions for consumers, SMEs and public sector organisations, continues to make waves in the Financial Services industry, ten years after its launch in 2004. A recent investment of £3.5 million from existing directors and board members reflects APS’ continued weight as a significant payment player, supporting strong financial momentum and company growth. At the same time, aggressive growth has led the company to re-locate and double the size of its headquarter office space in anticipation of a 27% increase in staff over the next 12 months.

Already one of the most awarded electronic banking providers in Europe, APS has been further recognised in 2014, winning Best Business Card for Cashplus, the High Street business bank account alternative at The Card & Payments Awards. The company was also listed as one of the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain, a celebration of the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs in the UK.

Richard Wagner, CEO, leads a senior management team with over 100 years of combined experience in the payments space. In recognition of his expertise and position in the industry, he has recently been elected to the Euro Retail Payments Board, a progressive step from this newly formed Board to allow an Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) a seat alongside other mainstream banks.  Wagner comments, “I am honoured to have been selected for this role, representing Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) to give our industry a stronger voice in shaping payment regulations for our sector. This is a landmark moment, showing the growing influence of challenger banks and smaller innovative players in Europe. This exciting and significant step will help put EMIs on a level playing field with the banks, which have traditionally controlled this space, particularly from a regulatory perspective “APS is in the business of firsts, with a strong track record of industry innovation that I am highly confident will continue to grow. It is an important and exciting time for the financial services industry, with enormous market opportunity for continued disruption in the banking and payments space, as small businesses open their eyes to ‘non-bank’ alternatives. I see APS at the forefront of this revolution, as we continue to lead the market to meet the needs of our growing customer base.”

APS has now issued over one million Cashplus cards, and supports payment solutions for over 20% of the local government councils throughout the UK, as the fastest growing payment solutions provider to this sector.

Wagner comments, “The tide is turning. Non Cash Payments represent 21 billion transactions in 2012, and will pass cash by 2015^. Of course, mobile is driving innovation, with prepaid complemented by mobile enablement emerging as the fastest growing category in the payments sector. Big questions are currently being asked about the future of mobile technology in money and banking. Are banks doing enough to help their customers? How will consumers choose between different payments systems on offer? With innovation, transparency, ease of use and democracy at our core, I look forward to leading, shaping and responding to the dynamic payment industry over the coming months.”

Don Dixon, co-founder of Trident Capital, and lead APS investor says, “APS has a strong and clear vision for its growth and market leadership over the next few years, serving consumers, businesses and the public sector alike. Its history of innovation is truly impressive, driven by an experienced and innovative management team. I am delighted to be a member of APS’ board of directors, supporting the business as it forges ahead in the FinTech space.”