Lunar and Saldo Bank Forge Partnership to Transform Nordic Banking and Payment Solutions

30th of October 2024 - The new partnership will enable Saldo Bank to gain access to Sweden's local payment systems through a single API, enabling seamless transactions in local currency and reducing friction in both inbound and outbound payments. Following strong demand from both local and international payment providers, Lunar opened its Nordic payment infrastructure to partners in June 2023. Since then, Lunar has to date secured 14 key partnerships, with Saldo Bank becoming the first banking partner.

Lunar’s cloud-based banking platform and API solution offer seamless access to cross-border payments, clearing services, and local payment networks throughout the Nordics. With Saldo Bank’s recent entry into the Swedish market in early 2024, this partnership enables the bank to automate payment operations, access Sweden’s clearing system, and efficiently support local currency transactions for both businesses and consumers, positioning Saldo Bank for further growth across the Nordics. Customers will benefit from expanded payment options, including Swish, making transactions faster and more convenient.

Ken Villum Klausen, CEO of Lunar, commented:

"The Nordic financial market presents significant entry barriers for international banks and fintechs, from regulatory complexities to high operating costs. We’ve developed our platform to break down those barriers and provide an efficient, streamlined solution. We’re thrilled to have Saldo Bank as our first banking partner. This collaboration demonstrates how our technology simplifies access to the Nordic market, enabling international institutions to grow and scale within the region."

Jarkko Mäensivu, CEO of Saldo Bank, commentated:

“Partnering with Lunar allows us to extend our financial services in Sweden and deliver faster, cost-effective payment and deposit solutions. The integration with Lunar’s infrastructure automates our processes and provides customers with convenient, frictionless payment options like Swish, ultimately reducing our operational costs and reliance on customer support. This partnership marks a big step forward in our mission to offer tailored financial solutions across the Nordics.”

Lunar’s Expanding Ecosystem Drives Over €250 Billion in Global TransactionsSince opening its infrastructure to partners, Lunar has forged alliances with industry leaders including Trustly, TrueLayer, PPRO, Currencycloud (VISA-owned), and Viva.com. Collectively, these partnerships handle over €250 billion in global transaction volume, with Lunar processing over 10,000 transactions daily. As Lunar aims to become the preferred interbank payment partner in the Nordics, it is currently in discussions with potential partners representing an additional €60 billion in global transactions. Today, Lunar’s partners contribute to an annualized transaction volume exceeding €1 billion.