Global fintech firm Leatherback has been named “Banking-as-a-Service Innovator of the Year 2025” at the Brit Fintech Awards, a recognition that highlights the company’s growing influence in redefining how individuals and businesses move money across borders.
The award celebrates Leatherback’s commitment to making borderless banking simple, accessible, and inclusive for users around the world — from entrepreneurs and freelancers to large enterprises seeking faster, more flexible international transactions.
Driving Borderless Finance
Since its inception, Leatherback has focused on tackling one of the most persistent challenges in global finance — the complexity of moving money seamlessly between countries. The company’s platform provides integrated solutions that enable users to send, receive, and manage funds in multiple currencies without the friction typically associated with cross-border banking.
According to the company, this approach has not only empowered businesses to scale internationally but also supported individuals who earn or remit income across different markets.
CEO: “The Future of Finance Is Global”
Speaking on the award, Ochevhoya Ekpete, Chief Executive Officer of Leatherback, described the recognition as both a validation of the company’s mission and an inspiration to continue building solutions that promote financial freedom.
“We started Leatherback to solve a simple but universal challenge — moving money globally shouldn’t be difficult,” Ekpete said. “Winning this award reaffirms that vision and reminds us that the future of finance is truly global. We’re just getting started.”
He added that the company’s success is built on a deep understanding of customer needs, innovative technology, and a belief that financial inclusion must transcend borders.
Recognition for Innovation and Impact
Leatherback’s win at the Brit Fintech Awards underscores its leadership in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) — a model that allows businesses to integrate financial services directly into their own platforms through APIs and other digital tools.
The fintech’s infrastructure supports businesses of all sizes, helping them receive payments, manage liquidity, and expand into new markets without the heavy cost and complexity of traditional banking systems.
Industry experts say the award reflects the increasing importance of BaaS in today’s financial ecosystem, as more companies look to embed banking services into their digital operations.
Empowering a Global Community
In a statement following the award, Leatherback said the milestone belongs to its team, customers, and partners who share its vision for a borderless financial world.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to creating products that help freelancers get paid faster, businesses grow globally, and individuals send money home easily and securely,” the company said.
About Leatherback
Leatherback is a global fintech company that provides cross-border financial solutions for individuals and organizations. Through its digital platform, users can access multi-currency accounts, manage international transactions, and make global payments with speed and transparency.
By combining advanced technology with robust financial infrastructure, Leatherback continues to drive innovation in borderless banking — making it easier for people and businesses to connect financially, wherever they are.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
