WapiPay has expanded its global footprint with its entry into the North American market after obtaining a Money Services Business (MSB) licence from Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC).
The regulatory approval gives the Kenyan-founded fintech its first licensed operating presence in the region and enables it to offer a range of financial services through a newly established Canadian subsidiary.
The licence authorizes WapiPay to provide money transfer, foreign exchange, and payment services in Canada. It also allows the company to facilitate virtual currency and digital asset transactions, strengthening its position in both traditional payments and digital finance.
The move represents a significant milestone for the Nairobi-based fintech as it continues to expand its international payments network beyond Africa. With operations and partnerships already spanning Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean, the Canadian licence opens new opportunities to support cross-border trade, remittances, and international payments between North America and emerging markets.
WapiPay co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Edward N. described the approval as a major achievement for the company, noting that the licence creates a regulated environment that allows the company to combine fiat payment services with digital assets and virtual currencies. The development is expected to strengthen WapiPay’s ability to offer innovative cross-border payment solutions while maintaining compliance with international financial regulations.
Founded in 2019 by Edward N. and Paul Ndichu, WapiPay initially focused on facilitating payment flows between Africa and Asia before expanding into broader financial services. The company has continued to diversify its offerings, including the launch of a remittance-based credit scoring solution for Kenyan banks earlier this year.
The fintech has also accelerated its international growth strategy in recent months. In April, WapiPay secured regulatory approval to begin operations in Jamaica, further expanding its presence in the Caribbean market.
With its latest expansion into Canada, WapiPay is positioning itself as a global payments platform connecting developed and emerging markets. The company aims to leverage its growing network to deliver faster, more efficient, and compliant cross-border payment services for businesses and consumers worldwide.
