Argentinian fintech Pomelo has launched a global card solution, enabling companies to issue payment cards in over 150 countries. This innovative platform allows banks and fintechs to expand internationally without establishing a physical presence or securing local licenses. The move positions Pomelo as a key enabler of frictionless global payment services.
Streamlining International Expansion
The new global card drastically simplifies the complexities of international expansion for card issuers. It centralizes functions that historically required building local infrastructure, operations, and financial partnerships in each new market. This is all achieved through a single, efficient technological integration provided by Pomelo.
Alfonso Torreguitar, Head of Global Card at Pomelo, noted that this approach removes significant hurdles. He explained that clients can now reach multiple countries from a centralized structure, accelerating market entry. This model allows businesses to validate customer demand before committing to long-term local investments.
A Unified Local and Global Infrastructure
Pomelo's platform uniquely combines its established local card issuance capabilities in Latin America with its new global service. This integrated infrastructure is a first for the industry, offering clients a seamless way to manage both regional and worldwide card programs. The company provides a comprehensive solution under one technological umbrella.
CEO and co-founder Gastón Irigoyen highlighted the need for a multi-rail approach in Latin America's complex payment ecosystem. He stated that the opportunity lies in intelligently combining cards, transfers, and stablecoins. Pomelo's infrastructure is built to navigate these regulatory asymmetries and offer innovative, compliant solutions.
Comprehensive Features and Market Adoption
The solution includes the issuance of virtual Mastercard and Visa cards compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. It also supports global physical card distribution and offers real-time settlement in U.S. dollars or stablecoins. This provides significant operational and financial flexibility for clients expanding their services.
The service is already operational and serves a prestigious client base across America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. This includes major players like Western Union, BBVA, Santander, and Binance. Pomelo also offers complementary services like issuer processing, tokenization, and AI-powered fraud prevention.
The launch of Pomelo's global card marks a significant development in the fintech infrastructure landscape. Backed by over $160 million in funding from top investors, the company is well-positioned to redefine cross-border payments. This offering eliminates critical barriers, empowering businesses to scale their card programs with unprecedented speed and simplicity.