Virtual IBANs have become an essential building block for companies that operate in payments and financial services. PSPs, EMIs, neobanks, marketplace operators, payroll platforms, and embedded finance products rely on virtual IBANs to manage incoming transfers, support multi-currency balances, simplify reconciliation, and expand into new regions without opening local entities.
SDK.finance, a leading white-label digital payment platform, provides the technology foundation businesses use to build and run their IBAN and vIBAN services. Drawing on our work with payment companies across different markets and information available from public sources, we prepared this overview of the most notable virtual IBAN providers and what companies should consider before choosing one.
In this article, we review several of the most widely used and reliable virtual IBAN providers, including Airwallex, OpenPayd, Banking Circle, Clear Junction, Currencycloud, Modulr, and Payset.
Introduction to Virtual IBANs
Virtual IBANs (International Bank Account Numbers) are digital account references that revolutionize international finance by linking multiple virtual accounts to a single physical bank account. This approach allows businesses to centralize all their cross-border payments and collections, making it easier to manage incoming and outgoing funds from global customers.
With virtual IBANs, companies can handle multiple currencies within one streamlined system, reducing the need for multiple bank accounts in different countries. This not only cuts down on transaction fees but also enhances operational efficiency and simplifies financial management. By leveraging virtual IBANs, companies can receive payments from customers worldwide in different currencies, making it easier to expand into new markets and manage international transactions with greater control and transparency.
Benefits of Virtual IBANs
The adoption of virtual IBANs brings a host of key benefits for businesses operating across borders. Unlike traditional bank accounts, virtual IBANs eliminate the need to maintain multiple bank accounts in different countries, significantly reducing administrative overhead and associated fees. Companies can start accepting payments from international customers quickly, without the delays and complexities of opening local accounts. Virtual IBANs also enable faster payments and seamless cross-border transactions, improving the overall customer experience. With simplified reconciliation and streamlined financial operations, companies can focus on growth while enjoying lower transaction costs and greater flexibility in managing accounts and payments across different countries.
Security and Compliance
Security and compliance are at the core of virtual IBAN solutions, ensuring that businesses can trust their financial operations to a regulated payment institution. Leading virtual IBAN providers are FCA-regulated and adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and data protection standards, safeguarding sensitive data and minimizing the risk of payment errors. By partnering with a reputable virtual IBAN provider, businesses benefit from robust compliance frameworks that meet regulatory requirements, protect funds, and ensure all transactions are secure. This level of oversight allows companies to focus on their core business, confident that their payments and financial operations are managed in a safe and compliant environment.
Multi Currency IBANs
Multi-currency IBANs are a standout feature of virtual IBAN solutions, empowering businesses to receive and manage funds in multiple currencies through a single account. This eliminates the need for separate bank accounts in different countries or for each currency, reducing both complexity and costs. With multi-currency IBANs, businesses can accept payments from customers in various currencies, convert funds at competitive FX rates, and manage their financial operations more efficiently. This capability is especially valuable for companies with a global footprint, as it streamlines payments, enhances customer experience, and provides greater flexibility in handling different currencies and accounts—all within one unified platform.
Transaction Speed and Payout Times
One of the major advantages of virtual IBANs is the ability to process payments and transactions with exceptional speed and reliability. Virtual IBANs are designed to support fast, often real-time, payouts and collections, helping businesses maintain optimal operational efficiency. This rapid transaction capability reduces the risk of payment delays and errors, ensuring that funds are available when needed and that customers receive timely service. For businesses that depend on quick cash flow and seamless payment processing, virtual IBANs offer a significant edge, enabling them to focus on growth and customer satisfaction without being held back by slow or cumbersome banking processes.
Top Virtual IBAN Providers 2026
Airwallex
HQ: Melbourne, Australia
Year founded: 2015
Airwallex has grown into a global payments infrastructure provider supporting multi-currency accounts, competitive FX, and a wide selection of payout corridors. Its platform is designed for companies operating across different markets, supporting businesses in different regions and enabling global business expansion, and is used by many digital-first businesses that need flexible account structures and strong international coverage.
Key features
- More than 60 supported currencies
- Multi-currency accounts with the option to generate virtual IBANs
- Access to SEPA, SEPA Instant (selected regions), Faster Payments, ACH, and multiple APAC domestic networks
- A competitive FX engine suited for cross-border flows
Best for
PSPs and marketplaces with global customer bases, technology platforms handling international payouts, and companies expanding across continents.
Geography
Europe, the UK, APAC, North America, the Middle East, Latin America.
OpenPayd
HQ: London, United Kingdom
Year founded: 2018
OpenPayd focuses on embedded finance and multi-currency account infrastructure. The company provides client-named IBANs, account segmentation, reconciliation features, and treasury management tools. Its modular APIs allow businesses to integrate financial operations directly into their product rather than relying on external portals.
Key features
- Multi-currency IBANs issued in the client’s name
- SEPA and Faster Payments
- Reconciliation and treasury controls
- Scalable account issuing suitable for platform business models
Best for
FinTech products, payout platforms, marketplace operators, and embedded finance services.
Geography
UK and EU, with additional regions served through partners.
Banking Circle
HQ: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Year founded: 2013
Banking Circle provides financial infrastructure built for high-volume PSPs and EMIs, with the capability to process high volumes of transactions and partnerships with top-tier financial institutions. It offers safeguarding accounts, multi-currency IBANs, and direct access to major payment schemes in the UK and EU. Banking Circle positions itself as a partner for regulated institutions that require predictable settlement processes and strong governance.
Key features
- 20–25 currencies
- Safeguarding accounts and multi-currency IBANs
- Direct access to SEPA, Faster Payments, CHAPS, and SWIFT
Best for
Regulated PSPs, EMIs, and institutions handling large settlement flows.
Geography
EU, UK, selected international corridors.
Clear Junction
HQ: London, United Kingdom
Year founded: 2016
Clear Junction is a UK-regulated payments institution serving PSPs, EMIs, remittance providers, and financial organisations. The company offers virtual IBANs, settlement accounts, and access to several core UK and EU payment systems. Clear Junction ensures accurate identification of the specific bank involved in each transaction, supporting secure and compliant fund transfers. It is known for its conservative risk tolerance and emphasis on regulatory compliance.
Key features
- EUR, GBP, and USD accounts
- Virtual IBANs across multiple regions
- SEPA, Faster Payments, CHAPS
Best for
PSPs and EMIs that require a partner with strong regulatory governance and predictable settlement processes.
Geography
UK, EU, with global reach via SWIFT.
Currencycloud
HQ: London, United Kingdom
Year founded: 2012
Currencycloud provides a multi-currency account and payouts platform used widely by digital banks, payroll tools, card programs, and cross-border fintech services. Its infrastructure focuses on multi-currency wallets, transparent FX, and global payout rails. Currencycloud enables businesses to process international payments, convert funds into other currencies, and support recurring billing for subscription services. Currencycloud is known for its developer-friendly tools and extensive corridor network.
Key features
- 35+ currencies
- Multi-currency accounts and wallet structures
- SEPA, Faster Payments, US ACH, APAC payments
- Transparent FX and treasury tools
Best for
Businesses requiring broad currency coverage, cross-border payouts, or multi-currency account infrastructure.
Geography
UK, EU, US, Canada, APAC.
Modulr
HQ: London, United Kingdom / Dublin, Ireland
Year founded: 2015
Modulr provides direct access to payment schemes in the UK and EU and is widely used for high-volume payout systems and payroll operations, with infrastructure designed to efficiently handle large transaction volume for businesses with demanding payment needs. Its infrastructure supports instant and scheduled payment flows, with a strong focus on automation and operational reliability.
Key features
- EUR and GBP accounts
- SEPA, SEPA Instant, Faster Payments, Bacs
- Direct scheme connectivity providing fast settlement
Best for
Payroll providers, embedded payments, PSPs focused on UK/EU corridors.
Geography
UK and EU.
Payset
HQ: London, United Kingdom
Year founded: 2018
Payset offers multi-currency business accounts and virtual IBANs, with business account solutions tailored for SMEs and digital businesses seeking efficient international payment capabilities, mostly used by SMEs, freelancers, smaller PSPs, and online businesses. The solution balances accessibility with essential multi-currency support, making it a good option for smaller organisations or early-stage companies.
Key features
- Around 30 supported currencies
- Multi-currency virtual IBANs
- SEPA and Faster Payments
Best for
SMEs, freelancers, early-stage PSPs, and digital businesses needing straightforward international payment capabilities.
Geography
UK, EU, and global corridors via partners.
Virtual IBAN Providers Comparison Sheet
| Provider | HQ | Year | Currencies | Local Rails | Best For | Geography |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex | Melbourne, Australia | 2015 | 60+ | SEPA, SEPA Instant*, FPS, ACH, APAC | Global PSPs, marketplaces | Global |
| OpenPayd | London, UK | 2018 | Broad EU/global | SEPA, FPS | Embedded finance, fintech | UK/EU/global |
| Banking Circle | Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | 2013 | 20–25 | SEPA, FPS, CHAPS, SWIFT | Large PSPs & EMIs | EU/UK |
| Clear Junction | London, UK | 2016 | EUR, GBP, USD | SEPA, FPS, CHAPS | Regulated institutions | EU/UK/global |
| Currencycloud | London, UK | 2012 | 35+ | SEPA, FPS, US/APAC | Multi-currency platforms | Global |
| Modulr | London, UK / Dublin, Ireland | 2015 | EUR, GBP | SEPA, SEPA Instant, FPS, Bacs | Payroll, payouts | UK/EU |
| Payset | London, UK | 2018 | ~30 | SEPA, FPS | SMEs & small PSPs | UK/EU |
*Availability may vary by country.
How to Choose an IBAN or Virtual IBAN Provider
Selecting the right provider is crucial – look for one that offers personalised service and a dedicated account manager to ensure tailored support and quick issue resolution for your business needs.
Virtual IBAN providers differ in their licensing, risk appetite, currency range, pricing model, and technical capabilities. When choosing a partner, consider the following:
- Regulatory alignment: Some onboard only licensed PSPs and EMIs; others accept early-stage fintechs.
- Currency and regional coverage: Check which currencies and corridors match your operating markets.
- Payment rails: The availability of SEPA, SEPA Instant, Faster Payments, ACH, and APAC rails affects settlement speed.
- Account structure: Confirm whether accounts are client-named and whether sub-accounts or merchant-level accounts are available.
- Integration approach: API maturity, documentation quality, and webhook support matter for time-to-market.
- Risk appetite: High-risk industries face additional checks or exclusions.
- Pricing model: Understand account fees, payment fees, FX markups, minimum commitments, and especially monthly fees, as these ongoing costs impact your total cost of ownership and should be transparent and clearly communicated.
- Scalability: Choose a provider capable of supporting your growth and future geographic expansion.
Requirements Companies Must Meet to Work With an IBAN Provider
IBAN providers evaluate whether a prospective client meets regulatory and operational standards before issuing accounts. Key requirements include:
- Transparent ownership: Providers require full UBO details, director documentation, and a validated business address.
- Clear business model: Companies must provide a detailed explanation of their service, customer types, and flow-of-funds.
- AML/KYC readiness: Policies for customer onboarding, sanctions checks, and transaction monitoring, plus an appointed compliance officer.
- Financial stability: Proof of capital, financial statements, and a realistic operating plan.
- Geographic suitability: Restrictions may apply to high-risk jurisdictions or sanctioned regions.
- Industry category: Crypto, gambling, high-chargeback e-commerce, and adult content sectors may be excluded.
- Intended use of accounts: Providers assess the number of expected sub-accounts, volume forecasts, and operational complexity.
SDK.finance: Powering Your Payment Business with IBAN-Ready Core Infrastructure
Creating an IBAN-enabled payment product demands more than access to banking rails. It requires a flexible transactional core, multi-currency account management, a reliable ledger, compliance-friendly operations, and tools that can support day-to-day financial workflows. SDK.finance delivers this foundation, acting as the core layer behind modern PSPs, EMIs, neobanks, and embedded finance products.
With SDK.finance, companies can integrate with any IBAN or virtual IBAN provider and build a payment platform tailored to their markets and regulatory context. The platform includes:
- A ledger-based multi-currency core
- Accounts and sub-accounts for clients and merchants
- More than 470 API endpoints for transfers, limits, fees, reconciliation, and reporting
- A back-office for AML checks, operations, customer management, and settlement
- Tools for treasury and balance control
- Flexible integration options with any IBAN/vIBAN provider
- Deployment via SaaS or source-code licence
With SDK.finance as your core infrastructure, you gain the stability and flexibility needed to launch and scale IBAN-enabled financial services.
