Africhange, a UK-licensed cross-border fintech platform, has partnered with Griffin, the UK’s leading bank for fintechs, to provide GBP bank accounts and savings accounts that will enable its users to manage and grow their money with greater ease.
Africhange’s new GBP bank accounts allow users to receive payments directly, hold GBP balances and transfer funds seamlessly within the Africhange ecosystem, streamlining money management for people moving money between the UK and Africa.
The process of opening a standard UK current account remains challenging for many new immigrants. High street banks commonly require a UK proof of address (e.g., a utility bill, council tax bill, or UK driving license), which creates significant friction.
New arrivals often cannot immediately provide these documents because they may be staying in temporary or employer-provided accommodation (hotels, shared housing), utility bills are in a landlord’s name or they have not yet received official government correspondence (like HMRC or National Insurance letters). Without a bank account, they struggle to get a phone contract, receive a salary, or pay bills, which further delays getting the official documentation needed for the bank account – a classic “catch-22.”
Unlike virtual accounts (typical of many cross-border fintechs) that only act as proxies for transactions, the new Africhange GBP Bank Account is a dedicated bank account providing users with their own unique Sort Code and Account Number, powered by Griffin.
They will also gain access to flexible savings options, combining the regulatory trust of a UK bank with Africhange’s speed, transparency, and emphasis on a user-first design. Users will also get responsive, human support with Africhange’s 24/7 customer care team available via chat, email or phone, offering effective assistance.
For customers, this represents a leap forward – a UK bank account with the control, credibility, and compliance they deserve, plus the affordability and empathy of Africhange’s customer-first approach. For partners and ecosystem players, it demonstrates how a regulated bank and a mission-driven fintech can collaborate to offer secure, inclusive financial services at scale. And for investors, it marks a major milestone in Africhange’s expansion, signaling maturity, regulatory depth and readiness to evolve into a comprehensive cross-border financial platform.
Commenting on the partnership, David Ajala, CEO of Africhange, said, “At Africhange, we don’t just understand the immigrant journey, we’ve lived it. As a founder who’s walked this path, I know that sending money home is only part of building a new life. That’s why launching our UK bank account with Griffin is personal. We’re moving beyond remittances to become a true financial partner, giving our community a trusted place to hold their balance, manage their UK finances, and earn Afripoints, all from one platform”
David Jarvis, CEO of Griffin, said, “Too many immigrants face unnecessary friction in accessing basic bank accounts. We’re proud to be working with Africhange in helping people access the basic financial tools they need to live and work in the UK.”
Michael Price, Chief Operating Officer of Africhange UK, said, “partnering with Griffin marks a turning point in Africhange’s mission. We are giving our users the control, trust, and functionality they need to thrive financially in a new country. This is more than a product launch; it’s a statement about what inclusive, cross-border banking should look like, with further enhancements on the way.”
Africhange launched in the UK in July 2024, enabling users to send money to Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya to support business and personal interest, with real-time rates and no hidden fees. The company is also licensed in Canada and supports money transfer services from Canada, Nigeria, Australia and the UK to various countries across the world, with a range of currencies including US Dollars (USD), Canadian Dollars (CAD), Chinese Yen (CNY), Nigerian Naira (NGN), Kenyan Shillings (KES), Ghanaian Cedis (GHS), Indian Rupees (INR), Australian dollars (AUD), British Pound Sterling (GBP) and more.
Users in the UK can access Africhange by downloading the mobile app available on the App Store and Play Store or by visiting the website www.africhange.co.uk.
