Tink hires ex Stripe head of EMEA banking as new UK and Ireland market lead
Open banking platform Tink has strengthened its commitment to the UK and Irish markets by appointing Stripe’s former head of EMEA banking, Rafael Plantier, as its new country manager for the UK and Ireland.
Since launching in Sweden 2012, Tink has been dedicated to enabling banks, fintechs and startups to develop data-driven financial services. Through one API, Tink allows customers to access aggregated financial data, initiate payments, enrich transactions and build personal finance management tools. Today, Tink has more than 250 employees globally and is Europe’s leading open banking platform, enabling customers to connect to more than 2,500 banks in 14 markets including the UK, Sweden, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Brazil-native Rafael recently made the move from US online payment processing platform Stripe, where he was the head of banking for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In his new role at Tink, Rafael will bring his extensive experience in the sector to lead and grow Tink’s UK and Irish arm – building on the success of Tink’s existing partnerships with companies such as NatWest, PayPal and Klarna.
Rafael’s appointment is part of Tink’s ambition to equip banks and third-party providers with best-in-class technology solutions that will allow the UK and Ireland to continue to lead the way as pioneers of open banking. Tink has received growing demand for its technology from UK and Irish banks, who want to be able to tap into Tink’s technology to develop smart, customer centric products and create competitive advantage in a post PSD2 world.
Rafael Plantier, country manager, UK and Ireland, Tink, said: “The UK and Ireland is charging ahead of the rest of Europe in its open banking journey. It’s a brilliant launchpad for challenger banks and fintechs, and a thriving hub of investment and innovation. I’m excited to be right at the heart of the open banking revolution and look forward to this new leadership challenge to turbo charge Tink’s growth in the UK and Irish market.”
Daniel Kjellén, co-founder and CEO, Tink, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rafael to our team and look forward to working side by side to cement our market leading position in the UK and Ireland. Over the next 12 months, we want to prove our value within these markets as a strategic partner for banks, helping them embrace the exciting open banking opportunities ahead.”
