Zedcrest Group Acquires Leatherback to Scale Global Cross-Border Payment Solutions
By Lauren Towner · 29 July 2026
In brief: Zedcrest Group has acquired Leatherback to combine its cross-border payment platform with institutional capital and governance, aiming to accelerate global expansion without disrupting existing user services.
| Acquiring Entity | Zedcrest Group |
|---|---|
| Subject Entity | Leatherback |
| Announcement Date | July 27, 2026 |
| Regulatory Status | FCA Authorised Electronic Money Institution |

Quick Summary
Zedcrest Group has officially acquired Leatherback, a leading cross-border payments platform. This strategic move combines Leatherback’s innovative multi-currency technology with Zedcrest’s institutional capital and governance. The acquisition aims to accelerate global expansion while maintaining existing user services and leadership teams without disruption to current account holders.
How Does the Zedcrest Acquisition Benefit Leatherback Users?
The Zedcrest Group acquisition provides Leatherback with the institutional financial strength required to scale its operations globally. For existing users, the transition is designed to be seamless, ensuring that multi-currency account balances remain secure and untouched. The core functionality of the platform - sending, receiving, and converting money - will continue without changes to login credentials or app interfaces.
- Zero service disruption for current individual and business accounts.
- Access to enhanced reliability and speed through new capital investment.
- Continued support for cross-border payment rails across multiple global jurisdictions.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Global Payments?
By integrating with one of Africa’s most prominent financial services groups, Leatherback is positioned to solve complex liquidity challenges for businesses operating in emerging markets. The partnership focuses on world-class corporate governance and long-term capital reserves to fuel product innovation. This ensures that seamless global payments become more accessible to a wider demographic of international entrepreneurs.
- Expansion of global payment reach into new territories.
- Investment in robust regulatory frameworks and compliance infrastructure.
- Retention of the original leadership team to maintain product vision.
How Will Zedcrest Support Leatherback’s Growth Strategy?
Zedcrest Group brings significant long-term capital to the table, allowing Leatherback to move beyond its startup roots into a mature financial institution. This strategic growth story is centered on building faster, more reliable infrastructure for the modern digital economy. The acquisition serves as a massive vote of confidence in Leatherback's existing technology stack and its ability to facilitate fair borderless banking.
FF NEWS TAKE:
The Zedcrest Group acquisition of Leatherback is a major signal that the African fintech landscape is maturing from pure disruption to institutional consolidation. By backing a nimble cross-border player with the weight of a major financial group, Zedcrest is effectively de-risking Leatherback’s expansion. This move definitely moves the needle, providing a blueprint for how specialized fintechs can achieve massive scale through strategic institutional alignment.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Zedcrest acquisition mean for my Leatherback account?
The acquisition will have no immediate impact on your account functionality. Your balances remain safe, and you can continue sending, receiving, and converting money using the same app, login details, and account information as before.
Will the Leatherback leadership team change after the Zedcrest deal?
No, the Leatherback leadership team remains unchanged. The original team that built the platform will continue to lead the company, now supported by the institutional strength and governance of Zedcrest Group.
Why did Zedcrest Group acquire Leatherback?
Zedcrest Group acquired Leatherback to integrate its cross-border payment technology with Zedcrest's institutional capital and governance. The goal is to invest in reliability, expand global reach, and accelerate the delivery of seamless payment services.
About the companies
Leatherback
Website · 4 stories on FF News since 2022
Previously on FF News:
- Leatherback Partners with YES BANK to Enable Easier Indian Rupee Remittances and Payouts for Individuals and Businesses 25 March 2024
- Leatherback Launches in the UK, Enabling Easier Remittance and Cross-Border Payments for Migrants and Businesses 29 September 2023
- Leatherback partners with Currencycloud to facilitate neo banking across multiple jurisdictions 31 May 2022
Zedcrest Group
Website · 1 story on FF News since 2026
Companies in this story: Leatherback, Zedcrest Group