Payment technology company DECTA will be launching a Fintech Fast-Track Program to help new acquirers and or issuers get started with no set-up fee and a generous discount for the first six months of payment processing. Since DECTA has gone through the process of launching new ventures many times, the company will be able to provide hands-on guidance, industry expertise and strategic connections at every step of the journey.
Challenges of breaking into payments
There’s no such thing as launching an acquiring or card-issuing business rapidly, even if you have the tech in place—which many don’t.
“Companies must secure licenses and establish direct connection to card processors such as Visa and Mastercard,” says Nikita Melnikovs, Board Member at DECTA.
Launching a card-issuing program is a complex, resource-heavy process requiring regulatory approvals, technical infrastructure, and compliance expertise. Businesses must have an EMI or EMD license, integrate a card processor, implement 3D Secure, enable IBAN issuance, and set up card personalization—each with strict security and compliance demands.
Constantly evolving regulations and fraud prevention add further complexity.
Without the right expertise, inefficiencies are inevitable, making experienced partners such as DFECTA essential for a smooth, compliant launch.
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How the fast-track program works
Companies interested must submit their business plans to DECTA. Each quarter, DECTA will select one winning acquirer and issuer for the fast-track program.
The criteria include:
- Have an EMI or PI or similar financial license
- Have previously applied or considered applying for a Visa or Mastercard memberships
- Have previously applied or considered applying to the Visa Fast-Track or Mastercard Fintech programs
- Want to challenge the existing fintech market
- Must be legally incorporated in the EU, APAC, LATAM, or MENA
The program is open to companies with any regional focus, not only Europe. However, companies in the Baltics, would benefit from DECTA’s proximity.
“The company doesn’t even have to have clients yet, but we do need to see that the business plan reflects strong vision and commitment,” says Melnikovs. “We’re interested in partnerships and mutual growth with the right company.”
DECTA sets the winning company up on its technology for no setup fee. For the first six months, the company can use DECTA’s acquirer or issuer processing at a massively discounted rate. The company also receives hands-on guidance from industry experts, which itself equates to savings in the early stages.
“With our support, a challenger fintech has better opportunities to remain lean, and to use the improved margins for marketing and customer acquisition instead of operating costs,” says Melnikovs.
Why choose DECTA?
DECTA is an experienced fintech in all aspects, from compliance to tech. While the Latvia arm focuses on payment technology, acquiring processing, issuing processing, white-label gateways, and digital banking platforms, it has gone through the process of launching issuing and acquiring businesses for hundreds of its clients.
“We’ve got a strong team in all key areas, including experts who work directly with Mastercard and Visa. Many team members have previously launched successful client entities, so there’s a lot of experience to bring to the table when companies work with us,” says Melnikovs.
DECTA will be officially launching its Fast-Track Program at Baltic Fintech Week in April 2025.