Íkualo: the 'fintech' created by a Colombian that seeks to eliminate financial exclusion for migrants in Europe
Harold Correa, CEO and founder of Íkualo. Photo: Instagram account @haroldcorrea_ikualo
TL;DR
- Íkualo is a digital bank founded by Harold Correa, targeting migrants in Europe.
- The company aims to process 35 million euros by 2026 and reach 200,000 users.
- It offers digital accounts, physical and virtual cards, and instant transfers, requiring only a passport and a European contact number.
- Íkualo is leveraging blockchain technology to reduce remittance costs to less than 1%, compared to the 8-10% charged by traditional services.
- The fintech has received funding from US and European funds and has partnered with Mastercard.
- Correa highlights the issue of financial exclusion, stating that 21 million migrants in Europe are excluded from essential services.
- He emphasizes that integrating migrants into the economy can boost productivity and tax revenue for the state.
- Correa draws inspiration from the resilience and creativity of Colombians, attributing his drive to overcoming early-life poverty.