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

Íkualo: the 'fintech' created by a Colombian that seeks to eliminate financial exclusion for migrants in Europe

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.