Bless Payments Company Profile

Background

Overview

Bless Payments is a financial technology company specializing in secure, low-fee global money transfers, with a primary focus on serving migrant communities. Founded in 2022, the company aims to simplify international remittances by offering transparent pricing and efficient transfer processes. Operating from Perth, Western Australia, Bless Payments has rapidly expanded its services to over 60 countries, facilitating seamless transactions for users worldwide.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Bless Payments is to empower migrant communities by providing accessible and affordable financial tools for sending money to their families abroad. The company's vision is to become a leading platform in the remittance industry, redefining cross-border financial services to enhance the lives of migrants and their families.

Industry Significance

In an industry dominated by traditional financial institutions, Bless Payments stands out by addressing the unique challenges faced by migrants in sending money home. By offering lower fees, faster transfers, and a user-friendly experience, the company contributes to the financial inclusion of underserved populations, thereby playing a significant role in the global remittance market.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Global Expansion: To extend its services to new markets, enhancing accessibility for migrant communities worldwide.

• Product Innovation: To develop and introduce financial products tailored to the specific needs of migrants, such as low-cost remittance services and financial education tools.

• Customer-Centric Approach: To prioritize user experience by offering transparent pricing, fast transfers, and responsive customer support.

Areas of Specialization

• Remittance Services: Providing affordable and efficient money transfer solutions for migrants.

• Financial Inclusion: Developing products that cater to the financial needs of underserved communities.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Mobile Application Development: Creating intuitive and secure mobile platforms for users to manage transactions.

• Blockchain Technology: Implementing blockchain for transparent and tamper-proof transaction records.

• Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to optimize transfer processes and enhance user experience.

Primary Markets Targeted

Bless Payments primarily targets migrant communities in Australia, with plans to expand into Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The company focuses on corridors with high remittance volumes, including countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In July 2025, Bless Payments successfully raised a $3.75 million seed funding round, backed by billionaire Khalil (Charlie) Shahin and London-based Forte Securities. This funding is intended to support the company's global expansion plans and enhance its product offerings.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is allocated towards:

• Market Expansion: Obtaining regulatory approvals and launching services in new countries, starting with Canada in 2025.

• Product Development: Enhancing the mobile application and introducing new financial products tailored to migrant needs.

• Operational Scaling: Expanding engineering and compliance teams to support growth and ensure regulatory compliance.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Travel Card: A zero-transaction-fee card for overseas and online purchases, offering better foreign exchange rates than traditional banks. Launched in 2025, this product aims to provide migrants with a cost-effective solution for international spending.

Anticipated Milestones

• Canada Launch: Scheduled for 2025, marking the company's first international expansion.

• United Kingdom Launch: Planned for 2027, targeting a significant migrant population.

• United States Launch: Projected for 2028, aiming to tap into one of the largest remittance markets globally.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Secure Payment Gateway: Ensures safe and swift transactions for users.

• Real-Time Transaction Tracking: Allows users to monitor transfers instantly, enhancing transparency.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Encryption Protocols: Utilized to protect user data and transaction information.

• Machine Learning Algorithms: Employed to detect fraudulent activities and ensure transaction security.

Leadership Team

Affy Bhatti – CEO and Co-Founder

Affy Bhatti brings over 20 years of consulting experience, including leading the $20 billion demerger of Coles from Wesfarmers. He is passionate about bringing positive change to Australian communities and serves on the board of the Salaam Foundation, which educates, empowers, and employs refugees and migrants.

Mo Zaatar – CTO and Co-Founder

Mo Zaatar has over 18 years of experience in the software industry, specializing in global banking solutions. He led Bankwest’s team to launch one of Australia’s first digital credit card installment services and innovated with blockchain to create real-time NFTs for disaster relief.

Omair Chodhry – Co-Founder

Omair Chodhry is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Xanadu Group, a collection of innovative organizations providing services such as disability and youth care, nationally accredited training, security and events, and business process outsourcing. He has a long history of volunteering in the Western Australian community, organizing multicultural festivals attracting up to 15,000 attendees.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global remittance market is substantial, with over $647 billion sent to low- and middle-income countries worldwide in 2022. Traditional remittance services often impose high fees and offer slow transfer times, creating an opportunity for fintech companies like Bless Payments to provide more efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Competitor Analysis

• Airwallex: A global payments platform offering cross-border payment solutions.

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Provides international money transfers with transparent fees and real-time exchange rates.

• Revolut: A financial technology company offering banking services, including international money transfers.

• Monzo: A digital bank providing various financial services, including international payments.

Bless Payments differentiates itself by focusing specifically on the needs of migrant communities, offering lower fees, faster transfers, and a user-friendly experience tailored to cultural nuances.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In 2025, Bless Payments partnered with TerraPay, a global payment network, to enhance its service offerings. This collaboration aims to improve transaction speeds and expand the company's reach into new markets, particularly in Asia and Africa.

Operational Insights

Bless Payments' strategic focus on migrant communities positions it uniquely in the remittance market. By addressing the specific challenges faced by these communities, such as high fees and slow transfer times, the company has established a competitive advantage. Its user-centric approach and commitment to transparency and affordability resonate with its target audience, fostering customer loyalty and trust.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Bless Payments plans to expand its product offerings to include business-to-business and person-to-business transactions, further enhancing its value proposition. The company's focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient and affordable cross-border financial services.