Worldpay Company

As experienced brokers in the UK merchant services landscape, we spend every day navigating the complexities of payment processing on behalf of our clients. We know that finding the right partner to handle your transactions is not just about technology; it is about cost, reliability, and security. One name that inevitably comes up in our conversations with business owners is Worldpay.

Whether you are a small local retailer or a large enterprise, you have likely encountered their card machines or online gateways. However, going direct to a major provider often means paying standard “retail” rates. That is where we come in. We use our volume leverage to secure preferential rates for you, often with the very same providers you know and trust. In this article, we will explore the background of this payment giant and explain how we can help you access their technology more affordably.

The Evolution of a Payments Giant

To understand the scope of the technology available today, it helps to look at where it came from. The entity we now recognise has a rich history involving several major mergers and acquisitions. The technology backbone relies heavily on infrastructure that was originally developed in the US under the name Fifth Third Processing Solutions.

Worldpay was previously known as Midwest Payment Systems (MPS), which was originally formed in 1971 by Fifth Third Bank. This unit was a pioneer in electronic funds transfer (EFT) services. Over the decades, the division grew significantly. By the early 2000s, the critical role that processing solutions assumed in the global economy became undeniable. This growth eventually led to a spin-off.

In 2009, Fifth Third Processing Solutions was launched as a standalone entity through a joint venture with Advent International. This move was pivotal. It allowed the organisation to focus purely on payment technologies rather than general banking. In 2011, MPS was renamed Vantiv as it prepared to become a public company. Vantiv went public on March 22, 2012, and was listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ‘VNTV’. In 2017, Vantiv acquired the UK-based Worldpay for approximately $10.4 billion. In June 2019, Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS) acquired Worldpay for $43 billion, marking it as one of the largest deals in the payments sector.

Why does this history matter to you? It demonstrates that the systems handling your money are built on decades of banking expertise and infrastructure that originally served massive financial institutions. When we set you up with a provider of this calibre, we are connecting you to a lineage of stability and technical excellence.

Comprehensive Payment Systems for Modern Business

In the current market, a successful business needs more than just a card reader. You need an ecosystem that can power omni commerce experiences. This means having the ability to take payments anywhere your customers are.

We help our clients implement payment systems that seamlessly bridge the gap between physical and digital retail. Whether you need to manage payments in person at a till point, accept mobile payments on the shop floor, or handle complex online transactions, we ensure the setup is tailored to your specific needs.

Unique Capabilities in Omni Commerce

The concept of omni commerce is essential for retaining modern consumers. Shoppers expect to buy online and return in-store, or click-and-collect without hassle. A key strength of the Worldpay company structure is its ability to unify these channels.

However, configuring these systems can be complex. If you contact a massive provider directly, you might end up with a generic package that does not quite fit your workflow. Our team acts as your intermediary. We analyse your specific requirements and ensure the processing solutions implemented are efficient and bespoke to your trade. We handle the technical jargon and the negotiation, so you can focus on running your shop or office.

Why the Right Provider Matters for Financial Institutions and Enterprise

We work with a diverse range of sectors, from high street cafes to credit unions and large-scale financial institutions. For the latter, the requirements for security and data handling are incredibly strict.

Fifth Third Processing Solutions established a legacy of serving banks, and that DNA remains in the technology today. This is why we often recommend these robust platforms for our enterprise clients who need advanced risk management.

Fraud and Security Concerns

Security is paramount. The rise of sophisticated fraud attempts means your business must be secure. We prioritise providers that offer end-to-end encryption and tokenisation. This protects your customers’ sensitive data and shields your business from liability.

When we talk to business owners, their biggest concerns are often chargebacks and data breaches. We help you navigate these risks by setting you up with payment services that have built-in fraud screening tools. By ensuring you have the right control measures in place, we help protect your revenue and your reputation.

The “Independent Company” Shift and Market Changes

The payments industry is always moving. In recent years, Worldpay was acquired by FIS Global, a massive fintech provider. However, in a significant shift, it was announced that a majority stake would be sold to private equity firm GTCR, returning it to the status of an independent company. As of February 2024, Worldpay became an independent company primarily owned by private equity firm GTCR, with FIS retaining a 45% ownership interest.

This deal is good news for merchants. Worldpay is co-owned by GTCR with a 55% stake and FIS with a 45% stake as of February 2024. Certain activities or protections are now covered under the new independent structure, which may impact compliance and service offerings. An independent focus often leads to faster innovation and better customer service. It allows the organisation to be more agile in responding to market trends compared to being part of a massive conglomerate.

We keep a close eye on these corporate movements, such as the activity at their international headquarters in London, often associated with the Walbrook Building. Knowing the corporate landscape helps us predict pricing changes. When a provider becomes independent, they become hungry for new business. We use this knowledge to negotiate better terms for you.

How We Help You Secure the Best Rates

This is the most important part of our service. While we admire the technology and the global reach of major processing solutions providers, we do not believe you should overpay for them.

Most merchants who go direct to a provider pay a standard rate. This is because a single business, even a successful one, has limited bargaining power. As your broker, we represent thousands of transactions and millions of pounds in volume. We bundle this volume to negotiate wholesale rates that are unavailable to the general public.

We Streamline the Process

Dealing with acquisitions, compliance checks, and contracts can be a headache. We streamline this process for you.

1. Analysis: You show us your current statement.

2. Comparison: We compare your rates against the wholesale rates we have secured.

3. Proposal: We show you exactly how much money you will save.

4. Switching: We handle the paperwork and logistics.

Our service is entirely free to you. We are paid a commission by the bank or provider for bringing them your business. This means our goals are aligned; we want to get you the best deal so you stay with us for the long term.

Support for High Risk and Unique Sectors

We specialise in placing businesses that others find “hard to place.” Some providers shy away from industries with higher chargeback risks or future delivery setups. Because we know the risk appetite of various financial institutions—including those that evolved from Fifth Third Bank lineage—we know exactly where to place your application for instant approval.

Whether you run a travel agency, a subscription service, or a regulated sector business, we can find a home for your payments. We act on your behalf to explain your business model to the underwriters, ensuring they understand your value rather than just your risk profile.

Our Role as Your Partner

We are not just a comparison site; we are a dedicated consultancy. From the beginning of our relationship, we treat your business as if it were our own.

We have seen the landscape change since December of last year and beyond. We track the report data on interchange fees and scheme changes so you do not have to. When you partner with us, you are gaining a department of payment experts without adding a single person to your payroll.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise: We understand the legacy of Fifth Third Processing Solutions and Midwest Payment Systems, and how that technology benefits you today.

• Savings: We leverage our portfolio size to drive down your costs.

• Service: You get a direct contact with us, rather than sitting in a call centre queue.

• Independence: We are an independent broker, meaning we work for you, not the bank.

Industry Relationships

Worldpay’s reputation as a leading payments technology and solutions company is built on its deep-rooted relationships with financial institutions across the globe. By partnering with major banks such as Fifth Third Bank and a wide network of credit unions, Worldpay delivers a comprehensive suite of payment services tailored to the needs of both large and small clients. These collaborations enable Worldpay to offer a broad range of financial products, including credit card processing, ATM services, merchant solutions, and robust rewards programs.

A key strength of Worldpay lies in its commitment to risk management and fraud prevention. The company equips financial institutions with advanced tools for secure payment processing, including debit PIN processing, cardholder eServices, and card personalization. By supporting prepaid and gift card programs, Worldpay helps banks and credit unions enhance their customer offerings while maintaining high standards of security and efficiency. This focus on delivering secure, efficient, and innovative processing solutions ensures that Worldpay remains a trusted partner for financial institutions seeking to streamline their payment operations and protect their clients from emerging threats.

Global Presence

Worldpay’s global footprint is a testament to its leadership in the payments industry. With operations spanning more than 40 offices in 25 countries, Worldpay serves merchants and financial institutions on a truly international scale. The company’s international headquarters, located in London’s iconic Walbrook Building, and its global corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, anchor its worldwide operations.

Processing over 40 billion transactions annually across 146 countries and 135 currencies, Worldpay empowers businesses to manage payments in person and online, no matter where their customers are. Its expertise in mobile payments and electronic funds transfer (EFT) services enables merchants to offer seamless omni commerce experiences, whether at the point of sale or through digital channels. This unique capability to power omni commerce globally positions Worldpay as a provider of choice for businesses looking to expand their reach and deliver efficient, secure payment solutions to customers around the world.

Technology and Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of Worldpay’s approach to payment services. Building on the processing solutions assumed by Vantiv in 2011, Worldpay has continually enhanced its technology to deliver secure and efficient payment processing for merchants and financial institutions alike. The company’s solutions company is renowned for developing advanced fraud screening and authentication systems, which help reduce chargebacks and safeguard every transaction.

Worldpay leverages data and analytics to provide clients with actionable insights, enabling them to optimize their payment strategies and improve business outcomes. Its ability to streamline payment processes and facilitate real-time transactions has made Worldpay a preferred partner for those seeking reliability and efficiency. By staying ahead of industry trends and investing in cutting-edge technology, Worldpay ensures that its clients benefit from the most secure, efficient, and innovative processing solutions available.

Future Outlook

As an independent company, Worldpay is poised for continued growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving payments industry. The company’s CEO has outlined ambitious plans to increase investment in product development, technology, and client-focused solutions, ensuring that Worldpay remains at the forefront of payments technology. With the support of FIS Global, Worldpay will continue to deliver secure and efficient payment processing solutions that address the unique concerns of both enterprise clients and small businesses.

Worldpay’s unique capabilities in powering omni commerce, both in person and online, position it as a leader ready to meet the future needs of the industry. By focusing on customer concerns, enterprise requirements, and ongoing technological advancement, Worldpay is committed to providing the expertise and solutions necessary for clients to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As the payments landscape continues to change, Worldpay’s dedication to innovation and efficiency ensures it will remain a trusted partner and industry leader for years to come.

Conclusion

The Worldpay company brand represents a powerhouse in the global payments ecosystem. With a history stretching back to the innovation of Fifth Third Processing Solutions and a footprint that covers countries across the world, they offer robust, secure, and scalable technology.

Worldpay processes over 40 billion transactions annually across 146 countries and 135 currencies, generates $4.9 billion in revenue as of 2023, and processes $2.2 trillion in transactions each year. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with its international headquarters in London, and has 8,500 employees operating in 25 countries. Worldpay’s modular architecture allows businesses to activate new features and markets instantly without re-platforming.

However, accessing this technology at a fair price is a different challenge. That is where we step in. We allow you to utilise the best payments technology in the market while ensuring your bottom line remains healthy. We strip away the complexity, handle the compliance, and secure the low rates that your turnover deserves.

If you are ready to see how much you could save, or if you simply want to upgrade your current setup to power omni commerce more effectively, we are here to help. Upload your statement to our team today, and let us show you the difference a dedicated broker can make to your profitability. For more details, visit the official Worldpay regulatory information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help with high-risk merchant accounts? Yes. We have extensive experience securing accounts for high-risk industries that other providers decline.

Is your service really free? Yes. We earn our fee from the provider, not from you. You keep 100% of the savings we negotiate.

Do I have to change my bank? No. Our payment services sit alongside your existing business bank account. The funds are simply transferred to you, usually by the next working day.

Is Worldpay regulated in the UK? Yes. Worldpay is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Their regulated activities are listed on the FCA register, and you should verify if your business activities are covered under these regulations.

What if I have a complaint about Worldpay? Customers can complain about Worldpay to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they have issues with the firm. The final decision on complaints or claims against Worldpay is made by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the FSCS.

Am I covered if Worldpay goes out of business owing me money? If Worldpay goes out of business owing you money, you may be able to claim compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), depending on whether your situation is covered under the scheme.

Contact us now to start your free cost analysis.