IPSL
IPSL operates Pesalink, Kenya's open interoperable account-to-account payment network connecting 80+ banks, SACCOs, telcos, MFIs and fintechs to enable instant 24/7 transfers for consumers and businesses.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersNairobi, Kenya
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What IPSL does
IPSL is a Nairobi-based financial technology company that operates Pesalink, Kenya's de facto open and interoperable account-to-account (A2A) payment network. Founded in 2012 and operating under Central Bank of Kenya oversight, the company provides infrastructure that connects more than 80 financial institutions — including commercial banks, SACCOs, telcos (notably Safaricom and T-kash), microfinance institutions, and fintechs — enabling instant transfers across all participating institutions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with per-transaction limits up to Ksh. 999,999.
The underlying technology is an open, intermediary-free A2A switch accessible to end-users through partner banks' Internet Banking platforms, mobile banking applications, and USSD channels, with a dedicated Pesalink mobile app as a direct-access layer. The platform supports person-to-person transfers, bulk transfers, rent and school fee payments, corporate disbursements, and supplier settlements; cross-border capabilities are delivered via integrations with pan-African and global partners including TerraPay, Onafriq, dlocal, Unlimit, and Afrisend. As of December 2024, the network had processed more than Ksh. 1 trillion in cumulative transaction value across 3 million+ users.
IPSL operates a B2B2C go-to-market model with revenue generated through transaction processing fees on flows routed across the network. The company does not publicly disclose pricing specifics but emphasizes a pay-as-you-go, transaction-based model with no hidden fees. Customer segments are horizontal: individual consumers using partner-bank channels for personal transfers and SMBs (electronics wholesalers, telecoms engineers, auditors, micro-business owners) using the network for supplier and business payments, all reached without direct end-user acquisition cost because distribution rides on partner institutions.
IPSL firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IPSL
- Legal name
- IPSL
- Website
- https://ipsl.co.ke
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- IPSL operates Pesalink, Kenya's open interoperable account-to-account payment network connecting 80+ banks, SACCOs, telcos, MFIs and fintechs to enable instant 24/7 transfers for consumers and businesses.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IPSL industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Real-Time Payment Infrastructure
- SIC
- Finance Services (6199)
- akta.pro primary industry
- A2A Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs) (FSAMAFAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cross-Border Payouts & Mass Disbursements (Pay-outs) (FSAMAIAJ), Payments Operations (ACH/Wire/RTGS, SWIFT, SEPA, Checks) (FSABALAB)
Keywords
Where IPSL is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nairobi
- HQ country
- Kenya
- HQ region
- Africa
Markets served
IPSL business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Transaction Processing Fees: Pesalink generates revenue through transaction fees charged on payment transfers across its network of 80+ financial institutions. The platform enables instant account-to-account transfers with no intermediaries or hidden fees mentioned.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Transaction-based pricing model for instant payments |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
IPSL product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IPSL operates Pesalink, Kenya's open and interoperable account-to-account payment network that enables instant money transfers across 80+ participating financial institutions including banks, SACCOs, telcos, MFIs, and fintechs. The platform processes transfers 24/7/365—including weekends and public holidays—accessible via Internet Banking, Mobile Banking App, and Bank USSD channels, supporting transfers up to Ksh. 999,999 per transaction for use cases such as peer-to-peer transfers, bulk transfers, rent payments, corporate disbursements, and supplier payments.
Product overview
Pesalink is a single unified payment platform operating as Kenya's de facto open and interoperable account-to-account payment network. The platform enables seamless account-to-account transfers accessible via Internet Banking, Mobile Banking APP, and Bank USSD channels. Key use cases include peer-to-peer transfers, bulk transfers, rent payments, corporate disbursements, and supplier payments, with users able to send up to Ksh. 999,999 per transaction.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pesalink Kenya's open and interoperable account-to-account payment network enabling instant money transfers between banks, SACCOs, telcos, MFIs, and fintechs 24/7/365. The service is offered to both individual consumers (for personal transfers, rent, school fees) and businesses (for bulk transfers, corporate disbursements, supplier payments), accessible via partner financial institutions' Internet Banking, Mobile Banking App, and USSD channels.
Quantifiable outcome
- Ksh. 1 trillion+ in total transaction value processed as of December 2024
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use IPSL
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
IPSL technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
IPSL partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
69 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- NalacoreNala is a fintech partner integrated with Pesalink's payment network, enabling cross-border and domestic payment services for Nala's customers through the Pesalink instant transfer platform.
- SwitchlinkcoreSwitchlink Africa is a fintech partner integrated with Pesalink to enable payment services and instant money transfers across the Pesalink network.
- TendepaycoreTendepay is a payment technology partner connected to Pesalink's open payment network enabling seamless payment services.
- MamlakacoreMamlaka is a fintech partner integrated with Pesalink for payment processing and instant money transfer services.
- dlocalcoredlocal is an international payment technology partner connected to Pesalink enabling cross-border payment services.
- PesawisecorePesawise is a fintech partner integrated with Pesalink for payment processing and money transfer services.
- ABC Bank KenyacoreABC Bank is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant payment services to its customers through internet banking and mobile banking channels.
- Post BankcorePost Bank Kenya is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services to its customer base.
- UmbacoreUmba is a fintech partner connected to Pesalink for instant payment and money transfer services in Kenya.
- Faulu BankcoreFaulu Bank Kenya is a microfinance bank partner offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- Middle East Bank Kenya LtdcoreMiddle East Bank Kenya is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant transfer services to customers.
- MFS TechnologycoreMFS Technology is a mobile financial services technology partner connected to Pesalink.
- SasapaycoreSasapay is a payment technology partner connected to Pesalink's network.
- UnlimitcoreUnlimit is an international payment technology partner providing cross-border payment capabilities integrated with Pesalink.
- TerraPaycoreTerraPay (formerly Mobex) is a global payment technology partner connected to Pesalink for international money transfers.
- AfrisendcoreAfrisend is a fintech partner integrated with Pesalink for cross-border and domestic payment services.
- TandapaycoreTandapay is a payment technology partner connected to Pesalink for instant money transfer services.
- VoomacoreVooma is a fintech partner of KCB integrated with Pesalink for digital payment services.
- Equity BankcoreEquity Bank Kenya is one of the largest partner banks offering Pesalink instant payment services to its extensive customer base.
- Bank of Baroda KenyacoreBank of Baroda Kenya is an international bank partner providing Pesalink instant transfer services.
- Central Bank Of KenyacoreCentral Bank of Kenya is the regulatory authority overseeing Pesalink's payment operations and infrastructure.
- Amica SaccocoreAmica Sacco is a savings and credit cooperative partner offering Pesalink instant payment services to its members.
- National Bank Of KenyacoreNational Bank of Kenya is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant transfer services.
- DBK BankcoreDBK Bank (Development Bank of Kenya) is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's payment network.
- KCB BankcoreKCB Bank Kenya is one of the largest commercial banks partnered with Pesalink for instant payment services.
- SBM BankcoreSBM Bank Kenya is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- Prime BankcorePrime Bank Kenya is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- Consolidated BankcoreConsolidated Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's instant payment network.
- DTB BankcoreDTB Bank (Diamond Trust Bank) is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- Credit BankcoreCredit Bank Kenya is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- HFCBcoreHFC Bank (Housing Finance Company Bank) is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's payment network.
- Kingdom BankcoreKingdom Bank Kenya is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- UBA BankcoreUnited Bank for Africa (UBA) Kenya is a pan-African bank partner providing Pesalink services.
- Stanbic BankcoreStanbic Bank Kenya is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- Victoria BankcoreVictoria Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's instant payment network.
- Paramount BankcoreParamount Bank Kenya is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- Sidian BankcoreSidian Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's payment network.
- Standard Chartered BankcoreStandard Chartered Bank Kenya is an international bank partner providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- M-Oriental BankcoreM-Oriental Bank Kenya is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- First Community BankcoreFirst Community Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's instant payment network.
- T-kashcoreT-kash by Telkom Kenya is a mobile money partner integrated with Pesalink for instant transfers.
- Access BankcoreAccess Bank Kenya is a pan-African bank partner providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- Citi BankcoreCiti Bank Kenya is an international bank partner offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- I&M BankcoreI&M Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's instant payment network.
- Co-operative BankcoreCo-operative Bank Kenya is one of the largest partner banks providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- Dubai Islamic BankcoreDubai Islamic Bank Kenya is an Islamic banking partner offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- Jambo PaycoreJambo Pay is a bill payment technology partner integrated with Pesalink.
- UnaitascoreUnaitas is a SACCO partner offering Pesalink instant payment services to its members.
- OnafriqcoreOnafriq (formerly Africhain) is a pan-African fintech partner connected to Pesalink for cross-border payments.
- WapipaycoreWapipay is a payment technology partner integrated with Pesalink for digital payment services.
- EclecticscoreEclectics is a technology partner integrated with Pesalink for payment processing solutions.
- IpaycoreIpay Africa is a payment technology partner connected to Pesalink for payment processing.
- InterswitchcoreInterswitch is a pan-African payment technology company partner integrated with Pesalink.
- Choice BankcoreChoice Bank Kenya is a microfinance bank partner offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- SMEP BankcoreSMEP Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's instant payment network.
- CIBcoreCIB Bank Kenya is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant transfer services.
- Premier BankcorePremier Bank Kenya is a partner bank connected to Pesalink's payment network.
- KWFTcoreKWFT (Kenya Women Microfinance Bank) is a partner bank offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- PesapalcorePesapal is a payment technology partner integrated with Pesalink for business payment services.
- LoopcoreLoop is a fintech partner connected to Pesalink for digital payment and savings services.
- EcobankcoreEcobank Kenya is a pan-African bank partner providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- Gulf African BankcoreGulf African Bank Kenya is an Islamic banking partner offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- Family BankcoreFamily Bank Kenya is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- NCBAcoreNCBA Bank Kenya is a large commercial bank partner offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- ABSAcoreABSA Bank Kenya (formerly Barclays) is a partner bank providing Pesalink instant payment services.
- Caritas MicrofinancecoreCaritas Microfinance Bank is a partner institution offering Pesalink instant payment services.
- CellulantcoreCellulant is a pan-African payment technology partner integrated with Pesalink for payment processing.
- SafaricomcoreSafaricom is Kenya's largest telecommunications partner integrated with Pesalink for mobile payment services.
- Stima SaccocoreStima Sacco is a savings and credit cooperative partner offering Pesalink instant payment services.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
IPSL competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India): Operates India's UPI, the world's largest real-time A2A payment network connecting hundreds of banks. Directly comparable to Pesalink as a domestic, interoperable, bank-anchored real-time payment switch.
- Banco Central do Brasil (PIX): Operator of Brazil's PIX instant payment system, which connects Brazilian banks, fintechs, and payment institutions for 24/7 A2A transfers. A near-perfect structural parallel to Pesalink as a national A2A rail.
- PayNow (Singapore): Singapore's real-time A2A payment network linked to bank/mobile accounts. Comparable to Pesalink in that it is a centralized, bank-anchored, interoperable domestic A2A switch with near-instant settlement.
- Interac: Canada's Interac e-Transfer network enables A2A payments between bank customers in real time. Highly comparable to Pesalink in model (bank-anchored A2A switch with broad FI coverage and consumer/SMB use cases).
Emerging players
- BankservAfrica (PayShap): Operates PayShap, South Africa's real-time A2A payment system connecting multiple banks. Most direct African emerging-market peer to Pesalink's A2A network model in a neighboring geography.
- NPCI International Payments (UPI rails abroad): NPCI's international arm is exporting UPI real-time payment rails to other countries. Relevant peer for IPSL as a benchmark for how a domestic A2A network operator can monetize cross-border expansion.
Broad incumbents
- Safaricom (M-Pesa): Kenya's dominant mobile money operator and Pesalink's most consequential partner/competitor. Comparable in serving the same Kenyan end-users for instant payments, but M-Pesa is a closed-loop wallet rather than an open A2A switch.
- Interswitch: Pan-African payment processing, switching, and digital commerce company. Comparable to IPSL as African payment infrastructure (and a current Pesalink partner), but operates a broader, multi-product stack beyond A2A.
Regional players
- GhIPSS (Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems): Operates Ghana's real-time interbank payment switch (GhIPSS Instant Pay / mobile money inter-operability). Comparable African A2A switch in a different geography — useful regional peer for benchmarking scale and adoption.
Others
- Cellulant: Pan-African payment technology company that processes digital payments across multiple African markets. Comparable as a payment infrastructure layer in Africa (and a current Pesalink partner), though focused more on merchant/biller connectivity than A2A switching.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IPSL social profiles
Digital presenceIPSL financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IPSL leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
IPSL funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IPSL M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IPSL
What does IPSL do?
IPSL operates Pesalink, Kenya's open and interoperable account-to-account payment network that enables instant money transfers across 80+ participating financial institutions including banks, SACCOs, telcos, MFIs, and fintechs. The platform processes transfers 24/7/365—including weekends and public holidays—accessible via Internet Banking, Mobile Banking App, and Bank USSD channels, supporting transfers up to Ksh. 999,999 per transaction for use cases such as peer-to-peer transfers, bulk transfers, rent payments, corporate disbursements, and supplier payments.
Is IPSL a public or private company?
IPSL is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was IPSL founded?
IPSL was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is IPSL based?
IPSL is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, in the Africa region.
How does IPSL make money?
One revenue line is on record: transaction Processing Fees.
Who are IPSL's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), Banco Central do Brasil (PIX), PayNow (Singapore) and Interac. Emerging players are BankservAfrica (PayShap) and NPCI International Payments (UPI rails abroad). Broad incumbents are Safaricom (M-Pesa) and Interswitch. GhIPSS (Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems) is listed as a regional player. Cellulant is listed as an others.
Does IPSL have an API?
No public API is recorded for IPSL.
What industry is IPSL in?
IPSL's product category is Real-Time Payment Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAMAFAB, A2A Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs), with a secondary code of FSAMAIAJ, Cross-Border Payouts & Mass Disbursements (Pay-outs). Its SIC code is 6199.