Key points
- Smartflow Payments Limited announced a partnership with UnionPay International in October 2026 to develop card issuance and acquiring services.
- The company plans to support businesses collaborating with partners in Asian markets through expanded payment infrastructure.
- Sends ran a promotion this fall allowing UK entrepreneurs to open euro or US dollar accounts at no extra cost after opening a sterling account.
In October 2026, Smartflow Payments Limited, operating under the Sends brand, announced a strategic partnership with UnionPay International. This development marks a significant shift in the company's approach to international payment capabilities and cross-border transaction support.Sends is working with UnionPay to help businesses send and receive money across borders more easily.The UnionPay partnership enables Sends to develop infrastructure for international card-based payments, particularly targeting Asian market settlements.
The evidence
Bing News reported that Sends entered into an agreement with UnionPay International to develop payment card issuance and acquiring services.reported The partnership aims to expand the range of financial services available to both individual and corporate clients. Specific attention is being directed toward international settlements and supporting businesses with partners in Asian markets.
The decision
Sends plans to use this new infrastructure to provide businesses with more opportunities to accept payments. The company intends to offer users additional options for conducting cross-border transactions. This strategic move aligns with their broader goal of strengthening international presence through professional network expansion.
What the evidence means
The partnership represents a deliberate effort to enhance Sends' position in the global fintech landscape. By focusing on Asian markets, the company is targeting regions with significant growth potential in digital payments. This expansion may influence how small and medium-sized businesses in the UK manage international trade relationships.
What builders can do with it
The source material does not provide technical details, APIs, or developer interfaces for the new UnionPay partnership. It only states that Sends plans to develop card issuance and acquiring services. Builders cannot currently integrate these features as no technical documentation or release timeline is provided in the source.
Why it matters
- The partnership indicates Sends is expanding its service offerings beyond domestic UK payments to include international card services.
- Businesses in the UK may gain access to new payment options for collaborating with partners in Asian markets.
- The promotion for multi-currency accounts suggests Sends is simplifying access to foreign currency holdings for UK entrepreneurs.
- The company's participation in fintech forums highlights its focus on professional networking and industry engagement.
Topics: fintech, payments, UnionPay, international settlements, card issuance
Updated
The strongest doubt
Counterpoint from the sources
The source material does not confirm when these new services will become available to developers or businesses, leaving implementation timelines uncertain.
For readers
Developers
- No technical integration details are provided for the new UnionPay services
- The source does not mention APIs or developer tools for card issuance
Business
- Businesses may gain access to new payment options for Asian market partners
- UK entrepreneurs can open euro or US dollar accounts at no extra cost
Policy
- The partnership expands Sends' international payment infrastructure
- The company focuses on supporting businesses with Asian market collaborations
Ask the article
Local keyword search of this article; no generated answers.Did this article give you the evidence you needed?
Your choice stays on this device. No public tally.Terms in this story
card issuance
The process of creating and distributing payment cards to consumers or businesses
acquiring services
Financial services that enable merchants to accept electronic payments
cross-border transactions
Financial transfers between parties in different countries
fintech
Financial technology companies that use software to improve financial services
Questions readers ask
What services will Sends develop through its partnership with UnionPay International?
Sends will develop payment card issuance and acquiring services to support international settlements and cross-border transactions.
Which markets is Sends specifically targeting with this new partnership?
The company is focusing on supporting businesses that collaborate with partners in Asian markets.
What promotion did Sends offer to UK entrepreneurs this fall?
Sends allowed entrepreneurs to open euro or US dollar accounts at no additional cost after opening a sterling account.
Reading receipt
- Smartflow Payments Limited announced a partnership with UnionPay International in October 2026 to develop card issuance and acquiring services.
- The company plans to support businesses collaborating with partners in Asian markets through expanded payment infrastructure.
- Sends ran a promotion this fall allowing UK entrepreneurs to open euro or US dollar accounts at no extra cost after opening a sterling account.
Still open: When will the card issuance and acquiring services become available to users?
Still open: What specific technical requirements will developers face when integrating with UnionPay's systems?