Zest, the fintech subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has unveiled its key platforms to help businesses and customers make multiple payments seamlessly in the digital market space with over 40 country currencies enabled.

The unveiling of ‘Zest Universe’ took place in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) simultaneously.The Chief Executive at Zest, Stanley Jacob, said businesses are constantly looking for ways and tools to grow and expand, hence they need to access digital solutions and platforms that help them reach a new network of customers.

He said Zest Universe has been able to execute a platform orchestration strategy that is hinged on four major design principles such as multi-rail platform, human-centered design, and business growth powered by e-commerce and operational excellence.

Jacob said the fintech platform ensures that it enables consumers and businesses to meet on card rails, account-based payments, quick response (QR) code, USSD and other forms of payments; both contact and contactless.

According to him, the digital platform has also built a seamless experience for businesses at every stage of their engagement, as well as developed multiple options and enhanced features for businesses to manage their inventory.

“We also offer flexible shipping options through our shipping partners. Consumers can now choose the logistic provider that would deliver to them at their most preferred pricing and location, and businesses can also choose to manage shipping by themselves,” he stated.

Jacob said the fintech platform has embedded all this into one platform and built very unique APIs that can be used as a separate module or taken as a single integration kit.

The Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Basil Omiyi, said the board of directors collectively aligned with the role of fintechs as platform enablers to deliver on the next wave of growth, especially in the area of financial services.

He said this is why Zest was set up to execute a solution-driven platform orchestration strategy that is positioned to serve consumers, businesses, application developers, and other financial service providers.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. Dr. Demola Sogunle, said Zest is focused on delivering a true platform orchestration strategy that would enable multiple payment options in the hands of the customer, help businesses collect payments seamlessly, and power embedded finance, especially in the areas of e-Commerce, Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL), working capital solutions and value-added services.

He said the Fintech subsidiary enables opportunities to unlock new networks of partnerships and deliver better experiences in the area of payments and customised solutions delivery.