With a Bit of Imagination, We’re Exploring What’s Possible in Payments: Francesco Simoneschi, CEO of TrueLayer

TrueLayer is a leading financial technology company that builds secure and seamless open banking solutions. By enabling businesses to connect with banks and financial institutions through APIs, TrueLayer simplifies payments, identity verification, and data access. The company focuses on delivering fast, reliable, and cost-effective financial services while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With a strong commitment to innovation, TrueLayer enhances the way businesses and consumers interact with financial systems, making transactions smoother and more efficient. Through continuous advancements in technology, TrueLayer is shaping the future of digital finance by improving accessibility, security, and user experience.

In Conversation with Francesco Simoneschi, Co-Founder & CEO of TrueLayer

What inspired you to start TrueLayer? 

The financial industry has been slow to adapt to technology-driven solutions. When we started, payments were still clunky, slow, and filled with unnecessary complexity. Open banking presented an opportunity to change that, and we saw the potential to build something that would make a real impact. We wanted to create a system where businesses and consumers could move money instantly and securely without relying on outdated infrastructure.

How has open banking changed financial transactions? 

Open banking enables businesses to bypass traditional card networks, lowering costs and improving payment efficiency. Instead of waiting days for funds to clear, businesses can receive payments instantly, improving cash flow and creating a better experience for customers. Security has also improved, giving users more control over who accesses their financial data and how it is used.

What challenges did you face in building TrueLayer? 

Scaling a financial technology company comes with regulatory and operational hurdles. Compliance is essential, and working within a constantly evolving regulatory framework requires dedication. Building trust with financial institutions and businesses took time, but focusing on reliability, security, and transparency helped us establish strong relationships. Growing a company also means bringing together a team that believes in the mission, and we have been fortunate to work with talented individuals who share our vision.

How do you see financial technology evolving? 

The industry is moving toward instant, seamless transactions that benefit both businesses and consumers. The shift away from legacy banking systems will continue, making payments faster and more cost-effective. Businesses are looking for solutions that reduce complexity, and financial technology plays a key role in achieving that. The future is about creating experiences where payments happen effortlessly, with security and efficiency at the core.

What excites you most about the future of TrueLayer? 

The impact on businesses and consumers keeps us motivated. Seeing companies grow because they have access to better financial tools is incredibly rewarding. Every day, we work toward making payments smarter, simpler, and more secure. There is always more to build, and we are excited about what comes next.

Francesco Simoneschi, Co-Founder & CEO, TrueLayer

Building trust with financial institutions and businesses took time, but focusing on reliability, security, and transparency helped us establish strong relationships.