---
title: UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Payments & Fintech
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 12
articles_analysed: 279
mentions: 127
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/data.json
summary: Wise had the highest average monthly share of coverage (36.2%) among 12 companies
  in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of Allica Bank (12.6%)
  and Klarna (11.0%).
---

# UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> Wise had the highest average monthly share of coverage (36.2%) among 12 companies in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of Allica Bank (12.6%) and Klarna (11.0%). SumUp had the most favourable net tone (+100). Omniscan analysed 279 articles containing 127 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08

## UK Payments & Fintech ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Wise | 36.2% | 46 | 18% | 17% | 65% | −48 |
| 2 | Allica Bank | 12.6% | 16 | 81% | 19% | 0% | +81 |
| 3 | Klarna | 11.0% | 14 | 36% | 28% | 36% | 0 |
| 4 | Funding Circle | 7.9% | 10 | 80% | 20% | 0% | +80 |
| 5 | SumUp | 7.1% | 9 | 100% | 0% | 0% | +100 |
| 5 | Zilch | 7.1% | 9 | 78% | 11% | 11% | +67 |
| 7 | PayPal | 3.9% | 5 | 20% | 80% | 0% | +20 |
| 7 | Checkout.com | 3.9% | 5 | 40% | 60% | 0% | +40 |
| 7 | OakNorth | 3.9% | 5 | 100% | 0% | 0% | +100 |
| 10 | Stripe | 2.4% | 3 | 33% | 67% | 0% | +33 |
| 10 | iwoca | 2.4% | 3 | 67% | 33% | 0% | +67 |
| 12 | GoCardless | 1.6% | 2 | 50% | 50% | 0% | +50 |

## Companies in detail

### Wise

**Wise leads visibility as growth stories give way to compliance**

Wise ranked 1st of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (36.2%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 46 mentions and a net tone of −48.

August coverage continued to examine the charter rejection and securities claims, while Wise expanded Philippine payment capabilities and advocated clearer remittance-fee disclosure. August 2026: Wise added Philippine peso account details, QR Ph payments and higher business receiving limits — Fintech News Philippines. Wise is expanding its Austin, Texas office footprint after opening there in 2021. The London-based fintech reportedly has more than 700 US employees, most based in Austin. Comparison of Wise and XE international money-transfer services, covering UK pricing, speeds, regulation and safeguarding. The tests presented find Wise offered a better outcome for a £1,000 transfer to Belgium. Wise Philippines is discussing remittance-fee transparency with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and advocating clearer disclosure by financial institutions. It is also working to make Apple Pay available for Wise cardholders in the Philippines.

Key messages:

- Wise is expanding its Austin, Texas office footprint after opening there in 2021. The London-based fintech reportedly has more than 700 US employees, most based in Austin.
- Comparison of Wise and XE international money-transfer services, covering UK pricing, speeds, regulation and safeguarding. The tests presented find Wise offered a better outcome for a £1,000 transfer to Belgium.
- Wise Philippines is discussing remittance-fee transparency with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and advocating clearer disclosure by financial institutions. It is also working to make Apple Pay available for Wise cardholders in the Philippines.
- Wise expanded Philippine payment capabilities, including PHP account details, QR Ph payments and higher-value domestic business payments. The UK-headquartered company is also extending its local partnerships and cross-border infrastructure.
- A securities class action alleges that Wise misrepresented anti-money-laundering compliance and regulatory risks associated with its Nasdaq listing. The article cites alleged Belgian money-laundering inquiries and the reported denial of a US trust-bank licence.

Leading themes:

- Fraud, Scams & Financial Crime: 50.0% of Wise's coverage (theme index 0, net tone −100)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 21.7% of Wise's coverage (theme index 0.65, net tone +70)
- Regulation & Policy: 15.2% of Wise's coverage (theme index 0.95, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 23 August 2026, businessinsider.com: [Y'all Street is booming: What financial giants like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are building in Texas](https://www.businessinsider.com/texas-finance-industry-growth-yall-street-2026-8). Wise is expanding its Austin, Texas office footprint after opening there in 2021. The London-based fintech reportedly has more than 700 US employees, most based in Austin.
- 3 August 2026, forbes.com: [Wise Vs XE for International Money Transfer 2026 Comparison](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/uk/money-transfer/wise-vs-xe/). Comparison of Wise and XE international money-transfer services, covering UK pricing, speeds, regulation and safeguarding. The tests presented find Wise offered a better outcome for a £1,000 transfer to Belgium.
- 20 August 2026, bworldonline.com: [Wise pushes for transparency in remittance costs](https://bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/08/21/771566/wise-pushes-for-transparency-in-remittance-costs/). Wise Philippines is discussing remittance-fee transparency with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and advocating clearer disclosure by financial institutions. It is also working to make Apple Pay available for Wise cardholders in the Philippines.

Notable negative coverage:

- 31 August 2026, globenewswire.com: [WSE Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Wise Group plc Securities Fraud Lawsuit with SBS Law](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/31/3353485/0/en/wse-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-wise-group-plc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-with-sbs-law.html). Schall, Brown & Schwartz LLP is soliciting lead plaintiffs for a securities lawsuit against Wise. The complaint alleges Wise failed to maintain appropriate AML procedures and understated the resulting regulatory risk.
- 29 August 2026, forbes.com: [OCC Denies Two Fintech Bank Charters Even While Courting Applicants](https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajdhaliwal/2026/08/29/occ-denies-two-fintech-bank-charters-even-while-courting-applicants/). The US OCC denied Wise US Holdings’ national trust bank charter application, citing unresolved AML/CFT deficiencies and lack of fiduciary experience. The article says Wise must resolve the supervisory issues before a renewed application is viable.
- 12 August 2026, cityam.com: [The European fintech American dream is being called into question](https://www.cityam.com/european-fintechs-american-dream-is-being-called-into-question/). The US OCC blocked Wise's application for a US banking charter, citing significant supervisory and anti-money-laundering compliance concerns. The article also reports that Zilch curtailed its US operations after reassessing its expansion plans.

- [Wise deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=wise&view=deep-dive)
- [Wise PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/wise.pdf)

### Allica Bank

**Allica’s coverage shifted from funding scale to European expansion**

Allica Bank ranked 2nd of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (12.6%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 16 mentions and a net tone of +81.

In August 2026, Allica Bank recorded 16 mentions, 12.6% of cohort coverage and rank #2, with net sentiment of +81. Coverage focused on Products, Partnerships & Expansion. Allica Bank has applied to Sweden’s financial regulator for a banking licence and is building a local leadership and operational team. The UK SME bank says a successful application could support broader EU expansion and builds on its UK lending and current-account growth. Allica Bank is supporting the 2026 World Stone Skimming Championships on Easdale Island for a third year through its community-focused campaign. The bank says it is pleased to support the local event. Allica Bank provided a six-figure loan to Kent-based flag supplier The Flag Consultancy following its acquisition by a new managing director. The funding is intended to support growth and expansion into new markets.

Key messages:

- Allica Bank has applied to Sweden’s financial regulator for a banking licence and is building a local leadership and operational team. The UK SME bank says a successful application could support broader EU expansion and builds on its UK lending and current-account growth.
- Allica Bank is supporting the 2026 World Stone Skimming Championships on Easdale Island for a third year through its community-focused campaign. The bank says it is pleased to support the local event.
- Allica Bank provided a six-figure loan to Kent-based flag supplier The Flag Consultancy following its acquisition by a new managing director. The funding is intended to support growth and expansion into new markets.
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion accounted for 10 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 62.5% of Allica Bank's coverage (theme index 2.57, net tone +70)
- Regulation & Policy: 18.8% of Allica Bank's coverage (theme index 1.22, net tone +100)
- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 12.5% of Allica Bank's coverage (theme index 1.54, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 31 August 2026, finextra.com: [Allica Bank makes European push with Swedish license application](https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/48325/allica-bank-makes-european-push-with-swedish-license-application). Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence, its first proposed expansion outside the UK. The bank is building a Sweden-based team to serve established SMEs and support potential wider EU growth.
- 31 August 2026, cityam.com: [UK fintech Allica Bank looks to crack European market](https://www.cityam.com/uk-fintech-allica-bank-looks-to-crack-european-market/). Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence as it prepares its first expansion beyond the UK. The SME lender's move follows a $155 million funding round and continued loanbook and profit growth.
- 31 August 2026, scottishfinancialnews.com: [Allica Bank looks to Sweden in next steps and makes key hires](https://www.scottishfinancialnews.com/articles/allica-bank-looks-to-sweden-in-next-steps-and-makes-key-hires). Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence, established a Swedish legal entity and hired an executive team for its first expansion outside the UK. The bank says Sweden could provide eventual access to other EU markets, subject to authorisation.

- [Allica Bank deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=allicabank&view=deep-dive)
- [Allica Bank PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/allicabank.pdf)

### Klarna

**Klarna’s visibility swung between regulation, expansion and financial scrutiny**

Klarna ranked 3rd of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (11.0%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 14 mentions and a net tone of 0.

August brought a lower 11% share and third place as Klarna expanded memberships and physical-retail payments but also reduced its annual revenue and GMV outlook. August 2026: Klarna expanded paid memberships with rewards and credit-card-style benefits in Europe, reported by Bloomberg. Klarna has upgraded its flexible membership tiers with expanded cashback and lifestyle perks, including exclusive unlimited-data mobile plans for UK users. The rollout includes the UK and several European markets. Klarna has expanded its partnership with Garage and Dynamite to offer in-store flexible payments at more than 300 locations, including UK stores. Customers can pay in full or use eligible interest-free instalments through the Klarna app. Klarna's NYSE listing, global payments and financing platform, operating metrics and recent profitability are profiled. The article identifies the UK as one of its principal revenue markets.

Key messages:

- Klarna is rolling out paid European memberships with rewards and credit card-like benefits to compete with American Express.
- Klarna has upgraded its flexible membership tiers with expanded cashback and lifestyle perks, including exclusive unlimited-data mobile plans for UK users. The rollout includes the UK and several European markets.
- Klarna has expanded its partnership with Garage and Dynamite to offer in-store flexible payments at more than 300 locations, including UK stores. Customers can pay in full or use eligible interest-free instalments through the Klarna app.
- Klarna's NYSE listing, global payments and financing platform, operating metrics and recent profitability are profiled. The article identifies the UK as one of its principal revenue markets.

Leading themes:

- Consumer Payments & BNPL: 42.9% of Klarna's coverage (theme index 8.07, net tone −17)
- Financial Results & Valuations: 35.7% of Klarna's coverage (theme index 5.04, net tone −20)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 21.4% of Klarna's coverage (theme index 0.71, net tone +67)

Notable positive coverage:

- 13 August 2026, bloomberg.com: [Klarna Looks to Take On Amex With Rewards for Europe Customers](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-13/klarna-looks-to-take-on-amex-with-rewards-for-europe-customers). Klarna is rolling out paid European memberships with rewards and credit card-like benefits to compete with American Express.
- 13 August 2026, finextra.com: [Klarna boosts membership perks and removes service fees](https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/48241/klarna-boosts-membership-perks-and-removes-service-fees). Klarna has upgraded its flexible membership tiers with expanded cashback and lifestyle perks, including exclusive unlimited-data mobile plans for UK users. The rollout includes the UK and several European markets.
- 21 August 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [Garage and Dynamite bring Klarna payments to stores](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/08/klarna-garage-dynamite/). Klarna has expanded its partnership with Garage and Dynamite to offer in-store flexible payments at more than 300 locations, including UK stores. Customers can pay in full or use eligible interest-free instalments through the Klarna app.

Notable negative coverage:

- 26 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [I blew £35k on 'impulse' buys - but cleared £12k with one trick](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/i-blew-35k-boob-job-37593017). A London consumer describes clearing debt that included £1,000 owed through Klarna after impulse spending on clothing. She closed her Klarna account as part of her debt-repayment plan.
- 3 August 2026, cityam.com: [Chrysalis marks down Starling stake and reduces Klarna holding](https://www.cityam.com/chrysalis-marks-down-starling-stake-again-and-reduces-klarna-holding/). UK investment trust Chrysalis reduced its Klarna holding to raise cash and repay debt. It said Klarna shares have fallen more than 55% since the fintech's IPO.
- 30 August 2026, mylondon.news: ['I've cleared £12k of my £35k debt using snowball method - Anyone can do it too'](https://www.mylondon.news/news/real-life/i-35k-debt-after-buying-34526646). An east London consumer describes using Klarna for clothing purchases that contributed to significant personal debt. She has repaid her Klarna balance and plans to close her account permanently.

- [Klarna deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=klarna&view=deep-dive)
- [Klarna PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/klarna.pdf)

### Funding Circle

**Funding Circle climbs as results and institutional funding broaden coverage**

Funding Circle ranked 4th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (7.9%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 10 mentions and a net tone of +80.

In August 2026, Funding Circle recorded 10 mentions, 7.9% of cohort coverage and rank #4, with net sentiment of +80. Coverage focused on Financial Results & Valuations. August 2026: Funding Circle’s return to growth and profitability and its valuation case were examined by moneyweek.com. Funding Circle secured a commitment from Castlelake to provide up to £500 million of funding to its SME finance platform over two years. The company said this diversifies its institutional lender base and supports UK small-business lending. Funding Circle is portrayed as returning to growth and profitability through institutional funding, technology and an expanded SME-finance offering. The article argues its shares are undervalued relative to projected revenue, profit and cash-flow growth. Funding Circle shares reached a one-year high after Deutsche Bank raised its price target. Analysts forecast pretax profit could rise to GBP81 million in 2029 from GBP20 million in 2025.

Key messages:

- Funding Circle secured a commitment from Castlelake to provide up to £500 million of funding to its SME finance platform over two years. The company said this diversifies its institutional lender base and supports UK small-business lending.
- Funding Circle is portrayed as returning to growth and profitability through institutional funding, technology and an expanded SME-finance offering. The article argues its shares are undervalued relative to projected revenue, profit and cash-flow growth.
- Funding Circle shares reached a one-year high after Deutsche Bank raised its price target. Analysts forecast pretax profit could rise to GBP81 million in 2029 from GBP20 million in 2025.
- Financial Results & Valuations accounted for 4 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 40.0% of Funding Circle's coverage (theme index 6.69, net tone +100)
- Financial Results & Valuations: 40.0% of Funding Circle's coverage (theme index 5.2, net tone +75)
- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 20.0% of Funding Circle's coverage (theme index 23.4, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 12 August 2026, theglobeandmail.com: [Funding Circle Secures £500m Castlelake Backing to Boost UK SME Lending](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/markets-news/Tipranks/3796206/funding-circle-secures-ps500m-castlelake-backing-to-boost-uk-sme-lending/). Funding Circle secured a Castlelake funding agreement providing up to £500 million for UK small-business lending over two years. The capital is intended to expand the platform’s UK SME lending capacity.
- 9 August 2026, moneyweek.com: [Funding Circle - an unloved fintech going cheap](https://moneyweek.com/investments/tech-stocks/funding-circle-is-an-unloved-fintech-going-cheap). Funding Circle is portrayed as returning to growth and profitability through institutional funding, technology and an expanded SME-finance offering. The article argues its shares are undervalued relative to projected revenue, profit and cash-flow growth.
- 14 August 2026, lse.co.uk: [LONDON BROKER RATINGS: UBS raises Michael Page to 'buy'](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/london-broker-ratings-ubs-raises-michael-page-to-buy-jxxeytbq56p2dih.html). Deutsche Bank Research raised its Funding Circle price target to 290p from 190p and retained a buy rating.

- [Funding Circle deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=fundingcircle&view=deep-dive)
- [Funding Circle PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/fundingcircle.pdf)

### SumUp

**Products, Partnerships & Expansion shaped SumUp's media profile during August 2026**

SumUp ranked 5th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (7.1%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 9 mentions and a net tone of +100.

August extended the recovery to 7.1% and fifth place, with coverage of the Newcastle United partnership and an early-2027 IPO timetable. Sponsored consumer-account promotions also appeared in August, but these were distinct from the independent reporting that led the period’s evidence. SumUp is reportedly targeting a London IPO in early 2027 at a potential $10bn valuation, after delaying an earlier timetable amid market volatility. The proposed float could support London's fintech-listing pipeline. Sponsored UK content promotes SumUp's personal account, budgeting tools, cashback Mastercard and fee-free foreign payments. It cites a YouGov survey commissioned by SumUp on financial anxiety among UK adults. SumUp entered a multi-year partnership with Newcastle United, becoming its official training-kit partner and supporting the club’s regional business network. The agreement includes plans for a co-branded card with fan offers and rewards.

Key messages:

- SumUp is reportedly targeting a London IPO in early 2027 at a potential $10bn valuation, after delaying an earlier timetable amid market volatility. The proposed float could support London's fintech-listing pipeline.
- Sponsored UK content promotes SumUp's personal account, budgeting tools, cashback Mastercard and fee-free foreign payments. It cites a YouGov survey commissioned by SumUp on financial anxiety among UK adults.
- SumUp entered a multi-year partnership with Newcastle United, becoming its official training-kit partner and supporting the club’s regional business network. The agreement includes plans for a co-branded card with fan offers and rewards.
- Toolstation’s Aldridge supplier roadshow will feature SumUp alongside trade suppliers. Toolstation promotes its SumUp card-reader range for tradespeople taking payments on the go.

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 66.7% of SumUp's coverage (theme index 2.54, net tone +100)
- Consumer Payments & BNPL: 22.2% of SumUp's coverage (theme index 2.62, net tone +100)
- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 11.1% of SumUp's coverage (theme index 6.56, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 12 August 2026, cityam.com: [Airtel and Sumup set to kick off London's fintech IPO test](https://www.cityam.com/airtel-and-sumup-set-to-kick-off-londons-fintech-ipo-test/). SumUp is reportedly targeting a London IPO in early 2027 at a potential $10bn valuation, after delaying an earlier timetable amid market volatility. The proposed float could support London's fintech-listing pipeline.
- 17 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Make your holiday spending simpler](https://www.mirror.co.uk/features/topic-desking/money/how-make-your-holiday-spending-37507304). SumUp promotes its UK personal account, virtual Mastercard, fee-free foreign spending, cashback and budgeting tools. It cites survey findings on UK cost-of-living pressures.
- 13 August 2026, thetimes.com: [One in four Brits lose sleep over their finances – can digital tools make life easier?](https://www.thetimes.com/static/cost-of-living-sumup-personal-account/). Sponsored UK content promotes SumUp's personal account, budgeting tools, cashback Mastercard and fee-free foreign payments. It cites a YouGov survey commissioned by SumUp on financial anxiety among UK adults.

- [SumUp deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=sumup&view=deep-dive)
- [SumUp PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/sumup.pdf)

### Zilch

**Zilch shifted from expansion towards products and regulation**

Zilch ranked 5th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (7.1%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 9 mentions and a net tone of +67.

In August, share rose to 7.1% and Zilch ranked fifth, with company-focused independent coverage of its selection for dedicated FCA scale-up support and contributed copy announcing new membership tiers. The FCA admitted Zilch and four other firms to its Scale-up Unit, providing tailored regulatory support for sustainable growth. The programme is intended to help high-growth firms navigate regulation and product development. Zilch is rolling out Zilch Extra and Zilch Plus membership tiers, alongside Pay Monthly and Zilch Advance. The UK BNPL firm says the products add rewards, instalment options and income-linked advances. Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence as it prepares its first expansion beyond the UK. The SME lender's move follows a $155 million funding round and continued loanbook and profit growth.

Key messages:

- The FCA admitted Zilch and four other firms to its Scale-up Unit, providing tailored regulatory support for sustainable growth. The programme is intended to help high-growth firms navigate regulation and product development.
- Zilch is rolling out Zilch Extra and Zilch Plus membership tiers, alongside Pay Monthly and Zilch Advance. The UK BNPL firm says the products add rewards, instalment options and income-linked advances.
- Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence as it prepares its first expansion beyond the UK. The SME lender's move follows a $155 million funding round and continued loanbook and profit growth.
- Zilch is among the first FCA-regulated scale-ups to join the regulator's Scale-up Unit and receive a dedicated contact. The article also notes the forthcoming FCA regulation of BNPL.

Leading themes:

- Regulation & Policy: 77.8% of Zilch's coverage (theme index 7.06, net tone +57)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 11.1% of Zilch's coverage (theme index 0.36, net tone +100)
- Consumer Payments & BNPL: 11.1% of Zilch's coverage (theme index 1.19, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 10 August 2026, cityam.com: [Zilch, Clearscore among five UK scale-ups to get dedicated FCA support](https://www.cityam.com/zilch-clearscore-among-five-uk-scale-ups-to-get-dedicated-fca-support/). Zilch is among the first FCA-regulated scale-ups to join the regulator's Scale-up Unit and receive a dedicated contact. The article also notes the forthcoming FCA regulation of BNPL.
- 13 August 2026, finextra.com: [Zilch launches new membership tiers](https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/110633/zilch-launches-new-membership-tiers). Zilch is rolling out Zilch Extra and Zilch Plus membership tiers, alongside Pay Monthly and Zilch Advance. The UK BNPL firm says the products add rewards, instalment options and income-linked advances.
- 11 August 2026, fintechfutures.com: [FCA makes new additions to scale-up unit](https://www.fintechfutures.com/regulations-compliance/five-fca-only-firms-added-to-scale-up-unit). The FCA added Zilch to its scale-up unit, which provides tailored regulatory support to growing firms. Allica Bank and OakNorth Bank were members of the unit’s inaugural cohort.

- [Zilch deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=zilch&view=deep-dive)
- [Zilch PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/zilch.pdf)

### PayPal

**PayPal’s visibility swung across regulation, partnerships and takeover reporting**

PayPal ranked 7th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (3.9%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of +20.

In August 2026, PayPal recorded 5 mentions, 3.9% of cohort coverage and rank #7, with net sentiment of +20. Coverage focused on Consumer Payments & BNPL. Two further August records were contextual comparisons of business-payment services and payment-link providers rather than PayPal developments. A UK consumer guide examines online casinos that accept PayPal, focusing on deposits, withdrawals, fees, security and verification. It presents PayPal as a widely available payment option while noting operator-specific limits and conditions. Guide for DJs explains how to use payment links, including Stripe, PayPal, Wise and SumUp, with operational features and selected UK pricing. It presents these services as practical options for collecting booking payments. Independent reporting documented the UK launch of PayPal+ with purchase points and enhanced debit-card rewards, followed by a 20% food-and-drink discount for PayPal debit-card users at several UK festivals.

Key messages:

- A UK consumer guide examines online casinos that accept PayPal, focusing on deposits, withdrawals, fees, security and verification. It presents PayPal as a widely available payment option while noting operator-specific limits and conditions.
- Guide for DJs explains how to use payment links, including Stripe, PayPal, Wise and SumUp, with operational features and selected UK pricing. It presents these services as practical options for collecting booking payments.
- A UK betting-site guide describes PayPal as a deposit and withdrawal option across numerous licensed bookmakers. It highlights transaction speeds, limits and the consumer convenience of PayPal payments.
- Consumer Payments & BNPL accounted for 3 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Consumer Payments & BNPL: 60.0% of PayPal's coverage (theme index 8.13, net tone +33)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 20.0% of PayPal's coverage (theme index 0.68, net tone 0)
- Other: 20.0% of PayPal's coverage (theme index 6.1, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 28 August 2026, mybettingsites.co.uk: [Best PayPal Betting Sites UK – August 2026](https://mybettingsites.co.uk/paypal-betting-sites/). A UK betting-site guide describes PayPal as a deposit and withdrawal option across numerous licensed bookmakers. It highlights transaction speeds, limits and the consumer convenience of PayPal payments.

- [PayPal deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=paypal&view=deep-dive)
- [PayPal PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/paypal.pdf)

### Checkout.com

**Checkout.com’s visibility fluctuated as partnerships broadened its profile**

Checkout.com ranked 7th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (3.9%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of +40.

August restored Checkout.com to seventh with a 3.9% share, alongside independent reporting on the scale of its Coinbase acquiring relationship, its valuation and the limited current use of AI agents in transactions. August 2026: share rose 3.5 points to 3.9% and rank improved from 12th to seventh; contemporaneous reporting examined Checkout.com’s Coinbase acquiring role and payment-orchestration approach. August 2026: Checkout.com disclosed that it handles roughly half of Coinbase’s non-US acquiring — The Fintech Times. Checkout.com’s global partnerships head discusses payment orchestration, multi-acquirer strategies and improving merchant payment performance. The article presents Checkout.com’s orchestration approach and partner network. Checkout.com is listed as one of Europe’s most valuable private technology companies, with a reported valuation of about $12bn. The article notes its prior valuation decline and subsequent reported recovery.

Key messages:

- Checkout.com disclosed that it provides acquiring for roughly half of Coinbase's non-US business, alongside fraud, authentication and routing services. The partnership reportedly raised acceptance rates and reduced fraud while expanding stablecoin-payment collaboration.
- Checkout.com’s global partnerships head discusses payment orchestration, multi-acquirer strategies and improving merchant payment performance. The article presents Checkout.com’s orchestration approach and partner network.
- Checkout.com is listed as one of Europe’s most valuable private technology companies, with a reported valuation of about $12bn. The article notes its prior valuation decline and subsequent reported recovery.
- Shopify data suggests AI-referred commerce is growing, while a Checkout.com survey finds only 3% of UK and US transactions currently involve AI agents. The article frames merchant preparation and consumer trust as barriers to agentic commerce.

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 40.0% of Checkout.com's coverage (theme index 1.39, net tone +100)
- Technology, AI & Infrastructure: 20.0% of Checkout.com's coverage (theme index 0, net tone 0)
- Financial Results & Valuations: 20.0% of Checkout.com's coverage (theme index 2.03, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 15 August 2026, thefintechtimes.com: [Checkout.com Handles ~50% of Coinbase's Non-US Acquiring](https://thefintechtimes.com/checkout-com-handles-50-of-coinbases-non-us-acquiring/). Checkout.com disclosed that it provides acquiring for roughly half of Coinbase's non-US business, alongside fraud, authentication and routing services. The partnership reportedly raised acceptance rates and reduced fraud while expanding stablecoin-payment collaboration.
- 12 August 2026, thepaypers.com: [Payment orchestration: choice, control, and performance](https://thepaypers.com/payments/interviews/giving-merchants-more-choice-control-and-performance). Checkout.com’s global partnerships head discusses payment orchestration, multi-acquirer strategies and improving merchant payment performance. The article presents Checkout.com’s orchestration approach and partner network.

- [Checkout.com deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=checkoutcom&view=deep-dive)
- [Checkout.com PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/checkoutcom.pdf)

### OakNorth

**Regulation & Policy shaped OakNorth's media profile during August 2026**

OakNorth ranked 7th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (3.9%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of +100.

August improved to 3.9% and seventh place on an unchanged five mentions; company-focused lending stories covered Abeona and DataVita, while three regulatory articles were contextual references to OakNorth’s place in an earlier scale-up cohort. August 2026: OakNorth provided DataVita with a £25m loan for AI-ready data-centre infrastructure near Glasgow, reported by UKTN. OakNorth has provided a £2.5m facility to Northamptonshire nursery operator Abeona to acquire and refurbish a second site. The funding supports Abeona's planned expansion to a 100-place nursery in Great Addington. The FCA selected Zilch for its latest Scale-up Unit cohort and highlighted regulatory support for UK fintech scaleups. Allica Bank and OakNorth Bank are named as members of the prior dual-regulated cohort. Prepare a factual media briefing on the Federal Reserve requirement for OakNorth to establish a UK holding company to secure approval for its proposed acquisition of Community Unity Bank.

Key messages:

- OakNorth provided a £25m loan to Scottish data-centre operator DataVita to expand AI-ready infrastructure near Glasgow. The financing supports construction capacity for CoreWeave.
- OakNorth has provided a £2.5m facility to Northamptonshire nursery operator Abeona to acquire and refurbish a second site. The funding supports Abeona's planned expansion to a 100-place nursery in Great Addington.
- The FCA selected Zilch for its latest Scale-up Unit cohort and highlighted regulatory support for UK fintech scaleups. Allica Bank and OakNorth Bank are named as members of the prior dual-regulated cohort.
- Regulation & Policy accounted for 3 mentions in this edition.

Leading themes:

- Regulation & Policy: 60.0% of OakNorth's coverage (theme index 4.31, net tone +100)
- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 40.0% of OakNorth's coverage (theme index 5.42, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 24 August 2026, uktech.news: [Scottish data centre group expands AI capacity with £25m boost - UKTN](https://www.uktech.news/big-data/scottish-data-centre-group-expands-ai-capacity-with-25m-boost-20260824). OakNorth provided a £25m loan to Scottish data-centre operator DataVita to expand AI-ready infrastructure near Glasgow. The financing supports construction capacity for CoreWeave.
- 18 August 2026, insidermedia.com: [Nursery operator to open second site with £2.5m backing from OakNorth](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/nursery-operator-to-open-second-site-with-2.5m-backing-from-oaknorth). OakNorth has provided a £2.5m facility to Northamptonshire nursery operator Abeona to acquire and refurbish a second site. The funding supports Abeona's planned expansion to a 100-place nursery in Great Addington.

- [OakNorth deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=oaknorth&view=deep-dive)
- [OakNorth PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/oaknorth.pdf)

### Stripe

**Products, Partnerships & Expansion shaped Stripe's media profile during August 2026**

Stripe ranked 10th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (2.4%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 3 mentions and a net tone of +33.

In August 2026, Stripe recorded 3 mentions, 2.4% of cohort coverage and rank #10, with net sentiment of +33. Guide for DJs explains how to use payment links, including Stripe, PayPal, Wise and SumUp, with operational features and selected UK pricing. It presents these services as practical options for collecting booking payments. A UK business guide compares GoCardless’s Direct Debit pricing and capabilities with alternatives for cards, foreign exchange and subscription billing. It highlights GoCardless’s UK Bacs pricing and payment-recovery tools while noting limitations in card acceptance, outbound payments and international collection costs. The article outlines fintech career paths, workplace culture, hiring conditions and the effects of AI on jobs, with London identified as a major funding hub. It cites Stripe and Checkout.com as examples of fintech workplace practices. Products, Partnerships & Expansion accounted for 2 mentions. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- Stripe recorded 3 mentions in August, so the findings are directional.
- Guide for DJs explains how to use payment links, including Stripe, PayPal, Wise and SumUp, with operational features and selected UK pricing. It presents these services as practical options for collecting booking payments.
- A UK business guide compares GoCardless’s Direct Debit pricing and capabilities with alternatives for cards, foreign exchange and subscription billing. It highlights GoCardless’s UK Bacs pricing and payment-recovery tools while noting limitations in card acceptance, outbound payments and international collection costs.

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 66.7% of Stripe's coverage (theme index 2.36, net tone +50)
- Leadership, People & Culture: 33.3% of Stripe's coverage (theme index 41.33, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 10 August 2026, djing.com: [How to create a payment link for DJ bookings](https://djing.com/blog/how-to-create-a-payment-link-for-dj-bookings-2026). Guide for DJs explains how to use payment links, including Stripe, PayPal, Wise and SumUp, with operational features and selected UK pricing. It presents these services as practical options for collecting booking payments.

- [Stripe deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=stripe&view=deep-dive)
- [Stripe PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/stripe.pdf)

### iwoca

**Merchants, SMEs & Lending shaped iwoca's media profile during August 2026**

iwoca ranked 10th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (2.4%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 3 mentions and a net tone of +67.

In August 2026, iwoca recorded 3 mentions, 2.4% of cohort coverage and rank #10, with net sentiment of +67. iwoca research found UK SME owners were cautiously more optimistic about an Andy Burnham-led government while prioritising lower business costs and greater political stability. CEO Christoph Rieche called for lower tax burdens to support investment and growth. iwoca research finds UK SME finance demand is expected to rise sharply as recession and inflation concerns ease. Larger loan applications are increasingly being used for expansion rather than cash-flow management. MoneySuperMarket launched a UK business-banking app with Countingup and Griffin, offering limited companies access to iwoca SME lending. The service combines payments, accounting and tax tools for small businesses. Merchants, SMEs & Lending accounted for 3 mentions. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- iwoca recorded 3 mentions in August, so the findings are directional.
- iwoca research found UK SME owners were cautiously more optimistic about an Andy Burnham-led government while prioritising lower business costs and greater political stability. CEO Christoph Rieche called for lower tax burdens to support investment and growth.
- iwoca research finds UK SME finance demand is expected to rise sharply as recession and inflation concerns ease. Larger loan applications are increasingly being used for expansion rather than cash-flow management.

Leading themes:

- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 100.0% of iwoca's coverage (theme index 15.5, net tone +67)

Notable positive coverage:

- 17 August 2026, fintechmagazine.com: [MoneySuperMarket Targets SMEs With New Business Bank](https://fintechmagazine.com/news/moneysupermarket-targets-smes-with-new-business-bank). MoneySuperMarket launched a UK business-banking app with Countingup and Griffin, offering limited companies access to iwoca SME lending. The service combines payments, accounting and tax tools for small businesses.
- 24 August 2026, bridgingandcommercial.co.uk: [Demand for SME finance set for the sharpest rise since 2022](https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/demand-for-sme-finance-set-for-the-sharpest-rise-since-2022). iwoca research finds UK SME finance demand is expected to rise sharply as recession and inflation concerns ease. Larger loan applications are increasingly being used for expansion rather than cash-flow management.

- [iwoca deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=iwoca&view=deep-dive)
- [iwoca PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/iwoca.pdf)

### GoCardless

**Products, Partnerships & Expansion shaped GoCardless' media profile during August 2026**

GoCardless ranked 12th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (1.6%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for August 2026, with 2 mentions and a net tone of +50.

In August 2026, GoCardless recorded 2 mentions, 1.6% of cohort coverage and rank #12, with net sentiment of +50. GoCardless has partnered with anvil to automate Direct Debit payment collection and account management for telecom operators and managed service providers. The integration includes GoCardless's AI-driven Success+ failed-payment retry tool. A UK business guide compares GoCardless’s Direct Debit pricing and capabilities with alternatives for cards, foreign exchange and subscription billing. It highlights GoCardless’s UK Bacs pricing and payment-recovery tools while noting limitations in card acceptance, outbound payments and international collection costs. Products, Partnerships & Expansion accounted for 2 mentions. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- GoCardless recorded 2 mentions in August, so the findings are directional.
- GoCardless has partnered with anvil to automate Direct Debit payment collection and account management for telecom operators and managed service providers. The integration includes GoCardless's AI-driven Success+ failed-payment retry tool.
- A UK business guide compares GoCardless’s Direct Debit pricing and capabilities with alternatives for cards, foreign exchange and subscription billing. It highlights GoCardless’s UK Bacs pricing and payment-recovery tools while noting limitations in card acceptance, outbound payments and international collection costs.

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 100.0% of GoCardless's coverage (theme index 3.57, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 10 August 2026, fintech.global: [GoCardless and anvil automate telco payments](https://fintech.global/2026/08/10/gocardless-and-anvil-automate-telco-payments/). GoCardless has partnered with anvil to automate Direct Debit payment collection and account management for telecom operators and managed service providers. The integration includes GoCardless's AI-driven Success+ failed-payment retry tool.

- [GoCardless deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08?entity=gocardless&view=deep-dive)
- [GoCardless PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08/reports/gocardless.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Payments & Fintech editions

- [UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-h1.md)
- [UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-07.md)
- [UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08