---
title: UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Payments & Fintech
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 12
articles_analysed: 466
mentions: 220
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/data.json
summary: Wise had the highest average monthly share of coverage (32.7%) among 12 companies
  in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Funding
  Circle (15.9%) and SumUp (8.6%).
---

# UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Wise had the highest average monthly share of coverage (32.7%) among 12 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Funding Circle (15.9%) and SumUp (8.6%). iwoca had the most favourable net tone (+100). Omniscan analysed 466 articles containing 220 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09

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

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Wise | 32.7% | 72 | 17% | 28% | 55% | −39 |
| 2 | Funding Circle | 15.9% | 35 | 31% | 63% | 6% | +26 |
| 3 | SumUp | 8.6% | 19 | 95% | 5% | 0% | +95 |
| 4 | Klarna | 8.2% | 18 | 11% | 50% | 39% | −28 |
| 4 | Allica Bank | 8.2% | 18 | 61% | 39% | 0% | +61 |
| 6 | PayPal | 7.3% | 16 | 19% | 62% | 19% | 0 |
| 7 | GoCardless | 5.9% | 13 | 85% | 15% | 0% | +85 |
| 8 | OakNorth | 5.0% | 11 | 82% | 18% | 0% | +82 |
| 9 | Stripe | 2.7% | 6 | 17% | 83% | 0% | +17 |
| 10 | iwoca | 2.3% | 5 | 100% | 0% | 0% | +100 |
| 11 | Zilch | 1.8% | 4 | 25% | 75% | 0% | +25 |
| 12 | Checkout.com | 1.4% | 3 | 67% | 33% | 0% | +67 |

## Companies in detail

### Wise

**AML scrutiny dominated as Wise expanded in Thailand and Canada**

Wise ranked 1st of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (32.7%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 72 mentions and a net tone of −39.

The Fintech Times revisited the OCC’s July decision to reject Wise’s proposed US national trust-bank charter, citing AML and counter-terrorist-financing weaknesses and governance concerns. Wise ranked first with 72 mentions and 32.7% of tracked-company mentions in September. Fraud, scams and financial crime led the subject mix with 36 mentions, alongside 12 for products, partnerships and expansion and 12 for regulation and policy. Morningstar carried law-firm notices concerning a securities class action alleging that Wise understated regulatory risks, while the allegations remained claims in an uncertified action. Product coverage included Wise’s multi-currency account and card launch in Thailand, reported by Fintech News Singapore, and a Canadian chequing account launch covered by BetaKit. Other developments included the repurchase of 1.18 million Class A shares under Wise’s £405 million programme and Canaccord’s buy rating reported by CNBC.

Key messages:

- Wise accounted for 32.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Fraud, Scams & Financial Crime and Products, Partnerships & Expansion.
- 72 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- OCC rejection of Wise’s national trust-bank charter — The Fintech Times

Leading themes:

- Fraud, Scams & Financial Crime: 50.0% of Wise's coverage (theme index 0, net tone −94)
- Regulation & Policy: 16.7% of Wise's coverage (theme index 3.08, net tone −17)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 16.7% of Wise's coverage (theme index 0.69, net tone +58)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, finextra.com: [Wise joins Mena Fintech Association](https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/110831/wise-joins-mena-fintech-association). Wise has joined the MENA Fintech Association as a corporate member to support cross-border payments, financial connectivity and digital inclusion across the region. The UK-headquartered firm's UAE CEO described the move as part of its continued regional engagement.
- 8 September 2026, ffnews.com: [Wise Joins MENA Fintech Association to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments Across the Middle East](https://ffnews.com/news/press-release-mena-fintech-association-welcomes-wise-as-a-corporate-member-to-ad-adb2537a). Wise joined the MENA Fintech Association as a corporate member to support cross-border payments infrastructure and engagement with regional stakeholders. The overseas initiative is in scope as corporate expansion news for UK-headquartered Wise.
- 15 September 2026, ffnews.com: [Wise Launches All-in-One Chequing Account in Canada to ...](https://ffnews.com/news/wise-launches-chequing-account-as-canadians-live-increasingly-global-lives-d87545d3). Wise has launched an all-in-one chequing account in Canada, combining Interac e-Transfers, multi-currency capabilities and USD interest features. The UK-headquartered firm is supporting the launch with a Toronto pop-up experience.

Notable negative coverage:

- 28 September 2026, morningstar.com: [WSE Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Wise Group plc Securities Fraud Lawsuit with SBS Law](https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20260928651424/wse-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-wise-group-plc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-with-sbs-law). A US shareholder-law firm is soliciting lead plaintiffs for a securities lawsuit against Wise Group. The complaint alleges that Wise understated regulatory risks arising from inadequate anti-money-laundering procedures.
- 8 September 2026, morningstar.com: [Wise Group plc (WSE) Shareholders Who Lost Money Have Opportunity to Lead Securities Fraud Lawsuit](https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20260908la41994/wise-group-plc-wse-shareholders-who-lost-money-have-opportunity-to-lead-securities-fraud-lawsuit). A law firm announced an opportunity for shareholders to lead a securities-fraud class action against Wise Group. The complaint alleges misleading disclosures concerning Wise's anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing controls.
- 10 September 2026, globenewswire.com: [Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC Urges Wise Group plc Investors to Act: Class Action Filed Alleging Investor Harm](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/10/3359804/0/en/bronstein-gewirtz-grossman-llc-urges-wise-group-plc-investors-to-act-class-action-filed-alleging-investor-harm.html). A law firm publicises a class action against Wise alleging misleading disclosures about deficient anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing efforts. The claims are allegations in a lawsuit, not established findings.

- [Wise deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=wise&view=deep-dive)
- [Wise PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/wise.pdf)

### Funding Circle

**Profit upgrade, CEO succession and buybacks shape Funding Circle coverage**

Funding Circle ranked 2nd of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (15.9%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 35 mentions and a net tone of +26.

Funding Circle ranked second with 35 mentions, representing 15.9% of tracked-company mentions in September. Financial results and valuations dominated the subject mix with 21 mentions, alongside 11 on leadership, people and culture. Coverage centred on first-half revenue of £138.2 million, profit before tax of £24.1 million, upgraded full-year guidance and a further £25 million share buyback. Leadership reporting focused on Lisa Jacobs’s plan to step down by September 2027 and the search for her successor, with Investors’ Chronicle also reporting a 12% share-price fall after the announcement. Partnership coverage concerned the renewal of Funding Circle’s sponsorship of the For the Love of Rugby podcast, while lending accounted for one mention. Reuters additionally reported that a securitisation backed by loans originated through Funding Circle was eligible collateral at Bank of England liquidity auctions, with S&P estimating that almost a fifth of loans in the pool would likely default.

Key messages:

- Funding Circle accounted for 15.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Valuations and Leadership, People & Culture.
- 35 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- First-half results, upgraded guidance and a further £25 million buyback — Pulse 2

Leading themes:

- Financial Results & Valuations: 60.0% of Funding Circle's coverage (theme index 10.09, net tone +38)
- Leadership, People & Culture: 31.4% of Funding Circle's coverage (theme index 11.63, net tone 0)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 5.7% of Funding Circle's coverage (theme index 0.23, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 9 September 2026, finextra.com: [Funding Circle CEO Lisa Jacobs to step down](https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/110859/funding-circle-ceo-lisa-jacobs-to-step-down). Funding Circle has announced that CEO Lisa Jacobs will step down following a successor search and transition period. The company says Jacobs will remain in post while pursuing its growth plans.
- 21 September 2026, theintermediary.co.uk: [Funding Circle renews partnership with For the Love of Rugby podcast](https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/09/funding-circle-renews-partnership-with-for-the-love-of-rugby-podcast/). Funding Circle renewed its season-long partnership with the For the Love of Rugby podcast for the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season. The sponsorship is intended to help the SME finance platform reach small-business audiences.
- 21 September 2026, ffnews.com: [Funding Circle Renews 'For the Love of Rugby' Partnership to Back UK Small Businesses](https://ffnews.com/news/news-funding-circle-renews-partnership-with-for-the-love-of-rugby-podcast-backin-ab6034be). Funding Circle renewed its partnership with the For The Love of Rugby podcast for the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season, extending SME-focused brand activity. The company says the partnership supports outreach to UK small-business owners.

Notable negative coverage:

- 2 September 2026, reuters.com: [EXCLUSIVE: Banks rush to swap higher-risk credit assets for BoE cash](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/banks-rush-swap-higher-risk-credit-assets-boe-cash-2026-09-02/). Reuters reports that UK banks are increasingly using higher-risk collateral at Bank of England liquidity auctions. It says a securitisation backed by loans originated through Funding Circle's platform was eligible collateral, with S&P estimating that almost a fifth of loans in that pool would likely default.
- 9 September 2026, investorschronicle.co.uk: [Funding Circle shares sink as CEO resigns](https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/content/39132fe8-1b01-4971-9360-068755a2071a). Funding Circle shares fell 12% after CEO Lisa Jacobs announced her resignation. Jacobs is expected to leave no later than September 2027.

- [Funding Circle deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=fundingcircle&view=deep-dive)
- [Funding Circle PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/fundingcircle.pdf)

### SumUp

**Football partnerships and banking ambitions define SumUp’s September profile**

SumUp ranked 3rd of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (8.6%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 19 mentions and a net tone of +95.

SumUp’s multi-year Manchester United sleeve sponsorship led September’s coverage, with City AM reporting a deal worth more than £20 million annually. Irish Independent also reported plans to develop SumUp’s personal account into a primary-account proposition and its consideration of future lending products in Ireland. SumUp ranked third with 19 mentions, representing 8.6% of tracked-company mentions. Products, partnerships and expansion accounted for 18 of those mentions, while funding, IPOs and listings accounted for one. Stories also included SumUp’s three-year, £5 million-a-year Newcastle United training-kit sponsorship, reported by ChronicleLive. The combination gave SumUp a media profile centred on high-value football partnerships, consumer reach and broader financial-services ambitions.

Key messages:

- SumUp accounted for 8.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Products, Partnerships & Expansion and Funding, IPOs & Listings.
- 19 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Manchester United agreed a club-record sleeve sponsorship with SumUp — City AM.

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 94.7% of SumUp's coverage (theme index 6.35, net tone +100)
- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 5.3% of SumUp's coverage (theme index 0.59, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 8 September 2026, cityam.com: [Manchester United agree club record sleeve sponsorship with fintech unicorn SumUp](https://www.cityam.com/manchester-united-agree-club-record-sleeve-sponsorship-with-fintech-unicorn-sumup/). London-based payments fintech SumUp has agreed a multi-year Manchester United sleeve-sponsorship deal reportedly worth more than £20 million annually. The deal is SumUp's first elite-sport partnership and is presented as supporting its growth and brand reach.
- 24 September 2026, independent.ie: [SumUp eyes neo-bank status, saying Irish banks stopped evolving after the financial crash](https://www.independent.ie/business/technology/sumup-eyes-neo-bank-status-saying-irish-banks-stopped-evolving-after-the-financial-crash/a/161955744.html). SumUp’s Irish operation says the company aims to develop its personal-account offering into a primary-account proposition, following launches in Ireland, the UK and several European markets. It is also considering future Irish lending products while leveraging its merchant network and consumer rewards.
- 9 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Man Utd land record-breaking deal as 'new signing' dubbed 'dangerous'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-schmeichel-marcus-rashford-37639630). Manchester United has signed SumUp as its new sleeve sponsor in what is described as the club's biggest-ever sleeve sponsorship deal. SumUp branding will appear on the men's, women's and academy teams' shirts.

- [SumUp deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=sumup&view=deep-dive)
- [SumUp PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/sumup.pdf)

### Klarna

**Guidance cut and credit-card fees shape Klarna’s September profile**

Klarna ranked 4th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (8.2%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of −28.

Klarna cut its 2026 revenue and gross merchandise value guidance amid softer European demand and adverse currency movements, while reporting a $27m second-quarter net profit and stronger adjusted operating income. It ranked joint fourth with 18 mentions and an 8.2% share of tracked-company mentions. Financial results and valuations led the subject mix with five articles, followed by consumer payments and buy now, pay later with four, and funding, IPOs and listings with three. Coverage also examined Chrysalis Investments’ £34m sale of its remaining Klarna stake and its planned £25m capital return to shareholders. Klarna’s withdrawal of its free UK credit card and introduction of memberships from £4.99 a month attracted customer criticism, while the company said free checkout payment options and its debit card would remain available. Other developments included the UK launch of Klarna Mobile for Max members and finance chief Niclas Neglen’s nomination to become Adyen’s CFO in February 2027.

Key messages:

- Klarna accounted for 8.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Valuations and Consumer Payments & BNPL.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- The Financial News UK website reported Klarna’s lower 2026 revenue and gross merchandise value guidance alongside its $27m second-quarter net profit.

Leading themes:

- Financial Results & Valuations: 27.8% of Klarna's coverage (theme index 2.08, net tone −60)
- Consumer Payments & BNPL: 22.2% of Klarna's coverage (theme index 11.22, net tone −75)
- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 16.7% of Klarna's coverage (theme index 2.1, net tone −33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 24 September 2026, gbnews.com: [Klarna challenges EE, O2, and Three with FREE 5G data, calls, and text messages](https://www.gbnews.com/tech/klarna-mobile-free-5g-data-calls-text). Klarna has launched Klarna Mobile in the UK, an MVNO service on Vodafone’s network offering unlimited 5G data, calls and texts to Klarna Max members. The membership also includes cashback, travel benefits and a debit card.

Notable negative coverage:

- 28 September 2026, cityam.com: [Chrysalis sells off Klarna stake for £34m after stock plunge](https://www.cityam.com/chrysalis-sells-off-klarna-stake-for-34m-after-stock-plunge/). UK investment trust Chrysalis Investments sold its remaining Klarna stake for £34m after previous valuation markdowns. The article also reports Klarna's sharp post-IPO share-price decline and reduced revenue and GMV forecasts.
- 17 September 2026, thesun.co.uk: [Klarna customers fume over new charge coming into force - are you affected?](https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/40400894/klarna-customers-fume-credit-card-charge/). Klarna will withdraw its free UK credit-card tier from November 13 and introduce a minimum £4.99 monthly membership charge. Customers have criticised the change, while Klarna says its free checkout payment options and debit card remain available.
- 17 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Klarna axes free credit card as customers say 'no way I'm paying' new £4.99 fee](https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/klarna-credit-card-free-membership-37673387). Klarna is ending its free UK credit card and will require a membership costing at least £4.99 a month from November 13. The article also outlines newly introduced FCA regulation for BNPL providers.

- [Klarna deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=klarna&view=deep-dive)
- [Klarna PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/klarna.pdf)

### Allica Bank

**Swedish licence bid broadens Allica’s September agenda**

Allica Bank ranked 4th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (8.2%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of +61.

Allica Bank’s application for a Swedish banking licence, supported by a new local entity and the appointment of Rickard Westlund as Sweden CEO, led company-focused coverage of its first planned expansion beyond the UK. The bank ranked joint fourth with 18 mentions and an 8.2% share of tracked-company mentions. Merchants, SMEs and lending dominated the subject mix with 10 mentions, while products, partnerships and expansion accounted for four. Lending developments included raising eligible residential bridging limits to 75% loan-to-value and £2 million, alongside extending commercial-mortgage fee waivers to year-end while increasing fixed rates by 0.45%. Allica’s research also highlighted a £65 billion SME lending gap and the declining presence of established SMEs in rural areas, accompanied by proposals for government-backed lending and regional support. Further company-focused stories covered its Adclear marketing-compliance partnership, recognition of CreatePay’s local contribution and the role of its $155 million Series D in supporting lending, technology investment and expansion.

Key messages:

- Allica Bank accounted for 8.2% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Merchants, SMEs & Lending and Products, Partnerships & Expansion.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Swedish banking licence application and appointment of Rickard Westlund as Sweden CEO — FinTech Futures

Leading themes:

- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 55.6% of Allica Bank's coverage (theme index 7.48, net tone +30)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 22.2% of Allica Bank's coverage (theme index 1.02, net tone +100)
- Other: 11.1% of Allica Bank's coverage (theme index 22.44, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, fintechfutures.com: [Allica Bank seeks banking licence in Sweden](https://www.fintechfutures.com/business-banking/allica-bank-applies-for-banking-licence-in-sweden). London-based Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence as part of its first expansion beyond the UK. It has established a Swedish entity and appointed Rickard Westlund as CEO for Sweden.
- 1 September 2026, ffnews.com: [Allica Bank Targets European Expansion with Swedish Banking Licence Application](https://ffnews.com/news/allica-bank-targets-european-expansion-with-swedish-banking-licence-application). Allica Bank has applied for a Swedish banking licence, its first planned expansion outside the UK. The SME-focused bank has established a Swedish entity and leadership team, subject to regulatory approval.
- 30 September 2026, fintech.global: [Allica Bank and Adclear turn compliance into growth](https://fintech.global/2026/09/30/allica-bank-and-adclear-turn-compliance-into-growth/). Allica Bank has partnered with Adclear to centralise marketing-compliance policies and deploy AI-assisted promotional approval checks. The bank says the system has accelerated review processes and improved auditability as its marketing operations scale.

- [Allica Bank deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=allicabank&view=deep-dive)
- [Allica Bank PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/allicabank.pdf)

### PayPal

**PYUSD expansion leads PayPal’s September payments agenda**

PayPal ranked 6th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (7.3%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 16 mentions and a net tone of 0.

PayPal’s leading company-focused story was PYUSD’s expansion into 70 markets, reported by Crypto Briefing. The company recorded 16 mentions, representing 7.3% of tracked-company mentions and sixth place in September. Products, partnerships and expansion was the largest subject area with six articles, spanning PYUSD, ChangeHero’s planned PayPal checkout support and eBay UK’s removal of PayPal for Royal Mail labels. Independent reporting by Yahoo Finance also covered job reductions in India and Ireland under PayPal’s restructuring, including around 160 Irish roles. Youth Music separately reported on PayPal Give at Checkout, saying community donations totalled £16,422.75 last year. Five regulation and policy articles named PayPal among the firms supporting or participating in work on proposed UK retail-payments infrastructure; these were wider sector stories rather than developments at PayPal.

Key messages:

- PayPal accounted for 7.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Products, Partnerships & Expansion and Regulation & Policy.
- 16 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- PYUSD expands into 70 markets — Crypto Briefing

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 37.5% of PayPal's coverage (theme index 1.82, net tone +17)
- Regulation & Policy: 31.3% of PayPal's coverage (theme index 4.25, net tone 0)
- Leadership, People & Culture: 12.5% of PayPal's coverage (theme index 1.82, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 25 September 2026, cryptobriefing.com: [PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin expands to 70 new markets globally](https://cryptobriefing.com/paypal-pyusd-expands-70-countries/). PayPal has expanded PYUSD from the US and UK into 70 markets, enabling eligible users to transact and convert the stablecoin. The article notes that UK users are excluded from PYUSD rewards.
- 25 September 2026, pluang.com: [PayPal expands PYUSD stablecoin to 70 markets, quadrupling supply since 2025](https://pluang.com/en/news-feed/paypal-stablecoin-pyusd-meluas-ke-70-pasar-baru-di-dunia). PayPal has expanded PYUSD stablecoin availability from the US and UK to 70 markets and its supply has increased to more than $4 billion. UK users remain excluded from the rewards programme.
- 24 September 2026, youthmusic.org.uk: [Small Donations, Big Change. Supporting Young People’s Futures](https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/news/small-donations-big-change-supporting-young-peoples-futures). Youth Music promotes PayPal Give at Checkout, through which customers can donate £1 during PayPal checkout. The charity says PayPal community donations totalled £16,422.75 last year and were matched by Youth Music.

Notable negative coverage:

- 8 September 2026, finance.yahoo.com: [With PayPal Layoffs Brewing, How to Play PYPL Stock in September 2026](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/paypal-layoffs-brewing-play-pypl-131501926.html). PayPal is reportedly undertaking global workforce reductions, including 164 roles in Ireland, as part of a wider restructuring. The article also reports that a proposed Stripe and Advent bid for PayPal was rejected.
- 7 September 2026, valueaddedresource.net: [eBay UK Drops PayPal For Royal Mail Labels](https://www.valueaddedresource.net/ebay-uk-drops-paypal-for-royal-mail-labels/). eBay UK has removed PayPal as a payment method for Royal Mail shipping labels, requiring sellers to use eBay funds or a saved payment method instead. The change took effect on 7 September 2026 and affects UK business and private sellers buying labels through eBay.
- 3 September 2026, finance.yahoo.com: [PayPal cuts jobs in India and Ireland as it aims to simplify global operations](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/paypal-cuts-jobs-india-ireland-145949005.html). PayPal is cutting jobs in Ireland and India under a multi-year restructuring intended to simplify global operations. Around 160 Irish roles are reportedly affected, nearly 12% of its Irish full-time workforce.

- [PayPal deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=paypal&view=deep-dive)
- [PayPal PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/paypal.pdf)

### GoCardless

**Mollie acquisition and agentic payment shape GoCardless coverage**

GoCardless ranked 7th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (5.9%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 13 mentions and a net tone of +85.

Mollie completed its €1.1bn acquisition of GoCardless, retaining the GoCardless brand and co-founder Hiroki Takeuchi as its leader while combining Mollie’s payment methods with GoCardless’s Pay by Bank infrastructure. GoCardless also processed what it described as the UK’s first live agentic account-to-account payment through an AI-assisted donation to Trussell, tested under the FCA’s AI Live Testing programme. The firm ranked seventh with 5.9% of tracked-company mentions, recording 13 mentions during September. Funding, IPOs and listings was the largest subject area with six mentions, followed by technology, AI and infrastructure with five, and products, partnerships and expansion with two. Product coverage included Data Energy’s selection of Recurring Pay by Bank to automate flexible energy-meter top-ups, supported by Direct Debit fallback routing. The month’s profile therefore combined the completed change in ownership with evidence of GoCardless’s continuing product deployment and bank-payment development.

Key messages:

- GoCardless accounted for 5.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Funding, IPOs & Listings and Technology, AI & Infrastructure.
- 13 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Mollie completes €1.1bn GoCardless acquisition — BusinessCloud

Leading themes:

- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 46.2% of GoCardless's coverage (theme index 7.35, net tone +67)
- Technology, AI & Infrastructure: 38.5% of GoCardless's coverage (theme index 9.95, net tone +100)
- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 15.4% of GoCardless's coverage (theme index 0.69, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, democrata.es: [Mollie closes the purchase of GoCardless and forms a group with more than 350,000 client companies.](https://www.democrata.es/en/economy/mollie-closes-the-purchase-of-gocardless-and-forms-a-group-with-more-than-350-000-client-companies/amp/). Mollie has completed its acquisition of GoCardless, which will continue as "GoCardless, a company of Mollie" under co-founder Hiroki Takeuchi. The combined group serves more than 350,000 businesses and combines Mollie's payment methods with GoCardless's Pay by Bank platform.
- 1 September 2026, fintech.global: [Mollie completes GoCardless acquisition to expand payments offering](https://fintech.global/2026/09/01/mollie-completes-gocardless-acquisition-to-expand-payments-offering/). Mollie has completed its acquisition of GoCardless, which will continue to operate as GoCardless, a Mollie company, led by co-founder Hiroki Takeuchi. The transaction combines Mollie's card and local-payment capabilities with GoCardless's bank-payment and Pay by Bank infrastructure.
- 2 September 2026, finextra.com: [Mollie completes acquisition of GoCardless](https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/110784/mollie-completes-acquisition-of-gocardless). Mollie has completed its acquisition of GoCardless, which will continue operating as “GoCardless, a Mollie company” under co-founder Hiroki Takeuchi. The combined group plans to pair Mollie's payment methods with GoCardless's Pay by Bank offering.

- [GoCardless deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=gocardless&view=deep-dive)
- [GoCardless PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/gocardless.pdf)

### OakNorth

**OakNorth lending backs acquisitions across property, retail and mortgages**

OakNorth ranked 8th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (5.0%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 11 mentions and a net tone of +82.

OakNorth’s coverage centred on financing West Coast Estates’ commercial-property acquisitions in Aberdeen and St Andrews, including mixed-use development and an ultra-rapid EV charging hub. The firm ranked eighth with 5% of tracked-company mentions, recording 11 mentions during September. Lending dominated the subject mix, accounting for eight mentions, while regulation and policy accounted for two and leadership, people and culture for one. Further stories covered a bespoke loan supporting EET Retail’s acquisition of SGN Retail, participation in the lending club behind BetterHome Group’s acquisition of Mortgage Support Services, and acquisition funding for Opus Safety. OakNorth also provided credit facilities for the formation and expansion of US physician-owned healthcare platform LegacyMD. Wider sector reporting named OakNorth among banks urging the chancellor to raise the bank surcharge allowance from £100 million to £500 million.

Key messages:

- OakNorth accounted for 5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Merchants, SMEs & Lending and Regulation & Policy.
- 11 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- West Coast Estates’ Scottish commercial-property acquisitions — Building Design & Construction Magazine

Leading themes:

- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 72.7% of OakNorth's coverage (theme index 8.94, net tone +100)
- Regulation & Policy: 18.2% of OakNorth's coverage (theme index 2.11, net tone 0)
- Leadership, People & Culture: 9.1% of OakNorth's coverage (theme index 1.27, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, theintermediary.co.uk: [OakNorth funds West Coast Estates acquisitions in Scotland](https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/09/oaknorth-funds-west-coast-estates-acquisitions-in-scotland/). OakNorth has provided West Coast Estates with a facility to acquire commercial development assets in Aberdeen and St Andrews. The funding includes capacity for further acquisitions.
- 1 September 2026, bdcmagazine.com: [OakNorth provides loan to West Coast Estates to fund commercial acquisitions in Aberdeen and St Andrews](https://bdcmagazine.com/2026/09/oaknorth-provides-loan-to-west-coast-estates-to-fund-commercial-acquisitions-in-aberdeen-and-st-andrews/). OakNorth has lent to West Coast Estates to finance commercial-property acquisitions in Aberdeen and St Andrews. The assets include a mixed-use development site and a planned ultra-rapid EV charging hub.
- 2 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Development and investment firm secures OakNorth funding for Aberdeen and St Andrew acquisitions](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/scotland/development-and-investment-firm-secures-oaknorth-funding-for-aberdeen-and-st-andrew-acquisitions). OakNorth provided funding to West Coast Estates for commercial-property acquisitions in Aberdeen and St Andrews. The financed projects include an EV-charging hub and a mixed-use development scheme in Scotland.

- [OakNorth deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=oaknorth&view=deep-dive)
- [OakNorth PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/oaknorth.pdf)

### Stripe

**Bank of Ireland deal anchors Stripe’s September profile**

Stripe ranked 9th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (2.7%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 6 mentions and a net tone of +17.

Stripe’s principal September development was an expanded relationship with Bank of Ireland to integrate its AI technology into the bank’s core operating systems. The agreement builds on Stripe’s work with Bank of Ireland subsidiary Davy, with a similar arrangement planned for New Ireland Assurance. Stripe recorded six mentions and a 2.7% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking ninth. Products, partnerships and expansion accounted for three mentions, while funding, technology and leadership subjects each accounted for one. As context, the other available articles mentioned Stripe within wider sector reporting rather than covering developments at the company. These contextual references concerned YeahPay’s expansion, Stripe Payments UK’s role in issuing Ramp’s UK Visa cards, merchant integration costs, Ryft’s competitive landscape and a rejected proposed Stripe and Advent bid for PayPal.

Key messages:

- Stripe accounted for 2.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Products, Partnerships & Expansion and Funding, IPOs & Listings.
- 6 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Bank of Ireland and Stripe expanded their digital-transformation relationship — Finextra

Leading themes:

- Products, Partnerships & Expansion: 50.0% of Stripe's coverage (theme index 2.38, net tone +33)
- Technology, AI & Infrastructure: 16.7% of Stripe's coverage (theme index 2.97, net tone 0)
- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 16.7% of Stripe's coverage (theme index 1.98, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 September 2026, finextra.com: [Bank of Ireland and Stripe strike digital transformation deal](https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/48394/bank-of-ireland-and-stripe-strike-digital-transformation-deal). Bank of Ireland and Stripe have expanded their relationship to integrate Stripe AI technology into the bank's core operating systems. Stripe already works with BoI subsidiary Davy, with a similar arrangement planned for New Ireland Assurance.

- [Stripe deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=stripe&view=deep-dive)
- [Stripe PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/stripe.pdf)

### iwoca

**Lending results and partnerships define iwoca’s September profile**

iwoca ranked 10th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (2.3%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of +100.

Independent coverage from Alternative Credit Investor reported that iwoca lent £1.5bn to SMEs in 2025, as revenue rose 56% to £366m and profit reached £85.1m. In September, iwoca recorded five mentions and a 2.3% share of tracked-company mentions, placing it tenth in the cohort. All five articles concerned SME lending, giving the month a tightly concentrated subject mix. FinTech Magazine reported that iwoca embedded loans of up to £1m in Starling Bank’s business-banking app, with self-service applications, automated underwriting and faster decisions. Press-release and wire coverage also described iwoca’s partnership with DNA Payments, offering UK merchants Flexi Loans of £1,000 to £1m through DNA’s portal and app. The available coverage therefore combined independent reporting on iwoca’s financial scale and Starling integration with non-editorial distribution of its DNA Payments partnership.

Key messages:

- iwoca accounted for 2.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #10 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Merchants, SMEs & Lending.
- 5 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- £1.5bn lent to SMEs in 2025 — Alternative Credit Investor

Leading themes:

- Merchants, SMEs & Lending: 100.0% of iwoca's coverage (theme index 10.75, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 September 2026, finextra.com: [DNA Payments links up with iwoca](https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/110819/dna-payments-links-up-with-iwoca). DNA Payments has partnered with iwoca to let its UK merchant clients apply through its portal for iwoca Flexi Loans ranging from £1,000 to £1 million. The partnership aims to expand digital funding access for SMEs.
- 7 September 2026, ffnews.com: [Starling Bank Partners with iwoca to Offer Business Loans Up to £1M](https://ffnews.com/news/starling-iwoca-d11412a4). Starling Bank has integrated iwoca's lending platform, enabling eligible UK limited companies to apply for unsecured business loans of £1,000 to £1 million. iwoca will underwrite and fulfil the loans, with automated decisions for applications up to £100,000.
- 28 September 2026, alternativecreditinvestor.com: [Iwoca lends £1.5bn to SMEs in 2025](https://alternativecreditinvestor.com/2026/09/28/iwoca-lends-1-5bn-to-smes-in-2025/). London-based iwoca lent £1.5bn to SMEs in 2025, with revenue up 56% to £366m and profit reaching £85.1m. It also launched a UK SME business credit card and highlighted Credit Compass and iwocaPay.

- [iwoca deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=iwoca&view=deep-dive)
- [iwoca PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/iwoca.pdf)

### Zilch

**Zilch lines up banks for prospective London IPO**

Zilch ranked 11th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (1.8%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 4 mentions and a net tone of +25.

The Financial Times reported that Zilch had invited investment banks to pitch for roles in a potential IPO as early as 2027. Zilch accounted for 1.8% of tracked-company mentions in September, ranking 11th with four articles. All four articles concerned funding, IPOs and listings, giving its coverage a concentrated corporate-finance focus. City AM said the company was leaning towards London for a possible 2027 or early 2028 flotation, potentially valued at around $2bn. Independent reporting also highlighted sharply reduced losses, strong revenue growth and Zilch’s aim of reaching profitability before listing. Further Financial Times coverage connected its flotation preparations with international expansion through the planned acquisition of Fjord Bank, while FStech reported that a listing valuation could fall below its previous $2bn private valuation.

Key messages:

- Zilch accounted for 1.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #11 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Funding, IPOs & Listings.
- 4 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Zilch invited banks to pitch for a potential IPO as early as 2027 — Financial Times.

Leading themes:

- Funding, IPOs & Listings: 100.0% of Zilch's coverage (theme index 14.4, net tone +25)

Notable positive coverage:

- 30 September 2026, cityam.com: [Zilch leaning towards London IPO as UK fintech calls in bankers](https://www.cityam.com/zilch-leaning-towards-london-ipo-as-uk-fintech-calls-in-bankers/). Zilch is considering a London Stock Exchange IPO, potentially valued around $2bn, in 2027 or early 2028. The UK BNPL fintech reported sharply reduced losses and strong revenue growth, and expects to announce its first two consecutive profitable quarters.

- [Zilch deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=zilch&view=deep-dive)
- [Zilch PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/zilch.pdf)

### Checkout.com

**Checkout.com financial disclosure anchors September coverage**

Checkout.com ranked 12th of 12 by average monthly share of coverage (1.4%) in the UK Payments & Fintech benchmark for September 2026, with 3 mentions and a net tone of +67.

Checkout.com reported $750m in annualised net revenue, up 28% year on year, and forecast roughly $150m in adjusted EBITDA for 2026. Dealroom reported planned investment in products, payments infrastructure and AI, while Tech.eu cited payment-volume growth, geographic expansion and further investment in money management and AI. Checkout.com ranked 12th with 1.4% of tracked-company mentions, based on three mentions. Financial results and valuations accounted for two of those mentions, making the selective financial disclosure the principal subject. Technology, AI and infrastructure accounted for the remaining mention. Separately, Yahoo Finance cited Checkout.com survey findings in a wider article about the integration costs created by competing agentic-commerce identity and verification protocols; this did not report a development at Checkout.com.

Key messages:

- Checkout.com accounted for 1.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #12 among 12 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Valuations and Technology, AI & Infrastructure.
- 3 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Checkout.com’s annualised net revenue reached $750m, with roughly $150m in adjusted EBITDA targeted for 2026 — Dealroom.

Leading themes:

- Financial Results & Valuations: 66.7% of Checkout.com's coverage (theme index 4.82, net tone +100)
- Technology, AI & Infrastructure: 33.3% of Checkout.com's coverage (theme index 6.03, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 29 September 2026, tech.eu: [Checkout.com says annualised net revenue hits $750M, as releases selective group financial figures](https://tech.eu/2026/09/29/checkout-com-says-annualised-net-revenue-hits-750m-as-releases-selective-group-financial-figures/). UK-headquartered Checkout.com reported annualised net revenue of $750m, up 28% year on year, and expects about $150m of adjusted EBITDA in 2026. It cited payment-volume growth and geographic expansion, while outlining further investment in money management and AI.
- 29 September 2026, app.dealroom.co: [Checkout.com reaches $750m annualised net revenue and targets ~$150m Adjusted EBITDA in 2026](https://app.dealroom.co/news/note/checkout-com-reaches-750m-annualised-net-revenue-and-targets-150m-adjusted-ebitda-in-2026). Checkout.com reported $750m in annualised net revenue for 2026, up 28% year on year, and forecasts roughly $150m in adjusted EBITDA. The London-headquartered payments group plans to reinvest in products, payments infrastructure and AI.

- [Checkout.com deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09?entity=checkoutcom&view=deep-dive)
- [Checkout.com PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09/reports/checkoutcom.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 – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK payments & fintech media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-fintech-2026-09