Reference stack
Launch an embedded-finance product
A modular architecture for embedding accounts, payments, cards or lending into a non-bank product.
SaaS platformsMarketplacesVertical software companies
Intended audience and markets
Audience
SaaS platformsMarketplacesVertical software companies
Markets
EuropeNorth America
Infrastructure layers
01
Regulated infrastructure partner
RequiredProvide the regulated account, payment or issuing layer.
Selection criteria
- Product and jurisdiction fit
- Customer ownership
- Safeguarding or deposit model
02
Ledger and product orchestration
RequiredMaintain balances and product rules independent of channel UX.
Selection criteria
- Double-entry ledger
- Product configuration
- Portability
03
Payments and cards
RequiredAdd money movement and optional card programmes.
Selection criteria
- Rail coverage
- Card roles
- Settlement and disputes
04
Onboarding and controls
RequiredVerify users and monitor financial activity.
Selection criteria
- KYC/KYB scope
- Risk ownership
- Ongoing monitoring
Implementation sequence
- Regulated infrastructure partner
- Ledger and product orchestration
- Payments and cards
- Onboarding and controls
Regulatory considerations
- Embedded finance does not remove the need to allocate regulatory, conduct and customer-support responsibilities.
Technical considerations
- Keep product UX separate from provider-specific APIs through an internal orchestration layer.
Questions to ask providers
- Which legal entity contracts for each service and in which jurisdictions?
- Which responsibilities remain with the product operator rather than the provider?
- What are the implementation, approval, testing and migration timelines?
- How are incidents, exits, data portability and business continuity handled?
- Who owns the customer relationship and complaints process?
What this stack does not cover
- The stack does not cover every lending or insurance use case.
Related stacks
Reviewed on 2026-07-07.
Provider options are examples of infrastructure roles, not endorsements or a guarantee of suitability, availability or regulatory compliance. Confirm requirements for your product with each provider and qualified advisers.