Business
Modulr Finance’s Gordon Mitchell Talks Virtual Cards, B2B Payment Innovation, and European Expansion at Phocuswright Europe 2025 in Barcelona
Modulr Finance’s Gordon Mitchell has stepped onto the stage at Phocuswright Europe 2025 in Barcelona, ready to talk virtual cards, B2B payment innovation, and European expansion. And the energy is electric. Meanwhile, conversations ripple across the conference halls as attendees lean in to hear every word.
Gordon Mitchell isn’t holding back. He’s diving into how Modulr Finance is redefining virtual cards and pushing the boundaries of B2B payment innovation. Moreover, he reveals how European expansion is no longer just an ambition but a thrilling reality unfolding at Phocuswright Europe 2025 in Barcelona.
However, questions linger. What secrets lie behind Modulr Finance’s rise? How will virtual cards and B2B payment innovation reshape the market? And why is European expansion the game-changer everyone is watching?
Now, the spotlight burns brighter than ever. And Gordon Mitchell’s words might just signal the next big wave in travel and fintech.
Energetic Start for Modulr Finance at Phocuswright Europe
At Phocuswright Europe 2025 in Barcelona, Gordon Mitchell, Account Director at Modulr Finance, shared a dynamic vision for how fintech is transforming payments in the travel industry.
Mitchell described the first day of the event as energizing and full of valuable insights. The conference floor buzzed with conversations among prospects, competitors, and technology innovators all focused on the future of travel and finance.
“We’ve had a really good day,” Mitchell said, emphasizing how meaningful it was to hear directly from suppliers and online travel agencies (OTAs) about the challenges and pain points they face in handling payments.
Virtual Cards at the Heart of Travel Payment Innovation
A significant focus for Modulr Finance is virtual cards built specifically for the travel sector. Mitchell explained that Modulr is an embedded payment specialist that has been operational since 2015 and is now marking its tenth year in business.
“Our purpose is to solve payment inefficiencies and help businesses pay other businesses,” Mitchell explained. Modulr’s primary mission revolves around streamlining B2B payments across various industries, with travel being a major vertical.
Simplifying Complex B2B Payment Flows in Travel
Mitchell elaborated on how Modulr’s services benefit travel businesses, particularly OTAs. “Our first sort of go-to-market product is to help them make payments to suppliers once they have accepted a payment from a customer,” he said.
He illustrated this with a practical scenario: An OTA takes payment from a traveler and becomes the merchant of record. This creates a liability, as the OTA must pay suppliers like hotels, airlines, or transportation companies. Modulr’s virtual cards enable these payments to happen quickly, securely, and seamlessly.
Mitchell noted that Modulr is a principal issuing member of both Visa and Mastercard, allowing the company to issue virtual cards directly under both networks. This direct connection offers clients flexibility and control over their payment flows.
Driving Efficiency Through Direct Payment Connections
A cornerstone of Modulr’s strategy is its commitment to being as closely connected to payment networks as possible. Mitchell highlighted the company’s direct participation in the UK’s Faster Payment scheme.
“In the UK, we are a directly connected settling participant,” he said. “We have no sponsor bank that we need to rely on for our services.”
This direct integration enables Modulr to provide cost savings and faster transaction times for customers, a crucial advantage in industries like travel where cash flow and speed are critical.
A Growing Footprint Across the UK and Europe
Beyond technology, Modulr’s geographic expansion reflects its ambitions to serve a broader European market. Mitchell shared that Modulr is headquartered in London, with another office in Edinburgh. The company holds a license from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), enabling it to provide payment services throughout the UK.
Moreover, Modulr’s reach extends into Europe through an entity based in Amsterdam. This setup allows Modulr to offer services across the entire European Economic Area (EEA), ensuring compliance and operational capability for businesses based anywhere in the region.
“So if you’re in any of those jurisdictions, we’d love to have a conversation,” Mitchell said, extending an open invitation to travel businesses looking to streamline their payment processes.
Fintech’s Vital Role in Travel’s Digital Transformation
As Phocuswright Europe continued in Barcelona, Modulr Finance’s presence highlighted the increasing importance of fintech solutions in reshaping the travel industry.
Mitchell’s insights underscored a sector where speed, security, and seamless integration are no longer optional—they’re critical for survival and growth. Innovations like virtual cards are redefining how travel businesses manage payments, improve operational efficiency, and serve customers in an increasingly digital landscape.
With its strong technical capabilities and expanding geographic footprint, Modulr Finance is positioning itself as a key player in the next chapter of travel’s digital revolution.
Source: travelandtourworld.com
