fumopay and Big Issue win at the Open Banking Expo Awards 2025

We’re delighted to announce that fumopay, in partnership with Big Issue, has won the Open Banking for Good category at the Open Banking Expo Awards 2025.

This award celebrates organisations using open banking and open finance to drive positive social impact. Our collaboration with Big Issue was recognised for helping tackle financial and digital exclusion among some of the UK’s most marginalised workers.

Empowering Big Issue vendors

As cash use continues to fall, many Big Issue vendors risk losing income from customers who no longer carry cash. Together, we created a simple and affordable way for vendors to accept instant digital payments - without the need for WiFi or card readers.

Customers can scan a QR code on a vendor’s lanyard and pay directly from their bank account, with funds landing instantly. The solution gives vendors lower costs, faster onboarding and immediate access to their earnings, building confidence and security when selling magazines.

Inclusion through innovation

This initiative is more than a payment solution - it’s about inclusion. By removing barriers and complexity, we’ve enabled vendors to participate fully in the digital economy and helped the public experience open banking payments in a simple, trusted way.

“Winning the Open Banking for Good award is a huge honour. This recognition highlights what’s possible when technology and purpose come together. Our partnership with Big Issue proves that open banking can create real change, giving people access, confidence and opportunity in a cashless world.”- Kevin Ludford, Founder fumopay.

Thank you

A heartfelt thank you to our partners at Big Issue for your collaboration and belief in this mission. And congratulations to all the other winners and finalists who are pushing the boundaries of what open banking can achieve.

We’re proud to see how this partnership is transforming lives - and we’re only just getting started.