Introduction to Equals Group

Equals Group is a premier financial technology company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, specializing in international payment solutions, expense management, and currency exchange. With a robust market reputation as a top Finance and fintech firm, Equals Group serves thousands of businesses and individuals worldwide, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions and optimizing treasury operations. Recognized for its innovative platform and transparent pricing, the company has become a trusted partner for SMEs, corporates, and financial institutions seeking to streamline their global payment workflows and reduce foreign exchange costs.

As a thriving public company listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIM: EQLS), Equals Group has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, expanding its client base across Europe, North America, and Asia. The company’s comprehensive suite of products—including the Equals platform, Equals Money, and the Equals Card—enables users to manage international payments, control expenses, and access competitive exchange rates in real time. With a mission to democratize access to efficient financial services, Equals Group continues to innovate and disrupt the traditional banking and payments sector, earning accolades from industry analysts and customers alike.

In this Finance Manager role, you will be instrumental in driving financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analytics. You’ll collaborate closely with senior leadership to optimize capital allocation, evaluate investment opportunities, and support the company’s aggressive expansion plans. Equals Group’s culture emphasizes agility, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, making it an ideal environment for finance professionals who thrive in dynamic, high-impact positions. By joining Equals Group, you become part of a team that values integrity, transparency, and excellence.

Company History and Business Evolution

Founded in 2007 by Ian Strafford-Taylor, Equals Group (formerly FairFX Group) began as a specialist provider of prepaid currency cards for international travelers. The company quickly recognized the growing need for seamless cross-border payments among businesses and launched its B2B division, offering multi-currency accounts and payment solutions. Over the years, Equals Group expanded through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of City Forex in 2015 and the acquisition of Card One Money in 2017, broadening its product portfolio and geographic footprint.

A landmark moment came in 2019 when the company rebranded from FairFX Group to Equals Group, reflecting its evolution from a travel currency provider to a comprehensive financial technology platform. This rebranding accompanied a renewed focus on corporate clients, with the launch of the Equals platform—an integrated system for international payments, expense management, and treasury services. By 2020, Equals Group had surpassed £1 billion in annual payment volumes, and by 2023, this figure had grown to over £2.5 billion, fueled by increased adoption of digital financial tools.

The company’s innovation pipeline includes the introduction of virtual card solutions, real-time payment tracking, and API integrations for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Equals Group has also invested heavily in regulatory compliance, holding licenses from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and equivalent bodies in other jurisdictions. This commitment to security and transparency has earned the trust of major clients across retail, e-commerce, travel, and professional services. Today, Equals Group employs over 300 people across offices in London, Gibraltar, and Sofia, and continues to explore new markets in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Equals Group at a Glance

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2007 (as FairFX Group)
• CEO: Ian Strafford-Taylor
• Revenue (FY2023): £58.2 million (51% year-on-year growth)
• Employees: 300+
• Stock Listing: London Stock Exchange AIM (EQLS)
• Industry: Financial Services / Fintech
• Key Products: Equals Platform, Equals Money, Equals Card, Virtual Cards, Expense Management
• Payment Volume (2023): £2.5 billion+
• Regulated by: FCA (UK), Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar)
• Acquisitions: City Forex (2015), Card One Money (2017), Casco (2019)
• Client Base: 10,000+ corporate clients
• Geographic Presence: UK, Europe, North America, Asia
• Key Competitors: Wise, Revolut Business, OFX, WorldRemit Business
• AI/NLP Technology: Proprietary fraud detection and payment routing algorithms
• Awards: Best International Payments Platform (2022, 2023) by Business Moneyfacts
• Employee Rating: 4.2/5 on Glassdoor
• Trustpilot Score: 4.6/5 (Excellent)
• Corporate Structure: Parent company with subsidiaries including Equals Connect, Equals Money Limited
• Core Values: Integrity, Innovation, Simplicity, Trust, Collaboration

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Equals Group’s mission is to simplify and democratize international payments and expense management for businesses of all sizes. The company envisions a world where global commerce flows effortlessly, unconstrained by outdated banking systems or hidden fees. By combining cutting-edge technology with transparent pricing, Equals Group strives to become the financial operating system for the modern enterprise.

The core corporate values driving Equals Group include:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all transactions, with full regulatory compliance and clear communication.
• Innovation: Continuously developing new features and integrations to meet evolving client needs and market trends.
• Simplicity: Designing user-friendly interfaces and seamless workflows that reduce complexity for finance teams.
• Trust: Safeguarding client funds through robust security measures, including ring-fenced accounts and advanced encryption.
• Collaboration: Fostering a culture of teamwork across departments, geographies, and with partner institutions to deliver exceptional service.

These values are embedded in every aspect of the company, from product development to customer support. Every Equals Group employee is expected to embody these principles, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality financial solutions.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Equals Group’s business strategy centers on organic growth combined with targeted acquisitions to expand market share and technology capabilities. The company prioritizes deepening relationships with existing corporate clients while attracting new segments, such as e-commerce platforms and SaaS businesses that require multi-currency payments. Key strategic pillars include:

• Platform Expansion: Enhancing the Equals platform with AI-driven treasury forecasting, real-time FX hedging tools, and automated reconciliation.
• Geographic Diversification: Entering high-growth markets in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America through local partnerships and regulatory approvals.
• APIs and Embedded Finance: Offering APIs that allow clients to integrate payment capabilities directly into their own software, creating stickiness and recurring revenue.
• Product Bundling: Combining payment, expense management, and virtual card solutions into unified packages that reduce total cost of ownership for clients.
• Sustainability: Developing carbon-neutral payment options and aligning with ESG reporting requirements increasingly demanded by corporate clients.

The future roadmap includes launching a multi-currency IBAN account for businesses, expanding the Equals Card network to accept more than 150 currencies, and introducing a mobile app for real-time payment approvals. By 2026, Equals Group aims to process £5 billion in annual payment volume and achieve a Net Promoter Score (NPS) above 70.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Equals Group offers a comprehensive suite of financial products designed to streamline international payments, manage expenses, and optimize foreign exchange. The flagship Equals Platform provides a single dashboard for initiating payments, tracking transactions, managing multi-currency wallets, and generating reports. The platform integrates with major accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, reducing manual data entry.

The Equals Money product gives corporate clients access to dedicated IBAN accounts in multiple currencies, enabling them to receive and hold funds from global partners without incurring conversion fees. The Equals Card is a prepaid business card that allows employees to spend in over 100 currencies at the interbank exchange rate, with full spending controls and real-time expense reporting. For businesses needing advanced treasury solutions, Equals offers Forward Contracts and Spot Deals with competitive rates and no hidden margins.

Technologically, Equals Group leverages a proprietary low-code platform built on Microsoft Azure, ensuring high availability and scalability. Machine learning algorithms analyze transaction patterns to detect fraud and optimize payment routing, achieving 99.9% uptime for core services. The company is also investing in blockchain-based settlement for select corridors to reduce costs and settlement times.

Industries and Markets Served

Equals Group serves a diverse range of industries that require efficient cross-border financial operations:

• Retail & E-commerce: Enabling global suppliers to be paid quickly and cost-effectively, with multi-currency pricing tools.
• Travel & Hospitality: Providing currency exchange and expense management for travel agencies, tour operators, and corporate travel departments.
• Professional Services: Law firms, consultancies, and marketing agencies that handle international client invoices and contractor payments.
• Technology & SaaS: SaaS companies that need to collect subscription payments in multiple currencies and pay remote teams.
• Manufacturing & Logistics: Managing supply chain payments and hedging currency exposure for import/export operations.
• Financial Services: Supporting asset managers and fintechs with institutional-grade FX execution and settlement.

Geographically, Equals Group’s primary market is the United Kingdom and Europe, but it is rapidly expanding into North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, where cross-border payment volumes are growing at double-digit rates.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

Equals Group’s leadership team, led by CEO Ian Strafford-Taylor, embraces a flat, agile management structure that encourages innovation and accountability. The executive team includes the CFO, CTO, Chief Commercial Officer, and heads of product, compliance, and operations. Decision-making is data-driven, with regular reviews of key performance indicators such as payment volume, client acquisition cost, and employee Net Promoter Score.

The management philosophy centers on empowering teams to take ownership of projects, fostering a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration. Leaders prioritize transparent communication, holding weekly all-hands meetings and quarterly strategy sessions. Equals Group also operates an internal mentorship program to develop future leaders from within the organization.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Equals Group actively participates in major fintech and financial services conferences, including Money20/20, Sibos, and the AFP Annual Conference. The company also hosts its own Equals Exchange Summit twice a year, inviting clients, partners, and industry experts to discuss trends in global payments and treasury management. These events reinforce Equals Group’s thought leadership and build strong community ties.

In terms of community engagement, Equals Group runs a financial literacy program for underbanked communities in partnership with local NGOs. Employees are encouraged to volunteer up to two days per year, and the company matches charitable donations made by staff. Sustainability initiatives include offsetting carbon emissions from all business travel and transitioning to renewable energy for office locations.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Equals Group maintains a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture, with a diverse workforce representing over 30 nationalities. The company offers hybrid working arrangements, with offices in London, Gibraltar, and Sofia designed to foster creativity and teamwork. Benefits include private health insurance, stock option plans, generous parental leave, and a learning budget of £1,000 per employee per year.

Employee satisfaction scores on Glassdoor highlight a high level of trust in leadership and a strong sense of purpose. The company holds regular team-building events, hackathons, and wellness initiatives. Equals Group is committed to gender equality, with women holding 40% of senior leadership roles.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Finance Manager – Corporate Financial Strategy & International Payments

We are seeking a highly skilled Finance Manager to join Equals Group’s London office. This role reports directly to the CFO and is responsible for managing the financial planning and analysis function, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring robust financial controls across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes, working with department heads to align financial targets with strategic goals.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and board packs with actionable insights.
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate new business opportunities, including M&A targets, product launches, and geographic expansions.
• Monitor cash flow, foreign exchange exposure, and working capital metrics, recommending hedging strategies where appropriate.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to ensure accurate and timely month-end close, including reconciliations of intercompany transactions and payment volumes.
• Support the CFO in investor relations, including preparation of quarterly trading updates and annual report disclosures.
• Drive process improvements in financial reporting, using automation tools and ERP enhancements to increase efficiency.
• Mentor a small team of financial analysts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Qualifications:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA qualified with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, ideally in a fast-growing fintech or financial services company.
• Strong proficiency in financial modeling, advanced Excel, and experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, Sage Intacct).
• In-depth knowledge of FX markets, international payments, and treasury operations.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven experience in managing a team and working in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory reporting under FCA and AIM listing rules is a plus.

Why join Equals Group?

• Be part of a market-leading fintech that is shaping the future of global payments.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus (up to 20% of base salary).
• Equity participation through the company’s share option plan.
• Hybrid working model (3 days in office, 2 days remote).
• Comprehensive benefits package including private medical, life insurance, and gym membership subsidy.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Glassdoor

On Glassdoor, Equals Group holds an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on over 150 reviews. Employees frequently praise the company’s collaborative culture, transparent leadership, and opportunities for growth. Common positive themes include the fast-paced environment, emphasis on innovation, and the supportive management team. Constructive feedback often points to occasional workload peaks during month-end reporting, but the majority of reviewers feel the company genuinely cares about employee well-being.

Indeed

Indeed reviews mirror Glassdoor, with a rating of 4.1 out of 5. Reviewers highlight the smart colleagues and the challenge of working in a cutting-edge fintech. The compensation and benefits are rated above average. Some mention that the pace can be demanding, but most agree that the experience gained is invaluable. The overall sentiment is positive, with 78% of reviewers recommending Equals Group to a friend.

Gartner Peer Insights

Equals Group’s corporate payment solutions have been reviewed on Gartner Peer Insights, earning a rating of 4.3 out of 5. Customers appreciate the platform’s ease of use, transparent fee structure, and reliable settlement times. Finance professionals value the integration capabilities with existing ERP systems. A few reviews suggest improvements in mobile app functionality, but overall sentiment is strongly favorable.

Trustpilot

Trustpilot shows Equals Group with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 across over 2,000 reviews. The company is marked as “Excellent” with particular praise for customer support responsiveness and competitive exchange rates. Negative reviews are rare and typically relate to individual transaction disputes, which Equals Group addresses quickly. The high Trustpilot score underlines the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

G2

On G2, Equals Group’s expense management and payment platform is rated 4.4 out of 5. Users highlight the intuitive dashboard and real-time tracking capabilities. The platform is compared favorably against competitors like Wise and Revolut Business, especially for mid-market businesses. The ability to automate reconciliation is a frequently mentioned benefit.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews for Equals Group’s services average 4.5 out of 5 across various locations. Clients appreciate the speed of international transfers and the lack of hidden fees. Many express satisfaction with the account management team’s proactive support. The overall reputation on Google is stellar, with most reviews being 4 or 5 stars.

LinkedIn Reputation

On LinkedIn, Equals Group has a strong professional network presence with over 30,000 followers. The company’s career page showcases positive employee testimonials and thought leadership content. Industry professionals view Equals Group as a top employer in fintech, and the company’s engagement rate on posts is high.

Why Organizations Choose Equals Group

Organizations choose Equals Group for its transparent pricing model, which eliminates hidden margins and provides real-time mid-market exchange rates. The platform’s seamless integrations with ERP and accounting systems reduce manual workflows and errors. Equals Group’s dedicated relationship managers offer personalized support, helping companies optimize their international payment strategies.

Additionally, the company’s regulatory compliance and financial stability (as a publicly traded entity) give clients confidence in safeguarding their funds. The ability to issue virtual cards, control employee spending, and receive detailed expense reports in a single dashboard further simplifies treasury management. For growing businesses, Equals Group offers scalability—processing everything from small transactions to high-volume corporate flows without compromising speed or cost.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Equals Group using the following contact details:

Address: Equals Group plc, 4th Floor, 3 Shortlands, London W6 8DA, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 3405 4600
Support Number: +44 (0)20 3405 4650
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)20 3405 4650
Website: www.equalsgroup.com

Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn:Equals Group LinkedIn
• Twitter:@EqualsGroup
• Facebook:Equals Group Facebook
• YouTube:Equals Group YouTube

SEO FAQ Section

Equals Group provides international payment solutions, expense management, and currency exchange services for businesses and individuals. The company’s platform allows clients to send, hold, and spend money in over 100 currencies with real-time tracking and competitive rates.

Equals Group is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Gibraltar and Sofia, Bulgaria.

Equals Group was founded in 2007 by Ian Strafford-Taylor, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer.

Yes, Equals Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market under the ticker symbol EQLS.

Equals Group serves retail, e-commerce, travel, professional services, technology, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services industries.

Key products include the Equals Platform (payment dashboard), Equals Money (multi-currency accounts), Equals Card (prepaid business card), virtual cards, and expense management software.

Equals Group uses advanced encryption, ring-fenced client funds, and real-time fraud detection algorithms. It is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.

The salary range for a Finance Manager at Equals Group is £60,000 to £80,000 per annum, plus bonus and benefits.

Equals Group operates a hybrid working model, with employees typically working three days in the office and two days remotely.

Employees have access to mentorship programs, a learning budget, and clear career progression paths. The company promotes from within and offers opportunities to work on international projects.

Equals Group provides an annual learning budget, internal training sessions, conference attendance, and a mentorship program.

Equals Group has a Glassdoor rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on employee reviews.

Equals Group holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6 out of 5, classified as “Excellent.”

Yes, the Equals Platform integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and other leading ERP systems for seamless reconciliation.

Equals Group’s mission is to simplify and democratize international payments and expense management for businesses of all sizes.

Equals Group employs over 300 people globally.

Equals Group has won the “Best International Payments Platform” award from Business Moneyfacts in 2022 and 2023.

You can apply through the company’s careers page on its official website, or through professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Yes, Equals Group offers a mobile app for expense management and payment approvals, available on iOS and Android.

Equals Group offsets carbon emissions from business travel, uses renewable energy in offices, and offers carbon-neutral payment options.

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