Curve plots expansion across six European markets

The smart credit card service says the move is a response to customer demand.

Smart credit card business Curve said it will launch across six European markets, due to demand for its services.

The London-based start up, which lets shoppers hold all their credit and debit cards on a single card, said the move comes as a result of “experiencing a significant pull from other European Markets”.

It has half a 500,000 active users, adding that over half a billion pounds has passed through the platform, founded by Israeli Shachar Bialick (pictured) in 2015.

The fintech said it will open six offices in Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Poland.

It has hired Alaister Mortlock as head of talent to spearhead its “recruitment drive to attract talent across multiple disciplines in several European hubs”.

Mortlock, who previously worked at online business community LinkedIn and energy firm Centrica, will also be tasked with hiring six new country managers. One hundred staff currently work at the start up, it plans to add another 50 by June.

Chief executive Shachar Bialick said:  “With the appointment of Alaister Mortlock, Curve will gain the useful expertise it needs to continue scaling at a rapid pace but ensuring that we maintain and grow our culture and values with every hire across the globe. Maintaining a positive work environment will be instrumental in helping us to export our brand to a wider customer base.”

In January, Curve clashed with American Express after the US credit card giant pulled out of the start-up’s premium service launch two days after it was announced.

Curve said it vowed to fight the decision “with our full might”, while American Express said it never agreed the partnership should go beyond a beta testing level. American Express is currently not available on Curve.