LemFi Acquires Irish Currency Exchange Bureau Buttercrane to Fuel European Expansion
LemFi, a financial technology company that offers global accounts, money transfer, currency conversion and more to immigrants, has secured regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Ireland to acquire Bureau Buttercrane, an Irish currency exchange platform. The acquisition will allow LemFi to leverage Bureau Buttercrane’s Irish license to operate across the European Economic Area (EEA), opening up new opportunities for growth in the region.
According to LemFi CEO Ridwan Olalere, the move was primarily driven by the need for a strong regulatory framework to support the company’s expansion in Europe. “Rather than acquiring Buttercrane for its technology or profitability, we pursued this deal to ensure smooth and compliant operations across Europe,” Olalere explained.
Recognizing the complexity of the European market—with its diverse payment methods, regulatory environments, and consumer preferences—LemFi sees this acquisition as a strategic step in navigating these challenges.
The deal follows LemFi’s recent $53 million Series B funding round, which is aimed at accelerating its global expansion. Over the past year, the company has already extended its international payment services to Brazil and Mexico, reinforcing its commitment to making cross-border remittances seamless and accessible.LemFi Acquires Irish Currency Exchange Bureau Buttercrane to Fuel European Expansion