In Profile: James Owusu, CEO and Founder at Kord

Why Focus on the Unsexy Side of Finance

James Owusu launched Kord in 2020 as a UK-based fintech focused on simplifying high-value transactions for businesses and individuals. The company operates under Financial Conduct Authority regulation, aiming to reduce administrative delays in processes like client onboarding and transaction verification. Based in London, Kord targets sectors where traditional banking systems create friction, particularly in cross-border and large-scale payments. Owusu identified a gap in the market where legacy systems failed to meet the speed and compliance needs of modern commerce.

The idea for Kord emerged from Owusu’s experience in financial services, where he observed how cumbersome paperwork and outdated verification methods slowed down legitimate deals. He built the platform to automate identity checks, document collection, and risk assessments while maintaining FCA compliance. By integrating secure digital workflows, Kord reduces onboarding time from days to minutes for clients handling transactions worth hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds. The founder emphasizes that trust and regulation are not barriers but foundations for innovation in fintech.

How Does Regulation Shape Innovation

Owusu argues that many fintech startups chase consumer-facing apps or payment splitting tools, avoiding the complex backend work required for high-value transactions. He believes this leaves a critical underserved market where businesses still rely on manual processes. Kord’s approach prioritizes depth over breadth, serving law firms, real estate agents, and corporate treasurers who need reliable, audit-ready systems. „No one dreams of building a better KYC engine,” Owusu says, „but without it, deals don’t close.” This focus has allowed Kord to develop proprietary verification tools that adapt to evolving anti-money laundering rules.

Rather than viewing FCA oversight as a constraint, Owusu sees it as a competitive advantage that builds client trust. He explains that regulation forces the company to design systems with transparency and accountability from the start, which appeals to institutional users. Kord invests heavily in compliance technology, using AI to flag anomalies while keeping human oversight for edge cases. This balance, Owusu notes, prevents the platform from becoming either too rigid or too risky. The result is a service that meets regulatory standards without sacrificing user experience, a combination he says is rare in the fintech space.

What types of transactions does Kord handle? Kord specializes in high-value transactions such as property purchases, corporate acquisitions, and large-scale supplier payments, where verification and compliance are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kord ensure data security? The platform uses end-to-end encryption and regular security audits, with data stored on UK-based servers to meet FCA and GDPR requirements.

Is Kord available outside the UK? Currently, Kord serves UK-based clients and transactions involving UK entities, though international expansion is under evaluation for future phases.