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Benjamin van der Lande, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of HenriPay Holding N.V., is working to make personal finance tools more accessible to individuals who have often been excluded from traditional banking systems. HenriPay began as a real estate firm in 2020, but van der Lande helped shift the company’s focus to financial technology, building tools aimed at increasing access and understanding for users across underserved regions.
Henri, the company’s digital platform, is designed to teach users how to manage money more effectively. It offers savings tools, spending insights, and rewards to encourage smart habits. Van der Lande’s goal is to reach one billion people with tools that build confidence and independence in everyday financial decisions. In 2025, he received a Global Recognition Award for Fintech Leadership, highlighting his role in making finance more inclusive.
Shifting focus to close the access gap
After launching as a real estate business, HenriPay transitioned to fintech to meet growing demand for accessible financial services. The move was influenced by the lack of banking access in regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Many individuals in these areas face barriers to opening accounts or learning about money management. HenriPay stepped in to create tools that can be used with just a mobile device.
Henri’s features are built to support users through everyday financial goals. The platform tracks progress, rewards savings, and gives suggestions based on user behavior. In 2024, internal data showed that 63 percent of users under 25 improved their saving habits within six months. HenriPay’s work connects with broader efforts from organizations such as the World Bank to reduce the global financial inclusion gap.
Investing in security and smart expansion
As fintech faces tighter regulations and market pressure, HenriPay has increased its focus on safety and compliance. In 2024, the company allocated €200 million to develop systems that use AI and biometric login features to protect user accounts. These tools are essential for building trust, especially in countries where digital banking is still developing. According to Statista, global fintech investment fell in 2024, adding pressure to balance innovation with safety.
HenriPay is also expanding its global operations. The company is preparing to launch its neobank in late 2025, which will offer users full digital banking services. To support this launch, HenriPay is opening a technology hub in Nairobi that will employ 300 engineers by 2026. Additional updates can be found through HenriPay’s LinkedIn page, where the company shares progress on hiring and development goals.
Bringing financial learning to local communities
HenriPay is also testing financial education programs in countries such as Nigeria. Early results show that users who completed Henri’s learning modules retained 22 percent more information than those using traditional materials. These programs are designed to be practical and mobile-friendly, with content aimed at helping users budget, save, and plan better.
Van der Lande sees education as a key part of building long-term financial strength. “Our work is far from over,” he said. “This award inspires us to keep building tools that help people take control of their financial lives.” As HenriPay grows, its focus remains on building practical tools that serve people first.
