Question 1

What is Viva?

Accepted Answer

Viva (officially Vivabank Single Member Banking S.A., or Vivabank Μονοπρόσωπη Ανώνυμη Τραπεζική Εταιρεία in Greek) is a technology-driven bank operating in Greece and across 24 European countries. Positioned as Europe's "First Tech Bank," Viva provides integrated payments, banking services, and business solutions through an all-in-one digital platform.

Headquartered in Marousi, Athens, Viva is part of the Viva Wallet Group and represents a modern approach to banking that combines traditional banking services with cutting-edge payment technology and fintech innovation. The bank serves businesses of all sizes, from small merchants to large corporations, as well as individual customers.

Question 2

When was Viva founded?

Accepted Answer

The bank's history traces back to 2011 when Haris Karonis and Makis Antypas founded Viva Payments, which received its license as a payment institution for the European Economic Area following the transposition of PSD2 into Greek law.

In 2014, the company obtained an Electronic Money Association License. The transformation into a full bank occurred on August 3, 2020, when Viva Wallet Holdings acquired the banking license of Praxia Bank (formerly Credicom Consumer Finance Bank). This acquisition paved the way for the creation of Vivabank.

The bank received its official banking authorization on May 31, 2018, and in February 2025, Viva.com merged Viva Payments into Vivabank, consolidating the group's operations under the banking entity.

Question 3

Where is Viva headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Viva is headquartered in Marousi, a northern suburb of Athens, Greece. The Greek name for the location is Μαρούσι, Αθήνα.

Question 4

Where does Viva operate?

Accepted Answer

Viva operates throughout Greece with a strong presence in Athens and other major Greek cities. The bank serves customers across Greece through its digital platform, which is accessible via web and mobile applications.

Beyond Greece, Viva's platform extends operations to 24 European countries, offering cross-border payment processing, business accounts, and financial services to businesses operating across the European Economic Area. This pan-European presence allows Greek-based customers to conduct business internationally while maintaining their relationship with a Greek-licensed institution.

Question 5

What services does Viva offer?

Accepted Answer

Viva provides comprehensive financial services organized into three main pillars:

Payments: Omnichannel payment solutions including Tap on Any Device technology, Tap to Pay on iPhone (launched in Greece), device-free payment flows using QR codes, Smart Checkout solutions for EV charging stations, POS terminals, and borderless marketplace payment solutions. The bank also supports IRIS Commerce payments with instant settlement and up to 0% transaction fees.

Banking: Business bank accounts with local IBAN, card issuing services, flexible financing options for businesses, deposit accounts, and working capital solutions. The platform provides real-time account management and integrated financial services designed specifically for business needs.

Solutions: An ecosystem of over 450 technology partners offering end-to-end software and hardware solutions, business management tools, accounting integrations, inventory systems, and specialized industry solutions for sectors including retail, hospitality, EV charging, and e-commerce.

Digital Services: Fully digital account opening process requiring no paperwork, AI-powered banking platform, advanced mobile and web banking applications, and automated business tools for invoicing and financial management.

The bank is also working toward achieving EBITDA profitability in 2025, demonstrating strong operational efficiency.

Question 6

What makes Viva unique?

Accepted Answer

Viva distinguishes itself as a technology bank rather than a traditional financial institution:

Tech-First Banking: Viva describes itself as having "the scale of an institution and the speed of a disruptor," built as a lean, AI-powered bank designed for the modern digital economy.

Unicorn Status: In January 2022, Viva became Greece's first unicorn startup when JPMorgan Chase acquired a 48.5% stake in Viva Wallet Holdings, validating the company's innovative approach and market potential.

Integrated Platform: Unlike traditional banks that offer separate products, Viva provides an all-in-one platform seamlessly integrating payments acceptance, business banking, and operational solutions, eliminating the need for multiple vendor relationships.

Innovation Leadership: The bank pioneered Tap on Any Device technology and introduced Tap to Pay on iPhone in Greece, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments using only a smartphone without additional hardware.

European Expansion: While Greek-licensed, Viva operates across 24 European countries, making it one of the most geographically diverse fintech banks in Europe.

Awards and Recognition: Viva has received international recognition including Banking Tech Awards 2023, Internal Communications & Engagement Awards 2024, and various industry accolades for innovation.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Viva?

Accepted Answer

Viva is a πιστωτικό ίδρυμα (credit institution) in Greek banking terminology, operating as a technology bank (tech bank). It is structured as a μονοπρόσωπη ανώνυμη εταιρεία (single-member société anonyme), which is a Greek corporate form for wholly-owned subsidiaries.

The bank is licensed and supervised by the Bank of Greece (Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος) and participates in the Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund (TEKE), which protects deposits up to 100,000 EUR per depositor. In the Greek banking landscape, Viva represents a new category of digital-first, technology-enabled banks that combine traditional banking licenses with modern fintech capabilities, serving primarily business customers while also offering services to individuals.

Viva

in Greece 🇬🇷

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About Viva in Greece