UK fintech Altery launches first digital payment bot on Telegram
Altery, a UK-based fintech startup, has unveiled its digital payment bot on Telegram. This bot is designed to provide an intuitive and secure payment experience, streamlining financial transactions on one of the world's fastest-growing messaging platforms.
Telegram, with its impressive 800 million monthly active users and over two billion downloads – including 420 million in 2023 alone – offers a fertile ground for this innovation.
As a free, multi-platform messenger, Telegram serves hundreds of millions of users globally, hosting a range of apps and bots for purposes spanning from entertainment to complex financial management. Recognising the potential, Altery strategically introduced the Altery Payment Bot to appeal to Telegram's tech-savvy user base. This launch aims to seamlessly integrate financial services into everyday digital interactions, ensuring a flawless user experience by embedding these services within a popular messaging platform.
Vasily Uvarov, CPO at Altery, praised the decision: "Telegram stands as the premier, most user-friendly, and cutting-edge platform for development. Our pioneering efforts make us the first in the UK to introduce such innovation, significantly outpacing other platforms like Facebook and Viber. This milestone is a testament to Altery's commitment to continuously expanding its global reach and enhancing our offerings with new, forward-thinking features. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring our users experience a seamless and advanced communication tool. Our collaboration with Telegram is a significant step in that direction, reflecting our vision of global connectivity and technological excellence."
After evaluating various platforms, Altery selected Telegram as the ideal medium for its advanced technology and rising popularity. Telegram offers a robust framework for creating versatile bots and applications with fewer technological constraints, aligning perfectly with Altery's vision of delivering innovative products.
The Altery Payment Bot on Telegram includes several standout features. Users can easily transfer money by selecting a contact from their Telegram list, without needing detailed bank information. If the recipient is not an Altery user, they can open an account directly within Telegram to receive the funds. Beyond basic functions like opening accounts, transferring money, and ordering cards, the bot simplifies payments into quick and easy messages.
The support bot feature allows users to create or respond to support requests within the messenger, ensuring no important messages are missed. Telegram’s security is comparable to iOS and Android apps, offering strong customer authentication with two-factor security measures, including biometric confirmation for payments. Users provide standard information such as phone and email, passport details, and any additional required data. The process is seamless and automated, supported by biometric authentication.
Currently, the bot supports three major currencies – USD, EUR, and GBP – with plans to add more soon. In 2023, Telegram generated $45 million, mainly through its Premium service. The lifetime volume of trades facilitated by these bots has exceeded $190 million, with a daily trading volume peak of $10 million.