National Payment Institution
We are leaders in legal services for National Payment Institutions. We have helped dozens of companies obtain a KIP licence and safely run a payments business.
fintech brands we have worked with
how can we help you?
KIP licence
We run the licensing process from business model analysis, through documentation, to proceedings before KNF.
Learn moreKIP requirements
We organise the capital, organisational and governance requirements so that the process is operationally feasible.
Learn moreDORA
We implement digital resilience requirements proportionate to the scale of operations and the technology model.
Learn moreAML
We design and implement practical AML/CFT procedures and support teams in their day-to-day work.
Learn moreLegal support
We provide ongoing regulatory, documentation and contract support for payment institutions.
Learn moreBusiness advisory
We help translate the KIP licence into a scalable product and a competitive advantage.
Learn moreAudits / Compliance DD
We verify regulatory readiness and prepare a remediation plan with implementation priorities.
Learn moreOfficer Support
We support Compliance and AML Officers with operational decisions, reports and responses to the supervisor.
Learn moreTraining
We deliver dedicated training and e-learning for AML, DORA and KIP operational processes.
Learn morewhy choose legal geek?
what is a KIP?
A national payment institution (KIP) is a full licence to provide payment services granted by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority. Unlike the MIP model, it allows operations without a monthly transaction volume limit.
KIP status is chosen by entities that want to scale a payment business, build their own financial products and grow operationally and from a regulatory perspective on a long-term horizon.
We support firms at every stage: from licensing strategy and documentation, through proceedings before KNF, to ongoing compliance after authorisation.
who is a KIP for?
Payment operators
For firms that want to provide payment services as their core business and develop their own transaction infrastructure.
Marketplace
For models where the platform intermediates the flow of funds between buyer and seller.
Scaling fintechs
For entities that have outgrown the MIP model and need greater scale, a broader service scope and a stable supervisory framework.
key KIP requirements
The most important areas that need to be sorted out before filing the application with KNF.
Capital and funds
The required level of capital and own funds depends on the scope of payment services. We help select the right model and confirm that the requirements are met.
Management board and governance
We prepare the documents on the experience and integrity of management body members and align the corporate governance with the KNF standard.
Processes and security
We build AML/CFT, risk management, ICT security and internal control procedures so that the company is ready to operate after the licence is granted.
when do you need a KIP?
A KIP is the right solution when the scale of the planned payment services goes beyond the MIP model, or when from the outset you are building a business without transaction limits.
This most often applies to payment operators, marketplace platforms and fintechs that want to keep full control over the payment process and grow the business in the long run.
Not sure which model to choose?
We will analyse your case and tell you whether the MIP, KIP, or a phased transition between the models is the optimal path.
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our KIP experts
We combine regulatory and business experience to guide a company through licensing and safely launch its payment activity.
End-to-end support
We work from the regulatory strategy stage, through preparing the documentation and conducting the proceedings before KNF, all the way to operational support after the authorisation has been granted.
What you gain
- A single legal and compliance team for the entire process
- A practical approach to AML, DORA and governance requirements
- Lower risk of delays and costly revisions
Quick contact
+48 797 711 924
fintech@legalgeek.pl
Tomasz Klecor
Managing Partner
FinTech navigator. Lawyer.
how to become a KIP?
We provide our Clients with comprehensive support in preparing the documentation and procedures required for a National Payment Institution and in filing the application with KNF. We conduct the proceedings on the Client's behalf and also offer so-called "post-implementation support", i.e. a full range of activities once the KIP licence has been obtained (including help with the first reports).
Our goal is for the activities related to obtaining a KIP licence not to burden our Clients, and we structure the process so that more than 90% of the work sits on the Legal Geek team's side. In addition, we provide broad supplementary support for payment institutions, lending institutions and the entire FinTech sector, including subsequent scaling of operations and ongoing regulatory obligations.
Complete documentation
We prepare the full documentation required to file the application for entry in the KIP register, along with the procedures needed to run the business.
Representation before KNF
We run the proceedings before the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), respond to questions and ensure smooth communication.
Training
We deliver KIP and AML training and workshops for your team to prepare them for the new obligations.
Post-implementation support
We help with the first reports to KNF, NBP and the Financial Ombudsman, and assist with the response to the sector letter.
AML
Effective anti-money laundering measures
National payment institutions are required to implement strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing procedures (AML/CFT). Failure to meet these requirements can lead to severe financial penalties and reputational damage.
We offer comprehensive support in the AML area:
Risk-based AML procedures
Drafting AML procedures tailored to your institution's risk profile that will effectively protect your firm from money-laundering risk.
Effective KYC systems
Deploying effective customer identification and verification systems (KYC) that comply with legal requirements while not hindering user experience.
Transaction monitoring
Designing effective transaction monitoring procedures to detect suspicious activity and respond appropriately, in line with legal requirements.
Risk assessment
Designing customer and transaction risk assessment systems that enable effective AML risk management in the payment institution.
Reporting to GIIF
Drafting reporting procedures to the General Inspector of Financial Information so your firm can meet its statutory disclosure duties.
Training
Employee training on anti-money laundering, tailored to the specifics of working in a national payment institution.
Source update
Regular procedure updates in response to regulatory changes and new trends in anti-money laundering.
Inspection support
Support during inspections by supervisory authorities - help with preparing documentation and representing your institution's interests.
Day-to-day support for your in-house teams
We understand the challenges faced by in-house legal and compliance teams in payment institutions. The volume of duties, constant regulatory change and time pressure make additional expert support invaluable.
We offer:
Ongoing consultations
Ongoing consultations for compliance and AML officers, available on a retainer or ad hoc basis depending on need.
Difficult AML cases
Help resolving complex anti-money laundering cases and analysing suspicious transactions.
Reports to supervisory authorities
Support in preparing and reviewing reports to supervisory authorities, including GIIF, KNF and NBP.
Implementing new requirements
Advisory on implementing new regulatory requirements, including the DORA Regulation and updates to the AML Act.
KYC/AML review
Review of decisions taken in AML/KYC processes, particularly where a customer is classified as high-risk.
Risk assessment methodology
Support in creating and updating risk assessment methodologies, both for customers and for the institution as a whole.
Process optimisation
Help in designing and optimising internal compliance processes, boosting efficiency while maintaining legal compliance.
Technology tools
Advisory on the use of technology tools that support compliance, including transaction monitoring systems and KYC automation.
Our support for compliance and AML officers frees up your in-house resources while giving you access to specialist knowledge and experience. Your team can focus on strategic priorities, confident that day-to-day compliance challenges are handled professionally.
Business advisory
Make the most of your KIP licence
Holding national payment institution status is only the beginning. The key to success is making proper use of the opportunities that this licence opens up.
Business advisory
Payment services design
We help design and roll out innovative payment services that will set your firm apart in the market. We analyse your customers' needs and propose solutions that meet them while maximising your profitability.
Building hybrid services
We combine payment services with other financial products to create comprehensive solutions that boost customer value and generate additional revenue streams for your firm.
Establishing strategic cooperation
We help identify and establish cooperation with the right business partners - banks, payment institutions, technology providers - who will help extend the reach of your services and strengthen their competitive position.
Payment process optimisation
We analyse and optimise your payment processes to make them more efficient, secure and user-friendly. We deploy market-leading practices tailored to the specifics of your business.
Growth planning
We support long-term growth strategy planning, including preparation to obtain a national payment institution (KIP) licence that will enable operations on a larger scale, without transaction limits.
With our support your national payment institution will be able to fully leverage its potential and compete effectively in the dynamic payment services market.
DORA
Effective digital resilience implementation
The DORA Regulation (Digital Operational Resilience Act) introduces new, demanding digital security standards for financial institutions, including national payment institutions. For smaller players, this is a particular challenge given their limited resources.
Our approach to implementing DORA in national payment institutions:
- We carry out a comprehensive assessment of your organisation's current digital resilience
- We identify gaps and areas that need to be aligned with DORA requirements
- We develop a practical implementation strategy tailored to the scale of your business
- We design and implement cost-effective solutions that boost digital resilience
- We prepare the required documentation and procedures
- We train your team on the new requirements and procedures
- We provide support with operational resilience testing
Thanks to our pragmatic approach you will meet DORA requirements without unnecessary organisational and financial burden. We will make sure your firm is digitally secure and legally compliant while remaining operationally flexible.
ongoing legal support
Focus on the business — we'll take care of the law
The rapidly changing regulations covering the financial sector are a challenge for every payment institution. Tracking regulatory changes and adjusting your operations to them requires specialist knowledge and a significant time commitment.
Our ongoing legal support for National Payment Institutions covers:
Monitoring legal changes
Monitoring of changes in Polish and EU law affecting payment institutions, with a monthly briefing on the most important changes.
Terms and Conditions
Drafting and updating contracts with customers, vendors and business partners, and developing and updating the terms and conditions of payment services.
Notices and disclosures
Preparing the disclosures and notices required by law, including information for users of payment services.
Representation before the supervisory authorities
Representation before the supervisory authorities, including preparing responses to letters from KNF and GIIF and support during inspections.
GDPR and personal data protection
Advice on personal data protection and GDPR compliance, including review and updating of documentation and support in the event of incidents.
Subscription packages
Legal consultations available on a subscription basis, tailored to your needs, ensuring cost predictability and constant access to support.
With our support, you can focus on growing the business, confident that every legal aspect of your operations is professionally managed. We deliver not only regulatory compliance, but also practical solutions that support your business goals.
sale / purchase of a KIP
Professional support in transactions involving the purchase and sale of National Payment Institutions
For KIP sellers:
When planning to sell your National Payment Institution, you want to get the best possible price for your business. Our support covers:
- A professional valuation of your KIP
- Identification of the strengths and unique features that increase your institution's value
- Preparing the KIP for sale by optimising processes and documentation
- Help in finding the right buyers
- Running the entire sales process discreetly
- Negotiating the transaction terms on your behalf
- Safely completing the transfer of ownership and notifying the supervisory authorities
We help prepare your KIP so that you achieve the maximum sale price while minimising legal risk and ensuring a smooth transaction.
For KIP buyers:
Acquiring an existing National Payment Institution can be a faster route into the payment services market than obtaining your own licence. We offer:
- Sourcing KIPs that match your business needs
- Comprehensive due diligence covering legal, financial and operational aspects
- Assessment of the risk associated with acquiring a specific institution
- Identification of potential regulatory issues
- Support in negotiating the purchase terms
- Help in preparing and reviewing the transaction documents
- Support in adapting the acquired KIP to your business plans after the purchase
- Handling the notification of changes to KNF
Thanks to our experience, you can safely acquire a KIP and quickly adapt it to your business needs, minimising risk and maximising growth potential.
audits / compliance DD
Comprehensive regulatory compliance review
Keeping up with rapidly changing regulations is a significant challenge for every payment institution. Regular audits and compliance reviews are essential to avoid potential sanctions and ensure operational security.
Our audit and compliance due diligence services include:
Compliance review
A comprehensive review of your institution's compliance with the current regulatory requirements in the financial sector.
Gap identification
Identification of potential gaps and areas for improvement in AML, DORA, GDPR and other legal requirements.
Effectiveness assessment
Assessment of the effectiveness of existing internal procedures and how they are actually applied in business practice.
Implementation verification
Verification of the correct implementation of obligations arising from acts and regulations applicable to payment institutions.
Report with recommendations
A detailed report with remediation recommendations and a practical change implementation plan.
Implementation support
Support in implementing the recommended changes and improvements to processes, procedures and documentation.
Episode page
The annual procedure review required by law, including an assessment of the effectiveness of AML procedures and money-laundering risk.
Inspection readiness
Preparation for inspections by supervisory authorities, including mock inspections and verification audits.
Our audits give you confidence that your payment institution operates in line with current legal requirements. Our recommendations will help you not only meet applicable rules but also optimise internal processes, boosting efficiency while preserving regulatory compliance.
Training
Efficient fulfilment of training obligations
Regular employee training in AML, DORA and other compliance areas is not just a legal requirement — it is also a key element in building an organisational culture focused on compliance and security.
Our comprehensive training solutions:
Training
- Dedicated workshops tailored to your company's specifics and run by expert practitioners
- The ability to tailor the programme to different employee groups and knowledge levels
- Coverage of the specific challenges and processes of your organisation
- Training materials for later use
E-learning platform
- Comprehensive online courses available 24/7
- A modular structure allowing flexible training planning
- Automatic progress tracking and certificate generation
- Regular content updates in line with changing regulations
- Interactive tests verifying understanding of the material
- The ability to monitor employees' completion of training obligations
- Significant time and cost savings compared to traditional training
Our e-learning platform is a particularly efficient solution for ensuring compliance with annual training requirements for all employees. It makes it easy to document fulfilment of training obligations while giving your team access to up-to-date, practical knowledge in a convenient format.