Editor’s note: African-Startups is a sister publication of EU-Startups, bringing trusted coverage of startups, venture capital, and innovation across Africa.
FinTech startup Leatherback has rebranded as Foren after being acquired by Nigerian financial services group Zedcrest Group in July 2026. The company announced the change in a blog post on 5 October 2026. Foren said the new name follows two years of changes inside the business.
“We have rebuilt our technology infrastructure, strengthened our compliance and regulatory capabilities, evolved our approach to operations and governance, and placed greater focus on the experience we deliver to our customers,” said Foren in a blog post.
The company said the name was the last thing to change and that this is not just a new identity placed on the same business.
According to the company, the earlier setup could not support its plans for a global market. It said the platform needed stronger technology and compliance to serve businesses and individuals handling money across several markets and currencies.
“Our ambition is straightforward: to make it easier for businesses and individuals to participate in the global economy, regardless of where they are or where they need to go.” Foren, in a blog post.
Leatherback (now Foren) was founded in the UK in 2019. It lets individuals and businesses send, receive, convert and manage money across currencies. Foren is described as a global financial platform that puts these tools in one place, so companies do not need several providers for cross-border payments.
For businesses, the platform offers:
- Global accounts
- International collections
- Global payouts
- Currency exchange
- Treasury management
With this move, Foren signifies a new chapter for existing customers and introduces the brand to newcomers. The company’s goal is clear: to simplify participation in the global economy for businesses and individuals, regardless of their location.
“There is still work to do. More products to build. More markets to support. More complexity to remove. But the foundation is stronger,” said the company.
Zedcrest Group, founded in 2013, offers investment banking, asset management, securities, financing and financial technology services.
When the acquisition was announced, Group Managing Director Adedayo Amzat said the deal reflects the group’s belief that technology and global connectivity will shape financial services.
