Bankera ( Era Finance Ltd )
- Founded
- 2017-01-01 in Malta (incorporation); Vilnius, Lithuania (operational hub)
- Headquarters
- SOHO The Strand, Fawwara Building, Triq L-Imsida, GZR 1401, Gzira, Malta
Bankera, operated by Era Finance Ltd, is a Malta-based electronic money distribution agent that provides a comprehensive digital banking alternative for individuals and businesses, with a strong focus on serving the iGaming, cryptocurrency, eCommerce, and affiliate marketing sectors. Launched in 2017 by three Lithuanian fintech entrepreneurs—Vytautas Karalevičius, Mantas Mockevičius, and Justas Dobiliauskas—Bankera offers personal and business payment accounts with dedicated IBANs, multi-currency support across more than a dozen currencies, SEPA and SWIFT transfers, and both physical and virtual Visa debit cards. The platform is designed to be crypto-friendly, enabling seamless fiat transfers to and from cryptocurrency exchanges, and actively welcomes clients from regulated gambling and digital industries. Beyond retail banking, Bankera provides a Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) white-label solution that allows other financial companies and businesses to embed banking capabilities into their own products. The company operates as a registered agent of UAB Pervesk, an electronic money institution authorised by the Central Bank of Lithuania, and maintains its technology hub in Vilnius, Lithuania, where over 170 professionals work on product development, compliance, and security. With a growing presence across Europe and a focus on high-risk digital sectors, Bankera positions itself as a compliant, scalable payment infrastructure provider for the modern digital economy.
Detailed Review
Company Background & Licensing
Bankera is the trading name of Era Finance Ltd, a Maltese private limited company founded in 2017. The company is registered as an electronic money distribution agent of UAB Pervesk, a Lithuanian electronic money institution supervised by the Central Bank of Lithuania. This regulatory structure allows Bankera to issue e-money and provide payment services across the European Economic Area under Pervesk's EMI licence (No. 17). Era Finance Ltd itself is incorporated in Malta and its correspondence address is SOHO The Strand, Fawwara Building, Triq L-Imsida, GZR 1401, Gzira, Malta. The company's technology and operational centre is located in Vilnius, Lithuania, where the majority of its development, compliance, and customer support teams are based.
Target Market & iGaming Focus
Bankera explicitly markets itself as a banking solution for digital businesses, including affiliate marketing, eCommerce, gambling, cryptocurrency exchanges, P2P finance, and other online industries. This makes it a key player in the iGaming payment services space. The company provides dedicated IBANs that are compatible with gambling operators and crypto platforms, allowing for smooth fiat transfers. Its compliance framework is designed to handle higher-risk client segments without compromising on regulatory standards, which is a critical differentiator for iGaming merchants seeking reliable banking partners.
Products & Platforms
- Bankera Personal & Business Accounts: Current accounts with dedicated IBAN (starting with LT or other country codes depending on client), multi-currency storage (EUR, USD, GBP, CHF, AED, PLN, NOK, SEK, CAD, CZK, DKK, HUF, TRY, ILS), SEPA Instant and SWIFT transfers, and physical + virtual Visa debit cards. Business accounts are tailored for freelancers, SMEs, and digital enterprises, with support for high transaction volumes. - Bankera Mobile Banking App (iOS/Android): Allows users to manage accounts, initiate transfers, generate virtual cards, view card PINs, enable/disable contactless/online/ATM features, and access 24/7 live chat support. The app supports 3 free ATM withdrawals per month within the EEA. - Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS): A white-label platform that enables other fintechs, banks, and non-financial companies to embed banking services into their own offerings. Includes account opening, card issuance, SEPA/SWIFT payment processing, and compliance infrastructure. - Payment Processing (Card, Crypto, Alternative Methods): Bankera’s merchant solutions accept a wide range of online payments—from credit/debit cards to cryptocurrencies and local alternative payment methods, relevant for iGaming operators seeking multi-channel payment acceptance. - Partnership Program: A referral-based program where partners earn recurring income by recommending Bankera’s services to clients, targeting accountants, agencies, and business introducers.
Regulatory Compliance & Security
As an agent of an authorised EMI, Bankera is subject to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) obligations under Lithuanian and EU law, enforced by the Bank of Lithuania. The company implements KYC procedures during onboarding and monitors transactions for suspicious activity. Its technology team in Vilnius handles information security and compliance tooling, and the mobile app includes in-app controls for age assurance (18+ content restrictions), reflecting its alignment with gambling sector requirements.
Market Presence & Growth
Bankera has established a strong foothold in the European fintech ecosystem, particularly among digital asset businesses and iGaming operators. The company has expanded its product suite from basic accounts to a full BaaS offering, indicating a strategic shift toward becoming a backend infrastructure provider. While not a full-licence bank, its agent structure allows it to offer near-banking functionality with lower overhead, appealing to clients who cannot access traditional banking due to industry risk.
Financials & Headcount
The company is privately held and does not publicly disclose revenue or profitability figures. Based on LinkedIn data, the company size is 51-200 employees; the Bankera LinkedIn description states more than 170 professionals work on its products, implying the headcount is likely around 170–200 across all functions.
Key Products
Bankera Personal Account
Online bank account alternative with dedicated IBAN, SEPA/SWIFT, and VISA debit card (physical/virtual).
Bankera Business Account
Business payment account with dedicated IBAN, multi-currency support, and corporate VISA cards.
Bankera Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS)
API-based platform for businesses to embed banking services (accounts, cards, payments) into their own products.
Bankera White-Label
Fully branded financial services solution for companies wanting to offer accounts and cards under their own brand.
Bankera Payment Processing
Online payment gateway accepting cards, crypto, and alternative methods, tailored for digital merchants.
Bankera Partnership Program
Referral commission scheme for affiliates who bring new clients to Bankera.
Bankera Visa Cards
Prepaid debit cards (plastic and virtual) issued in partnership with a licenced card programme manager; used for ATM withdrawals and online spending.
Payment Gateway
Online payment acceptance for businesses; supports credit/debit cards, cryptocurrencies and alternative payment methods (APMs).
White Label Solution
Turnkey fintech infrastructure allowing third parties to offer branded IBAN accounts and debit cards, leveraging Bankera’s technology stack and regulatory licences.
Bankera Mobile App
iOS/Android app for account management, card controls, money transfers, and live support. Supports virtual card generation.
Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS)
White-label platform for fintechs and businesses to embed account opening, card issuance, and payment processing into their own products.
Payment Processing
Online payment gateway accepting cards, cryptocurrencies, and alternative payment methods, aimed at eCommerce and iGaming merchants.
Partnership Program
An affiliate/referral program allowing partners to earn commissions by introducing clients to Bankera’s services.
Offices & Headcount
170 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Justas DobiliauskasCo-founder
Vytautas KaralevičiusCo‑founder
Mantas MockevičiusCo‑founder