A London-based payments technology company has chosen Atlanta as its US headquarters, aiming to help American financial institutions integrate environmental features into their checkout and transaction systems.
Ekko, which already operates in Europe and Asia-Pacific, announced Wednesday it will base its North American operations in Atlanta. The company provides real-time carbon tracking and contribution tools that payment processors, banks, and merchants can embed directly into customer transactions.
Grant Wainscott, a former economic development executive, will lead the US expansion as general manager for North America. Wainscott previously worked at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and has served on the Fintech Atlanta board since the organization launched nearly a decade ago.
How the platform works
The Ekko platform allows businesses to add sustainability features to existing payment flows without rebuilding infrastructure. Customers can track the carbon footprint of purchases in real time or contribute small amounts to verified environmental projects at checkout.
CEO and co-founder Oli Cook said the company is responding to consumer behavior already seen in US markets. “Americans are already showing what matters to them,” Cook said. “Our job is to make it easy for financial institutions to meet that demand in a way that grows their business.”
The company’s current client base includes payment service provider Worldpay and fintech platforms in Turkey and Brazil. Ekko has offices in London, Paris, and Cape Town in addition to the new Atlanta location.
Consumer data shows environmental concern
A 2025 Gallup survey found 72% of US adults worry “a great deal” or “a fair amount” about environmental quality. Separate research from the World Wildlife Fund in 2024 showed 92% of Americans consider time outdoors important, and 73% view caring for nature as a civic responsibility.
Ania Lackey, executive director at Fintech Atlanta, said Ekko’s model fits the city’s reputation for purpose-driven financial innovation. “They’re entering the market and becoming part of a community that believes in collaboration and in building better outcomes for both business and society,” Lackey said.
The company has already begun working with US-based partners, including NXTMOVES, and plans to expand its roster of financial services clients across North America.
The Atlanta office will serve as ekko’s base for partnerships with payment processors, card networks, and merchant platforms throughout the US market.
