GMB - What is your assessment of Pay4Fun's performance and growth in 2023 in general? Was it as expected or did it exceed your expectations?
Leonardo Baptista - The assessment of Pay4Fun's performance and growth was very positive, exceeding our expectations. We grew in all the indicators we operate in, such as revenue, profit, number of customers and employees.
Play4Fun's performance and growth in the Brazilian market was also positive, with revenue and profit growth above the market average. We have reached the milestone of more than 500 customers, more than 1.4 million end users. We conquered major operators in the global market. In the first half of the year alone, the number already reached R$1.6 billion, an increase of 45% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Could you list the main achievements or objectives achieved?
The main achievements or objectives achieved by our company in 2023 were:
- Number of customers: + 500 integrated sites in the entertainment and sports betting segment;
- Number of end users: + 1.4 million
- Number of financial transactions in H1/2023: R$1.6 billion
- % growth in H1/2023: 45% compared to the same period in 2022
- Average monthly transactions per month: R$500 million
- Number of employees: 106
- Jun/2023: we conquered major players in the Bet market
- Jun/2023: Reclame Aqui RA 1,000 stamp;
- Jul/2023: P4F partnership with IBJR;
- Sep/2023: 3rd place in the Great Place to Work ranking in the small business financial services category;
- Sep/2023: milestone of 500 integrations with betting/entertainment sites;
- 2023: two awards from the iGaming market as reference payment institution;
In your sector, what themes or technological advances do you think will dominate the market in 2024? What will be the future trends?
In the betting sector and other gaming verticals, I believe the following themes or technological advancements will dominate the market in 2024:
+ Instant payment systems:
The sports betting industry is following the trend of instant payment systems, offering players an agile and efficient way to carry out transactions, such as Pix, which has already established itself as the main payment method in iGaming. These systems allow players to deposit and withdraw funds in real time without the need to wait for long processing times.
These systems guarantee security and reliability, using advanced encryption technologies to protect players' financial information and are expected to gain strength in the segment.
+Focus on safety and regulatory compliance:
The security of financial transactions has become a priority for bettors globally. Betting operators are investing in advanced security systems, such as two-factor authentication and data encryption, to protect users' financial information.
Additionally, regulatory compliance plays an important role, with government authorities establishing strict guidelines to ensure the integrity of the industry and protect players. This includes obtaining gaming licenses and permits in each country where they wish to operate in order to comply with all local laws and regulations.
+ Clear guidelines for the iGaming payments sector increasing the security and reliability of the sector:
In 2024, regulatory guidelines for the iGaming payments sector are expected to become even clearer and more objective with the approval of regulations. This will help ensure consumers have access to safe and reliable payment options.
The regulatory guidelines must cover a wide range of topics, in principle, all institutions operating in the sector will have to be regulated by Bacen, which determines a series of measures, all already practiced by Pay4Fun, since day one of our operation, including:
* Customer identification and authentication: adopt measures to identify and authenticate your customers in a secure and efficient way.
* Prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing: implement measures to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
* Information security: adopt measures to protect the information of your customers and your operations.
* Transparency of operations: provide clear and accurate information about your payment operations.
What is your general opinion about the regulation of the sports betting and online gaming market in Brazil?
The regulation of the sports betting and online gaming market in Brazil is a positive step towards the development of this sector. Regulation will bring more transparency and security to consumers, in addition to generating revenue for the government.
I believe that the regulation of the sports betting and online gaming market in the country will be a success. Brazil is a country with a large consumer market and potential for this sector.
What are Pay4Fun's main goals/objectives for 2024 in the Brazilian market? And on a global level?
Our company's main goals/objectives for 2024 in the Brazilian market are:
+Continue to grow in revenue and profit.
+Launch new products and services that meet the needs of end customers.
+Expand our presence in the Brazilian market, gaining new customers.
At a global level, our goals/objectives are:
+Continue to grow in revenue and profit.
+Expand our presence to new markets.
+Develop new products and services that are relevant to global gamers.
I believe we are well-positioned to achieve these goals.
Source: GMB Exclusive
