Company: Papara
CEO: Ahmed Faruk Karslı
Website: https://www.papara.com/
About Papara
Founded in 2015 with a bold mission to deliver fast, simple, affordable, and enjoyable financial services for all, Papara has grown into Turkey’s largest and most innovative fintech company. What began as a vision to democratize finance has evolved into a powerful and inclusive platform serving more than 22 million users in 2025—up from 6 million in 2020. Backed by a young and dynamic team of over 1,000 employees, Papara continues to shape the future of finance with a relentless focus on user experience, innovation, and accessibility.
Breaking through the barriers of a traditional and tightly regulated banking system, Papara has consistently pioneered firsts in Turkey’s financial landscape. It was the first company in the country to issue a prepaid card with the Mastercard logo, allowing users to benefit from card services without a conventional bank account. Papara also launched 24/7 instant money transfers—an unprecedented move in a landscape previously bound by working hours and slow processing times. In another landmark achievement, Papara became the first in Turkey to offer financial services to users under 18, giving young people tools for financial literacy and independence from an early age.
Throughout its journey, Papara has remained committed to turning finance into an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. It introduced creative features like Sketch My Card, enabling users to personalize their cards and express their individuality. Accessibility has also been a cornerstone of its approach—Papara’s inclusive vision extends to visually impaired users and other underserved groups, ensuring no one is left out of the digital financial revolution. As of 2025, two out of every five Gen Z users in Turkey are active Papara users—a testament to the company’s ability to meet the expectations of a digital-first generation.
Papara is now evolving into a comprehensive Super App with a diverse product range—including international money transfers, digital insurance and investment products. Beyond serving individual users, Papara is also offering tailored solutions for businesses such as mass payments, and instant checkouts—creating a truly holistic financial ecosystem.
Moreover, Papara is redefining what a financial platform can be. It blends finance with social interaction, offering users a more connected and engaging experience. Users can send money with GIFs and emojis, split bills, manage their budgets visually. With this unique approach, Papara isn’t just simplifying money management—it’s transforming it into something intuitive, expressive, and social.
Integrated with international payment networks and designed for a diverse user base, Papara’s influence is no longer confined to Turkey. Papara is expanding its reach across borders. Recent strategic acquisitions have accelerated this global ambition. By acquiring Rebellion in Spain and SadaPay in Pakistan, Papara is exporting its cutting-edge technology and user-centric approach to new markets. These moves underscore Papara’s mission to deliver fast, simple, affordable, and enjoyable financial services for all, positioning it as one of the most dynamic fintech players in the region.
