VibePay appoints ex-Klarna exec Conor Tiernan ahead of new platform launch

Open Banking payment and data platform VibePay has appointed former Klarna executive Conor Tiernan as head of insights, as it prepares to launch ‘VibePay Insights’ following the recent addition of £5 million in funding from existing investors.

At Klarna, Tiernan led Klarna’s Open Banking efforts, such as the launch of ‘Kosma’, Klarna’s Open Banking platform.

When it launches later this year, ‘VibePay Insights’ will be a new platform for brands to access real-time consumer insights to build their understanding of spending behaviours and trends.

The platform uses AI to analyse transactional activity, giving brands data that can be used either within the VibePay “ecosystem” or offline.

In his new role, Tiernan will be responsible for establishing key partnerships and driving adoption of ‘VibePay Insights’.

VibePay chief executive officer Luke Massie

Luke Massie, chief executive officer of VibePay, said: “I first connected with Conor a couple of years ago while exploring Klarna’s Open Banking capabilities for VibePay.

“Conor immediately grasped the potential of our Channels feature, which focuses on putting users at the centre of their financial ecosystem. I’m thrilled to see how his expertise will help drive our mission forward.”

VibePay describes ‘Channels’ as “a fully connected environment where users can transact, chat, and build relationships with brands and businesses”, with real-time payments capabilities and “conversational commerce”.

Tiernan added: “The power of Open Banking is about giving users control, which is at the heart of VibePay’s approach.

“I’m joining because I believe in VibePay’s vision and its community of users. I look forward to helping brands onboard and connect with VibePay’s engaged audience.”

VibePay also revealed it recently secured £5 million from investors, including luxury property developer and businessman Nick Candy, taking its total investment to date to £12 million.

Back in June, VibePay launched a new in-app feature, ‘Guest Payments’, giving users the functionality to request funds from individuals without the app, and also unveiled a web app version of its Pay by Bank mobile app product.