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The Credit Thing goes live with TrueLayer’s Open Banking recurring payments, bringing VRP to consumers for the first time
TrueLayer, Europe’s leading open banking platform, announced that The Credit Thing has successfully implemented its recurring payments API and made the first consumer Variable Recurring Payments (VRP) transactions in the UK.
The Competition and Markets Authority has mandated the UK’s nine largest banks to provide VRPs that support the automatic transfer of money between two accounts belonging to the same person, referred to as ‘sweeping’. TrueLayer is the first open banking provider to offer a single API that enables businesses to connect to select UK banks, including HSBC, to take recurring payments as a replacement for direct debit and card-on-file payments.
The Credit Thing is focussed on helping the more than 15 million people in the UK who are left behind by incumbent services due to thin credit histories. Using open banking to securely link bank accounts during the application process, consumers whose credit histories look thin or non-existent can prove their creditworthiness. In addition, by applying in-app rather than online, virtual cards are issued as soon as they are approved, which can then be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay or used to pay for purchases online.
An existing TrueLayer customer for standalone consumer payments powered by open banking, it is now using the firm’s recurring payment API to deliver an improved experience for consumer repayments. Rather than clunky direct debits that can take days to process, with TrueLayer consumers can mandate recurring payments in seconds and The Credit Thing receives instant notification.
Consumers also have far more control, with a single payment approval that removes the need to re-authenticate or re-authorise transactions, through a payment consent that is tied to a bank account and doesn’t expire until it’s revoked by them. Unlike both direct debit and card-on-file, recurring payments with TrueLayer provide The Credit Thing with instant access to the funds deposited. It’s also a more cost effective alternative, removing the fees incurred by card payments and their potential for chargebacks, and the operational overheads of managing direct debits.
Colin Hollingsbee, CIO for The Credit Thing, commented: “Could this be the beginning of the end for Direct Debits? VRP is a real game changer. We pride ourselves on providing great experiences and being at the cutting edge. That’s why we’re excited to be the first in the industry to do this with TrueLayer, reinforcing our philosophy to deliver on innovation.
“This isn’t innovation for the sake of it. It delivers meaningful benefits – consumers are firmly in control, the service is secure and user friendly, the cost of service is ultra competitive, and regular payment approval rates are likely to be phenomenal.”
Kirill Zotin, CTO for The Credit Thing, added: “VRP integration may sound complex, but with the TrueLayer partnership it was seamless. It took just a few weeks from our first conversation to live payments. This is what the future of banking looks like, when agility and innovation pushes the boundaries of available services. I’m really glad that consumers using The Credit Thing already experience the future of payments.”
Matt Parish, Product Lead for VRP at TrueLayer, commented: “This is a significant day for the UK payments industry – the first business using variable recurring payments to deliver a better consumer experience. TrueLayer’s first-of-its-kind API brings the transparency, speed and control of VRP to more people in the UK as a replacement for direct debit and card-on-file payments. We’re delighted to be working with an innovator like The Credit Thing who has seen the massive potential of VRP to support its business.”
TrueLayer is the market leader having launched the industry’s first recurring payments API for both sweeping and sweeping in early May. This was followed by NatWest Group signing an agreement with TrueLayer to provide VRPs as a new payment option for businesses and consumers.
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AI gaming platforms
BetConstruct AI Sets the Tone for 2026 iGaming with Harmony Choice Event in Barcelona
BetConstruct AI defines a new era of iGaming at Harmony Choice in Barcelona
On January 17, BetConstruct AI officially ushered in the 2026 iGaming season with Harmony Choice, an exclusive industry gathering held in Barcelona just days ahead of ICE Barcelona. Hosted at one of the city’s most iconic venues, the event brought together senior industry leaders for an evening of strategic dialogue, collaboration, and high-level networking.
Designed to set the tone for the year ahead, Harmony Choice became the stage for a series of major announcements that highlight BetConstruct AI’s ambition to reshape the iGaming ecosystem through artificial intelligence and scalable technology.
Choice Gaming officially launched
Taking center stage, Vigen Badalyan, Co-founder of BetConstruct AI, announced the official launch of Choice Gaming. The platform has already demonstrated rapid adoption, going live on more than 1,000 websites at launch.
Looking ahead, BetConstruct AI revealed an ambitious growth plan, projecting integration across 5,000+ websites by the end of February. To reward early adopters, the company announced that every 51st integrator will receive the entire Choice Gaming slot portfolio free for one year.
KISS AI Live Casino debuts
Harmony Choice also marked the unveiling of KISS AI Live Casino, a groundbreaking live casino solution powered entirely by advanced artificial intelligence. Positioned as a next-generation product, KISS AI Live Casino aims to redefine player interaction and operational efficiency within live gaming environments.
To accelerate adoption, BetConstruct AI introduced a limited-time incentive: partners integrating KISS AI Live Casino by February 25 will receive the platform free for one year.
Faster scaling with Open API integration
Further streamlining partner onboarding, BetConstruct AI announced that Open API integration would be available on both BetConstruct AI and Choice Gaming websites starting January 19. The updated system enables online contract sign-offs, allowing operators to integrate products and scale operations faster and more efficiently.
Leadership insights and new product reveals
The evening also featured strategic insights from senior leadership across the group:
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Vahagn Badalyan, CEO of Badalyan Brothers, reviewed recent milestones and unveiled two new live casino games from Creedroomz, reinforcing the group’s live casino offering.
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Leonid Kirakosyan, CEO of BetConstruct AI, introduced Betting Mate, an AI-powered recommendation engine designed to enhance sportsbook engagement through personalized, data-driven betting suggestions.
Setting the benchmark for 2026
More than a networking event, Harmony Choice served as a clear statement of intent. By blending human creativity with artificial intelligence, BetConstruct AI demonstrated its commitment to equipping operators with flexible tools, advanced AI solutions, and diverse gaming portfolios.
As the industry turns its attention to ICE Barcelona 2026, BetConstruct AI has set a high benchmark for innovation, scalability, and strategic vision — positioning Harmony Choice as one of the defining moments at the start of the iGaming year.
The post BetConstruct AI Sets the Tone for 2026 iGaming with Harmony Choice Event in Barcelona appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Casino Technology
Danny Wu Wins Cubeia’s ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament Featuring Henrik Larsson & Johan Mjällby
Danny Wu triumphs at Cubeia’s ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament
Cubeia, the Sweden-based iGaming software solutions provider, has announced Danny Wu as the winner of its inaugural ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament, held in partnership with QTech Games. The standout event featured a special table that included Swedish football icons Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjällby, drawing significant attention from ICE attendees.
A high-profile showdown at ICE Barcelona
Hosted on Day 2 at Cubeia’s eye-catching stand, the VIP poker tournament quickly became a focal point of the exhibition floor. Danny Wu emerged victorious after an entertaining and competitive session, taking home the top prize of €1,500.
The table combined serious poker action with relaxed conversation, as players swapped hands and shared football stories, creating an atmosphere that resonated with both poker enthusiasts and industry professionals.
A premium VIP experience
Cubeia elevated the experience with a curated VIP setting, complete with champagne and beer, reinforcing the social and celebratory tone of the event. The lively ambience helped generate buzz throughout the day and showcased Cubeia’s ability to deliver memorable, community-driven activations at major industry events.
Spotlight on Cubeia Originals
Alongside the tournament, visitors explored Cubeia’s Originals portfolio, including upcoming titles such as Chicken Cross Tower, Multiplier Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, and Snakes. The showcase highlighted Cubeia’s commitment to innovative content and engaging game mechanics.
Industry praise
Tove Nilsson, Marketing & Event Coordinator at Cubeia, commented:
“The VIP Poker Tournament exceeded all expectations and was a major highlight of ICE Barcelona. Working with our partners, QTech Games, we delivered a truly premium experience. The atmosphere around the table was exactly what we hoped for — competitive, social, and genuinely fun. Congratulations to Danny on a deserved win, and huge thanks to Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjällby for being such great sports.”
Bringing the industry together
The success of the ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament underlines Cubeia’s strength in creating unique, high-impact experiences that connect partners, players, and visitors. By blending celebrity appeal, quality gameplay, and premium hospitality, Cubeia reinforced its position as a brand that values community and innovation within the iGaming industry.
The post Danny Wu Wins Cubeia’s ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament Featuring Henrik Larsson & Johan Mjällby appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
affiliate marketing
N1 Partners Takes Flight in Barcelona: Helicopter Awarded at iGB Affiliate 2026 Finale
The curtains have closed on iGB Affiliate 2026, but the echoes of N1 Partners’ massive presence are still vibrating through the halls of the Fira de Barcelona. After two days of high-stakes networking and over 500 business meetings, the company concluded the event by awarding a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter to the grand winner of the N1 Puzzle Promo.
A Hub of Industry Activity
From January 20 to 21, the N1 Partners stand (80-C80) served as a primary nervous system for the expo floor. The team maintained a relentless pace, facilitating hundreds of discussions regarding traffic strategies and custom deals.
Beyond the boardroom-style meetings, the stand offered a more interactive “Plinko” activity and distributed over 300 branded merchandise packs, ensuring the N1 brand remained visible across the entire conference.
Media Spotlight and Thought Leadership
The company’s influence extended beyond the booth, with leadership participating in more than 10 interviews and podcasts. These sessions focused on sustainable growth within the iGaming sector and evolving affiliate expectations, further solidifying N1 Partners’ reputation as a transparent and performance-driven program.
The Grand Finale: A Night to Remember
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the N1 Puzzle Promo Party, an exclusive, closed-format celebration that saw over 2,000 registrations. While only 600 guests could be accommodated, the venue was packed with the industry’s top decision-makers and affiliates.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the winners of the N1 Puzzle Promo leaderboard were announced:
| Rank | Partner Name |
| 1st Place (Helicopter Winner) | Cash Splash |
| 2nd Place | Advertise |
| 3rd Place | Traffic Squad |
| 4th Place | Seven Group |
| 5th Place | Alfaleads Network |
The evening concluded with a live performance from a surprise headline guest and high-energy DJ sets, marking the successful end of a campaign that was recently named Best Advertising and Marketing Campaign at the European iGaming Awards.
The post N1 Partners Takes Flight in Barcelona: Helicopter Awarded at iGB Affiliate 2026 Finale appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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