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How it works
Kleard introduces. The licensed partner is regulated.
Kleard is an introducer. We hold the merchant relationship and make the introductions; a licensed partner holds the licence and carries out every regulated activity behind it. Here is exactly where the line sits — so partners and merchants know precisely who is responsible for what.
Division of responsibility
Who does what.
Two columns, one rule: everything regulated sits with the licensed partner; the relationship and introductions sit with Kleard.
| Responsibility | Kleard — introducer | Licensed partner — regulated |
|---|---|---|
| Payment licence / authorisation | Not held by Kleard | Holds the licence and authorisation |
| Merchant sourcing & introduction | Sources merchants and introduces them to a suitable partner | Receives vetted, pre-qualified merchant referrals |
| Client relationship | Owns the relationship; single point of contact | Supports the relationship; direct regulated contact where required |
| Onboarding & KYC / KYB | Helps the merchant prepare and submit the application | Runs onboarding and all KYC / KYB checks |
| Underwriting & approval | No — not Kleard's decision | Makes the underwriting and approval decision |
| Merchant boarding / account setup | Coordinates the process | Boards the merchant and sets up the account |
| Payment processing | No | Processes transactions under its licence |
| Settlement of funds | No | Settles funds to the merchant |
| Holding & safeguarding of funds | Never holds client funds | Holds and safeguards funds as required |
| AML, monitoring & reporting | Refers any concerns to the partner | Runs AML, transaction monitoring and regulatory reporting |
| Chargebacks & disputes | Helps coordinate on the merchant's behalf | Manages disputes, chargebacks and scheme obligations |
| Pricing & fees | Agrees commercial terms as introducer | Sets and applies the fees at settlement |
| Contract for the regulated service | No | Merchant contracts with the partner for the regulated service |
| Ongoing account management | Day-to-day coordination and support | Delivers and maintains the regulated service |
In short: if it is regulated — the licence, the processing, the underwriting, the settlement, the safeguarding — it is the licensed partner's responsibility, not Kleard's.
In plain terms
Kleard is the layer that brings and keeps the relationship.
The merchant deals with Kleard. The regulated service is delivered by a licensed partner sitting behind us. Neither side does the other's job — and that separation is the point.
- Kleard is the introducer; the licensed partner holds the licence
- Every regulated activity is performed by the licensed partner
- Funds are held and settled by the licensed partner
- The merchant keeps one relationship; the partner keeps the licence
The flow, start to finish
From introduction to live.
- 01
Introduction
Kleard scopes the merchant and the vertical, and confirms the card acquiring setup that fits.
- 02
Partner selection & application
Kleard introduces the merchant to a suitable licensed partner and helps prepare the application; the partner runs onboarding and KYC/KYB.
- 03
Underwriting & boarding
The licensed partner underwrites, makes the approval decision, and boards the merchant. This decision is the partner's, not Kleard's.
- 04
Live & managed
The partner processes and settles under its licence; Kleard stays the single point of contact and coordinates day to day.
Clear on the model? Let's talk.
If you're a licensed provider assessing Kleard as an introducer, or a merchant who needs a setup, get in touch and we'll take it from there.