Unlimit’s Yulia Shevchenko on the regulatory reality behind global fintech expansion

Yulia Shevchenko, with 11 years of experience at global fintech Unlimit, has been instrumental in leading licensing and regulatory authorizations across various regions such as Europe, the UK, the US, Asia, and Africa. Her extensive experience has given her insights into the intricate process of rebuilding payments products market-by-market, taking into account factors like banking rails, local partnerships, consumer behavior, and compliance expectations.

In a recent interview with RBI, Shevchenko emphasized the importance of understanding that being licensed in one jurisdiction does not automatically grant permission to operate in another. She highlighted the significance of localization in payments products and discussed the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets and crypto infrastructure.

Unlimit’s value proposition lies in its unique position as a primary architect rather than a middleman in the payments industry. Unlike other providers that rely on third-party licenses, Unlimit has built a proprietary global network of direct acquiring licenses across complex markets worldwide. By owning the full payment stack and regulatory licenses, Unlimit offers merchants a sophisticated interface with the performance and cost-efficiency of a local provider.

Over the past year, Unlimit has achieved key regulatory milestones such as obtaining authorization as a payment institution in Brazil and expanding its license scope in India. Looking ahead to 2026, the focus remains on growing presence and services across multiple regions simultaneously, underscoring the commitment to removing barriers to growth for clients worldwide.

When it comes to launching products across multiple jurisdictions, Shevchenko emphasized the need to adapt and localize products to reflect country-specific features. By leveraging AI-powered regulatory technology, Unlimit can navigate regulatory divergence effectively and develop global products with adjustable features tailored to each market.

Unlimit’s investment in a facility in Belgrade aligns with its wider regulatory and expansion strategy by supporting the development of AI-driven financial infrastructure and facilitating geographic expansion. The investment enables Unlimit to maintain compliance in existing markets, accelerate entry into new markets, and streamline regulatory research and implementation processes.

As fintech companies navigate new markets, the most common mistake is underestimating regulatory complexities and the need for product adaptation. Unlimit’s expansion journey emphasizes the importance of adapting, localizing, and integrating regulatory requirements into global fintech products while maintaining a consistent compliance culture.

In conclusion, Yulia Shevchenko’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the global payments landscape, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance, localization, and adaptation in driving success for fintech companies like Unlimit.