Access Finance is a company that started its operations with a clear mission to provide a measurable alternative to banks, focusing on international accessibility to financial and personal services. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Access Finance CEO Ivan Arnaudov to gain a deeper understanding of the company.
Ivan Arnaudov’s Background
What is Ivan Arnaudov’s background? Arnaudov said:
“I’ve enjoyed a stimulating career spanning over 25 years across various sectors, including IT, BPO, Finance, and Telecom, working with top global brands. This diverse experience has provided me with extensive knowledge that encompasses digital marketing, sales, and business development, with a focus on marketing automation and organic growth.”
“I studied Economic Law at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz (Germany) and delved into Finance at the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main (Germany) and St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria).”
“Since 2013, I’ve been serving as Marketing & Sales Director and Chief Strategy Officer at Access Finance AD. My role encompasses leading digital marketing and sales strategy, overseeing the MarTech and IT infrastructure, and launching new ventures and digital products. This includes expanding our footprint across five European countries and, now, launching our most ambitious project yet—our US expansion through the Juzt Credit Card.”
“We have seen significant growth, marking our presence in European markets, including Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, North Macedonia, and Spain.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Arnaudov reflected:
“The launch of the Juzt Credit Card in the United States this April is undoubtedly a milestone of which I’m deeply proud. It’s more than a product—it’s a mission-driven tool designed to help people with no or limited credit history get access to financial opportunities. The early reception has been strong, and it’s exciting to bring an inclusive, tech-forward solution to a market where traditional financial systems underserve millions of people.”
“The card is issued by The Bank of Missouri and powered by technology from Taktile, a next-generation risk decision engine. We’ve already had a stronger-than-expected response, and we think this will provide an innovative solution for the US market.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Arnaudov explained:
“Our mission is to make financial services accessible to everyone, particularly those with limited or no credit history. For the US market, this effort is focused on the Juzt card. There is no security deposit required. The Juzt Credit Card’s fully digital process enables consumers to apply, receive a decision and begin using the card and its tools instantly. Backed by Mastercard, the Juzt Credit Card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay and can be used globally.”
“Access Finance uses alternative data, machine learning systems, and dynamic behavioral scoring to evaluate applicants. Individuals who maintain a low debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and consistently make timely payments on existing obligations, such as utility bills, rent, or other loans, are more likely to be approved. Initial credit limits may start with low, manageable credit limits – as low as $400- to keep customers on a path to success.”
“The Juzt Credit Card offers an intuitive dashboard with tools for monitoring credit scores, tracking purchases and payments, and gaining insights into personal spending habits. Consumers are encouraged to use the Juzt card for small purchases that are easy to pay off, thereby building credit while developing good personal finance habits. The Juzt app reports customers’ credit history to a leading credit bureau, which can help establish a positive credit history based on responsible use of the Juzt Credit Card.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since its launch? Arnaudov noted:
“Over the past decade, we’ve transitioned from a traditional credit business to a technology-driven financial services provider. We’ve evolved our tech stack to stay ahead in a fast-moving sector. Today, we leverage:
– Cloud-native platforms
– AI-driven decisioning engines (e.g., Taktile)
– Mobile-first architecture
– Integrated compliance workflows
These advancements have enabled the launch of highly personalized and secure financial products in new markets, such as the US, while maintaining cost efficiency and regulatory alignment.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Arnaudov cited:
“We’ve successfully scaled our operations across Europe—in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, North Macedonia, and Spain. Each market brought unique challenges but also helped refine our digital onboarding, alternative scoring, and responsible lending frameworks. The US launch marks the culmination of years of learning and innovation.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Arnaudov about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“We are still in the early stages of our US journey, but our success in Europe gives us confidence. For instance, in Spain, we enabled thousands of newcomers to gain access to credit through alternative data-based scoring, many of whom had previously been invisible to traditional credit systems. We aim to replicate this same positive impact in underserved communities across the United States.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) is the company pursuing? Arnaudov assessed:
“In the US alone, over 45 million people are considered credit invisible or underbanked. Add to that gig economy workers, immigrants, and younger consumers seeking modern digital financial tools—and the TAM is substantial. We estimate our immediate addressable market in the US to exceed $100 billion in credit demand across these segments.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates Access Finance from its competition? Arnaudov affirmed:
“We differentiate ourselves through a unique blend of innovation, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs.
– Innovative Solutions – We leverage cutting-edge technology to offer a suite of financial products that are efficient, reliable, and tailored to the modern consumer. Our digital-first strategy ensures that our services are accessible anytime, anywhere, providing convenience and flexibility.
– Focus on Inclusivity – We are committed to financial inclusion, targeting the underbanked and those overlooked by traditional banking systems. Our products are designed to be accessible to individuals with limited or no credit history, helping them establish a financial foundation and expand their economic potential.
– Customer-centric approach – We place our clients at the heart of everything we do. By understanding their unique challenges and aspirations, we provide personalized services that make a difference in their lives.
– Responsible lending – Our commitment to responsible lending practices ensures not only the financial well-being of our clients but also the sustainability and ethical integrity of our operations.
– Global reach, local impact – While we operate internationally, our focus on regional markets allows us to understand and meet the specific needs of the communities we serve.
These factors collectively define our identity in the financial sector and drive our success.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Arnaudov emphasized:
“Looking ahead, we aim to:
– Expand our US product portfolio with installment-based payment options, savings tools, and tiered credit products.
– Build long-term financial journeys, helping users grow with us from credit building to complete financial independence.
– Grow our customer base in multicultural and urban markets, particularly among freelancers and younger digital-first consumers.
– Establish trust and credibility in the US market, ensuring strong compliance and transparent practices.
– Create loyalty through education, transparency, and meaningful engagement—not just offers.”
Additional Thoughts
Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?
“I want to emphasize that the Juzt Credit Card is more than a financial product—it’s a socially impactful platform designed to close the credit gap. We view this as a long-term commitment to the US market and are investing in sustainable, inclusive financial services that evolve in tandem with our customers.”
