Colin Zergiebel: “Our local payment options provide businesses with significant relief”

With the goal of making international banking easier for both small and large businesses, amnis has been active in the German market since 2022. Colin Zergiebel, Country Manager for Germany, works together with Wencke Knöll, Business Development Manager, to support German clients, helping them optimise international payments and currency transactions. In the interview, discover what sets the German market apart and which core amnis services make a meaningful difference for businesses.

What unique strengths and opportunities does Germany offer to businesses that are distinct from other European markets?

Germany is the largest market for SMEs in Europe and offers therefore huge upsides to successful businesses as purchasing power is very strong. Therefore for amnis it’s a uniquely interesting market as it has probably the highest number of potential customers of any market in Europe. At the same time SMEs are still underserved by the traditional banks and usually hit with high payment and exchange fees.

What are the main challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs starting a business in Germany, particularly in terms of regulatory requirements, cultural nuances, and funding options?

Starting a business in Germany is a lot of administrative work but overall from a regulatory standpoint still quite easy compared to other european countries. However, obtaining funding can be difficult, as Germans tend to approach financial decisions with great caution.

How do you see businesses in Germany embracing fintech solutions, and which amnis features do they find most beneficial?

Germany is waking up more and more to the alternative banking solutions compared to the traditional house bank. However, in comparison, as a country and market, it’s still a relatively small portion of the pie that goes to providers like amnis, reflecting Germany’s overall risk aversion, particularly regarding financial matters. The German clients we work with praise our customer service and overall speed of execution.

What are the key pain points for German businesses in managing international payments and currency exchange, and how does amnis address these challenges?

International payments via German domestic banks are often slow, lack transparency, and come with high costs. amnis provides significant relief here, particularly through the use of local payment options. Moreover, currency exchange rates by German house banks are usually set with a daily rate which is often inaccurate and does not reflect the real time price and value of the trade.

How do you tailor your customer support strategies to meet the specific needs of German businesses, ensuring exceptional service at every stage?

All of our German clients have direct access to me and my colleague Wencke Knöll via phone, email, chat and whatsapp. That ensures a fast and efficient rapport with the clients which they continuously highlight as one of our main USPs.

What feedback have you been receiving from your customers about their experience with your services?

The feedback we receive from Germany is almost always overwhelmingly positive. Our customers rightly expect us to continuously evolve and deliver new features that make banking for their businesses even simpler and more efficient. This includes, for example, the continued enhancement of already available options for accounting integrations. We are constantly working to tailor and enhance our services to meet our customers’ needs.

How do you and your team in Germany stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a leading edge in the fast-paced fintech sector?

We stay ahead in the fast-paced fintech sector by focusing on a product-led growth approach, continuously improving our offerings based on customer feedback and fostering agile collaboration within our team. In Germany, we excel at rapidly responding to emerging customer needs, ensuring our solutions stay innovative and aligned with industry trends. Additionally, we maintain a strong local presence through active participation in events and exhibitions, building valuable connections and staying at the forefront of innovation.

Can you share an inspiring story of how amnis has significantly impacted a German client’s business, making a measurable difference for them?

One of our clients, who has been using payment service providers like amnis for many years, hedges EUR/PLN to purchase new cars from Poland, which he then resells in Germany. His biggest pain point was the lack of flexibility and autonomy in managing his hedging strategies. This issue was resolved almost immediately with our platform, as it allows him to facilitate drawdowns and adjust forwards at his convenience. He no longer has to wait for a callback from his trader or be restricted to specific execution days for forwards, avoiding hefty penalty fees. This added flexibility has made a significant difference to his business.

Your ideal global banking partner: amnis

Explore the comprehensive benefits of amnis, an innovative financial services provider offering cost-effective, transparent alternatives to traditional banking.

With the amnis multi-currency account, you can process foreign currency payments via local systems like SEPA or ACH, bypassing SWIFT. This simplifies international payments while minimising costs. The fully digital, multi-currency debit card enhances team expense management with 0% transaction and FX fees. Additionally, amnis passes on interest on business accounts, safeguarding your funds with industry-leading security measures.

Interested in discovering how our all-in-one account can simplify global banking for your business? Feel free to book a demo call with Colin Zergiebel: