At SiGMA Africa 2025, Simon Pepper, Chief Product Officer of Tola Mobile, outlined the company’s direct settlement model, which is transforming payments in the gaming industry. During an interview with a representative of SiGMA TV, Pepper discussed how their system enables real-time payments between players and operators, cutting out the traditional delays and chargebacks that have long plagued the industry. “With our model, when a player makes a deposit, the funds are instantly transferred to the operator, eliminating friction and ensuring that the money is immediately available for use in the game,” Pepper explained. The direct settlement model empowers operators with cleared funds in real time, without the waiting period typical of card payments.
Pepper also highlighted the rapid growth of mobile-first financial solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, where mobile money has become the predominant method for electronic transactions. “In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile money is the de facto payment method, and its role in gaming is becoming more critical every day,” he said. With 22 regions now operational under Tola Mobile’s platform, the company is spearheading a movement towards seamless, frictionless transactions that accommodate the diverse infrastructure needs of the African market.
A key component of Tola Mobile’s solution is the integration of built-in Know Your Customer (KYC) measures, ensuring that both players and operators are compliant with regulatory standards. “By embedding KYC at both ends of the transaction, we ensure that every payment made on our platform is secure and compliant, protecting both the consumer and the operator,” Pepper noted. This approach provides a secure, fast, and compliant payment process that caters to the regulatory demands of an increasingly complex landscape.
Pepper is optimistic about the future of mobile payments and its role in the gaming sector. He also stressed the importance of maintaining security and transparency as the industry continues to evolve. “Our approach to real-time payments and built-in KYC is designed to support the long-term growth of the sector, ensuring that operators can scale while providing a secure and seamless experience for players.”
For more exclusive insights from industry leaders like Simon Pepper, tune in to SiGMA TV. Stay up to date with the latest fintech and gaming innovations by following SiGMA Group’s worldwide summits. Don’t miss SiGMA Asia from June 1-4, 2025, for more conversations that will shape the future direction of gaming and technology.
