Cashless payments are no longer a privilege of large systems but an everyday necessity for consumers and merchants. In the Southeast European region, digital transactions are growing at a double-digit rate, and consumers are increasingly choosing cards, mobile apps, and QR codes over cash. At the same time, expectations are rising for payments to be simple, fast, and available everywhere – whether in a corner shop, restaurant, mobile app, or webshop.

In this environment, Monri Payments is positioning itself as a new regional player offering a unique combination of modern technology, local expertise, and flexibility. As part of the Payten Group, Monri now processes over 350 million transactions annually, supports more than 15,000 merchants, and enables a turnover of more than €6 billion. With a strong technological foundation and the ambition to redefine the user experience in the payment world, Monri enters the market with a clear mission – to make payments an advantage, not a complication.

Speaking about how Monri responds to today’s market demands, the innovations it brings, and what we can expect in the future, company director Nikola Mehandžić says that Monri’s typical user seeks a reliable, scalable, and modern solution that simplifies daily operations.

“We want to be the first choice for merchants, growing online platforms, digital services, and startups that think regionally and are looking for a tech partner that can support their rapid growth,” Mehandžić emphasizes.

• Considering the dynamic development of the payments sector, what was the strategic reason for entering the market with a consolidated, unified brand?

The payments sector is evolving rapidly. Users want simple, stable, and integrated solutions. We recognized a gap in the market for a partner that combines technology, reliability, and local expertise. That’s precisely why we unified everything under the single Monri brand. We want to be recognized for our quality and approach, without fragmentation, while strengthening regional synergy.

• How did you define the role Monri Payments should play over the next five years?

I see Monri as a key technology partner for digital payments in the region – a company whose solutions not only follow market needs but anticipate them, drive innovation, and support all stakeholders – from small businesses to large enterprises – in their growth.

• What sets Monri apart from the competition, and what exactly are you offering that didn’t exist before?

Our advantages are flexibility, technical superiority, and the ability to act as a one-stop shop for our users – everything in one place, mainly thanks to the synergy within the Payten Group. Unlike large systems that are often slow and impersonal, Monri combines technological strength with a local approach and the ability to adapt to the specific needs of each market and partner.

• Can you share a concrete example from practice – how do Monri’s solutions work, and what sets them apart from the competition?

Thanks to our solutions, many services that used to require multiple steps or physical interaction can now be easily completed. For example, through integration with NIS’s Drive.Go app, users can pay for fuel directly via their mobile phone without having to enter the station building. This creates a fully contactless and efficient user experience. This approach is especially valuable in sectors such as fuel retail, where speed, convenience, and security are key factors in customer satisfaction.

• In which industries do you see the most significant growth potential?

We see the most potential in retail, hospitality, digital and mobile services, as well as the e-commerce sector, which still has enormous room for development in the region. Public services and education are also increasingly transitioning to digital payments, offering further growth opportunities.

• The fintech sector is often accompanied by misconceptions – what myth would you like to debunk?

The most common myth is that fintech solutions are reserved only for startups or big tech giants. The truth is, high-quality fintech solutions can benefit any business – from local markets to national chains – by improving the user experience, optimizing processes, and increasing revenue.

• How would you answer in one sentence if someone asked: “Why Monri?”?

We offer the perfect balance—modern technology and local insight, a comprehensive payment offering, the flexibility to meet the needs of various industries, and a team that supports users not just during onboarding but long-term.

• What is your vision of leading a company, and which core values do you promote?

My vision is to lead a company where people know why and how we do what we do – and that they can always count on openness, support, and consistency. The values I hold most dear are trust, responsibility, and flexibility. I believe in leadership that doesn’t impose but empowers the team to take initiative and drive change.

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