Diving into the evolving landscape of fintech and consumer payment solutions, I’m thrilled to sit down with Kofi Ndaikate, a seasoned expert whose insights span blockchain, cryptocurrency, and regulatory frameworks. Today, we’re exploring an exciting development in the fintech space: Zilch’s groundbreaking partnership with Arsenal Football Club as their Official Way To Pay. Our conversation touches on the motivations behind this unique collaboration, the innovative payment options and rewards it brings to fans, and how it aligns with broader goals of transforming consumer finance in a way that benefits supporters directly.
Can you walk us through what sparked Zilch’s decision to partner with a soccer giant like Arsenal for their first sports collaboration?
Absolutely. Zilch saw an incredible opportunity with Arsenal due to the club’s massive, passionate fanbase and global reach. Soccer, especially a club like Arsenal, represents a community that’s deeply engaged, and Zilch wanted to tap into that energy. It’s about aligning with a brand that shares a commitment to innovation and connection. This partnership allows Zilch to introduce its payment solutions to a diverse, dedicated audience while enhancing the way fans interact with their beloved club.
Why do you think Arsenal’s supporters are such a strong fit for Zilch’s mission and values?
Arsenal’s fans are incredibly loyal and emotionally invested in the club, which mirrors Zilch’s focus on creating meaningful, consumer-first experiences. Many supporters are looking for ways to engage with the team beyond just watching games—whether it’s buying merchandise or attending matches. Zilch’s mission to make money go further and eliminate high-cost credit resonates with fans who want value and flexibility in how they spend on their passion for Arsenal.
How is Zilch aiming to elevate the payment experience for Arsenal fans through this partnership?
Zilch is rolling out a variety of flexible payment options that make it easier for fans to manage their spending on Arsenal-related purchases. Whether it’s splitting payments over time or accessing interest-free options, the goal is to remove financial stress from the equation. On top of that, they’re weaving in exclusive perks—think discounts and rewards—that turn every transaction into a chance to feel closer to the club. It’s about making the act of paying as rewarding as the experience of supporting Arsenal.
Can you dive into the £50,000 giveaway Zilch is offering for purchases on Arsenal Direct and how fans can benefit from it?
Sure, it’s a fantastic way to launch this partnership. Zilch is giving back £50,000 directly to supporters, which breaks down to a £50 discount for the first 1,000 fans who spend £50 or more on Arsenal Direct after a specific date. It’s a straightforward incentive—shop online for official gear, and if you’re among the first to act, you save big. This move is designed to get fans excited and show them right away how Zilch prioritizes their interests by putting money back in their pockets.
Research highlighted that 75% of soccer fans feel a deeper bond with their team by buying an official shirt each year. How has this insight influenced Zilch’s strategy in this collaboration?
That statistic really underscores the emotional connection fans have with their team through tangible items like shirts. Zilch used this insight to focus on making those purchases more accessible and rewarding. By offering discounts and flexible payment plans, they’re ensuring fans don’t have to miss out on that ritual due to financial constraints. It’s about amplifying that sense of belonging while also tailoring benefits to what drives fan engagement, like feeling part of the Arsenal family through every purchase.
What can you tell us about the additional perks, like the up to 10% off at the Armoury store and chances to win exclusive experiences?
Zilch is going all out to reward Arsenal fans. At the Armoury, the club’s flagship store, supporters can get up to 10% off just by using Zilch for their purchases—it’s a simple, instant benefit for in-person shopping. Beyond that, they’ve set up opportunities to win amazing experiences, like free tickets to home games, player meet-and-greets, and even stadium tours. These perks are selected through various promotions and draws, ensuring fans have multiple chances to score something unforgettable while using Zilch’s platform.
Zilch’s broader mission is to eliminate high-cost credit and reward consumers. How does partnering with Arsenal reflect that vision?
This partnership is a perfect reflection of Zilch’s core goal. By integrating their payment platform with Arsenal, they’re offering fans ways to pay that avoid the pitfalls of expensive credit. Instead of penalties, fans get rewards for their spending—whether it’s discounts or exclusive access. It’s about flipping the script on traditional finance, making sure every transaction benefits the consumer. With Arsenal, Zilch can showcase how their model works in a real, passionate community setting, proving that payments can be both seamless and advantageous.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for how partnerships like this could shape the future of fintech in sports and fan engagement?
I think we’re just at the beginning of a major shift. Partnerships like Zilch and Arsenal’s are setting a precedent for how fintech can deepen fan engagement by integrating directly into the sports ecosystem. We’ll likely see more payment platforms collaborating with clubs to offer tailored financial tools, rewards, and experiences that make fans feel even closer to their teams. It’s a win-win—clubs build stronger connections with supporters, and fintech companies gain loyal users. Over the next few years, I expect these collaborations to become a standard, transforming how we think about spending and loyalty in sports.
