NXTMOVES and ekko Bring Purpose-driven Innovation to US Payments

NXTMOVES, a US-based financial services innovator helping banks and businesses grow faster and more securely, has partnered with ekko, a UK-based fintech that embeds sustainability into transactions. 

The collaboration enables payment providers and merchants to embed purpose directly into transactions, helping customers monitor the carbon footprint of their purchases and supporting verified environmental and community projects with every payment.

The partnership gives businesses a new way to drive loyalty, engagement, and differentiation in a competitive payments landscape. 

NXTMOVES is based in Atlanta, which is both a global fintech hub and a domestic payments centre, with nearly 70% of all US payments flowing through companies based in the city. 

According to research, more than 8 in 10 Americans say they love nature, and over 90% believe spending time outdoors is important. At the same time, 4 in 10 US consumers are interested in financial products that reflect their values, with many willing to switch or pay a premium for services that align with their beliefs. Yet, 44% say not knowing what makes a difference stops them from acting. 

The NXTMOVES–ekko partnership will give payment service providers and merchants the ability to “align customer engagement with purpose, seamlessly and at scale”. 

By embedding real-time, purpose-driven features directly into payment flows, businesses can turn every transaction into an opportunity to support causes such as wildfire prevention and ocean cleanup, as well as local community initiatives.

Through NXTMOVES’ flexible rewards and engagement platform, companies can align personal mission with purchases, helping consumers feel closer to the brands they choose while enabling businesses to build loyalty through shared values and visible impact.

“Our mission has always been to help our partners create more meaningful payment experiences,” said Steve Nigri, Co-founder of NXTMOVES. “Partnering with ekko brings purpose into the heart of what we do. Offering new ways to increase customer engagement, conversion, and brand advocacy. Seamlessly, transparently, and at scale.”

“The US is a powerhouse for fintech innovation, and partnering with NXTMOVES marks an exciting step in bringing our vision to life here,” said Oli Cook, CEO and Co-founder of ekko. “Together, we’re proving that purpose and progress can move hand in hand, turning everyday payments into meaningful moments of connection for customers and businesses alike.”

The partnership follows successful collaborations by ekko across Europe and Asia-Pacific with partners such as Zip, Ecommpay, and Optty.