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USD banking platform for Africa
Cleva enables African freelancers and businesses to receive international payment for their service, while protecting themselves from local currency volatility. With a Cleva USD account, one can easily receive USD payment from anywhere in the world, spend via a card, pay bills, convert to local currency, and save in USD to hedge against local currency volatility.
Cleva provides a US-based USD banking account designed for individuals and businesses to receive, hold, and spend USD, including virtual cards and currency conversion. It emphasizes USD payments without borders and supports transfers from platforms like Upwork and Deel.
Users open a USD account in their name (even as a non-US resident), receive payments via ACH or wires, convert USD to local currency, and make free transfers within Cleva or to local banks. The platform offers a virtual USD card, cashback through Cleva Points, and business accounts to receive payments globally. KYC is completed with government-issued ID, and funds are processed by licensed US-based financial partners with FinCEN MSB registration.
Who it’s for: Individuals and small businesses needing to receive and manage USD payments internationally, including freelancers and remote workers, plus companies seeking USD payment acceptance from global clients.
Hiring/careers page and ambassador/influencer programs present; user testimonials indicate traction and active user base.
AmazonTolu brings relevant experience from her time as a Lead Product Manager building Issuing and Banking products at Stripe. Prior to Stripe, she was a Senior PM at Amazon working on multiple products from Logistics to Augmented Reality. In addition, she has an MBA from Stanford GSB and a B.A in Computer Science and Mathematics from Grinnell College. Outside of work, she loves to play multiple sports (for now tennis and basketball). She's also a huge Lebron fan.
AmazonPhilip has built multi-region infrastructure and services for years at industry giants such as AWS, Twilio, and Akamai Technologies. Originally from Nigeria, Philip's journey took him from Kano to MIT and Georgia Tech, where he studied computer science and engineering. His background is marked by resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. He’s an FC Barcelona fan (soccer) and a big Lionel Messi fan.
Helping businesses earn, save and invest in USD!
Cleva provides USD-based banking, spending, and investment services for freelancers and businesses in emerging markets, starting with USD accounts to receive international payments, a debit card, currency conversion, and savings with interest; the launch notes a August 2023 product release and current monthly processing of over $4 million while planning future investment tools.
From the original launch (Mar 2024) — may be outdated.
US based USD accounts for non-US residents
The smarter way to manage USD earnings globally
