Ukrainian financial services group NovaPay has launched a European version of its mobile application, aimed at Ukrainians and EU residents, in partnership with Polish payment institution Quicko, reported Interfax-Ukraine.

NovaPay EU UAB, registered in Lithuania, said the app – NovaPay Mob – will allow users across the EU to open accounts in euros and Polish zlotys, receive payment cards, make transfers and withdrawals, and access other financial services. The launch was made possible through Quicko, which is licensed by Poland’s Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).

“The app is available in all EU countries, but Poland is a particularly important market given the large number of Ukrainians living there,” NovaPay said. More than 4.2mn Ukrainians are currently in the EU under temporary protection, including nearly 1mn in Poland, according to official figures.

NovaPay EU said the European business is a separate entity from its Ukrainian parent company but operates under the same brand. The company plans to obtain its own EU financial licence as part of its long-term strategy.

NovaPay, part of the NOVA (Nova Poshta) group in Ukraine, serves around 800,000 customers domestically and was the first non-bank financial institution in the country licensed to open accounts, issue cards and run a standalone payment app.

Founded in 2009, Quicko is a certified national payment institution and a Mastercard Principal Member. It provides card issuance solutions and wallet services across the European Economic Area.