Our focus: understanding the payment sector.
We start with what truly matters: a deep understanding of the interplay between market dynamics, technology, and regulation.
Bridging Legal and IT.
Bridging regulatory depth and technical implementation is where we thrive – we think and act in between.
Key factors you need to understand.
We keep a close eye on the evolving payment sector – balancing customer and market demands with regulatory and technological challenges.
Driving change, not just watching it.
Whether it’s agile transformation, project management, or post-merger integration, we provide hands-on support to companies and teams throughout change.
Think holistically. Deliver execution.
OSTHAVEN combines strategy, regulation, technology, and organizational expertise – with a consulting approach built on clarity, depth, and a strong focus on results.
Strategy and M&A
OSTHAVEN supports payment companies, merchants, and investors in making strategic decisions and successfully executing them. From developing robust business and payment strategies to delivering in-depth market and competitive analyses, as well as M&A and due diligence advisory, we create a solid foundation for sustainable growth and future-ready positioning in the payment sector.
We support payments companies as well as merchants in developing clear strategic target visions and implementing them efficiently – regulatory compliant and technologically future-proof. Our services include creating robust payment strategies, the hands-on implementation of new solutions, and ongoing support through to stable operations.
We develop robust (digital) business models for payment providers by precisely analyzing market potential, revenue mechanisms, cost structures, and regulatory frameworks—and translating them into scalable models. This provides our clients with a clear basis for decision-making regarding investments, product strategies, and operational direction.
We deliver market and competitive analyses that provide a precise assessment of market trends, customer needs, and technological developments in payments and transaction banking, along with a well-founded evaluation of relevant competitors. This enables companies to identify opportunities and risks at an early stage and make strategic decisions based on data and facts.
We support investors and companies in the payment sector with in-depth technical expertise in the evaluation of business models, technologies, organizations and regulatory requirements. Senior Expert Advisors and Subject Matter Experts provide precise due diligence analyses, identify value levers and risks and support transactions with well-founded assessments of the operational and strategic fit.
Regulatory & Compliance
We do not see regulatory requirements as an obstacle, but as a factor that can shape entrepreneurial success. We advise you proactively and with a strong practical focus on regulatory matters – both nationally and internationally. In this way, we create security and freedom to act in a dynamic environment.
We analyze all regulatory requirements relevant to your business model – from PSD2/3 and PSR to ZAG, EBA guidelines, and national interpretative guidance. Based on a structured gap assessment, we identify concrete risks, areas for action, and prioritized measures. For more in-depth legal assessments, we collaborate with renowned law firms specializing in banking supervisory law.
We guide payment and e-money institutions through the entire licensing process, including the business plan, risk analysis, organizational manual and dialogue with the supervisory authorities. Our experience with complex application and owner control procedures ensures that your project is implemented efficiently and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
We support payment and e-money institutions throughout the entire licensing process, including business plan development, risk analysis, organizational manuals, and dialogue with supervisory authorities. Our experience with complex application and ownership control procedures ensures that your project is implemented efficiently and in full regulatory compliance.
We design compliance and AML programs that meet current expectations of regulators, auditors, and international standards. This includes risk assessments, policies, monitoring processes, sanctions screening, and preparation for internal and external audits.
We translate regulatory requirements into holistic business processes, technical requirements, and control mechanisms – for example in areas such as safeguarding, outsourcing, or reporting. If required, we support implementation through to operational execution and ensure sustainable integration.
Product Management
We bring structure to complex product landscapes and deliver market-ready, economically viable solutions. From idea to implementation, we support you with strong methodological expertise and deep industry knowledge. Our focus is always on clear customer value and efficiency.
We develop clear product visions, target states, and roadmaps based on market trends, customer needs, and regulatory frameworks. In doing so, we prioritize features and investments to ensure your product portfolio grows sustainably and secures competitive advantages.
We support the entire product development process – from requirements gathering and UX/UI to technical implementation. Through close collaboration with business units and development teams, we ensure that products are market-ready, user-centered, and efficiently implementable.
We plan and orchestrate the successful launch of your payment and transaction banking products, including pricing, positioning, and sales strategy. With clear launch plans and KPI-based performance measurement, we ensure that your product achieves rapid market penetration and strong customer adoption.
We analyze performance, customer feedback, and market developments to continuously improve existing products. In doing so, we identify efficiency potential, expansion opportunities, and necessary regulatory adjustments throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Services
Sustainable solutions are only created through the combination of excellent service and close collaboration. We continue to support our clients beyond go-live – operationally, strategically, and analytically. Our commitment: a true partnership on equal footing.
We take on the structured planning, management, and communication of complex payments and transaction banking projects – from initiation to successful go-live. Through clear responsibilities, transparent decision-making paths, and active stakeholder management, we ensure timelines, quality, and budget are maintained at all times.
We fill critical roles quickly and effectively – for example in project management, product ownership, compliance, or operations. We integrate rapidly into existing teams and ensure continuity, stability, and progress during challenging phases.
We analyze existing processes across the entire payment value chain and identify concrete opportunities for efficiency, quality, and compliance improvements. Based on this, we design scalable, regulatorily compliant business processes and support their operational implementation.
We support the preparation, structuring, and execution of tenders – from defining requirements to evaluating incoming proposals. Through our market expertise and clear evaluation models, we ensure that you select the right service provider or technology partner and can make well-founded, comparable decisions.
We advise on the selection and evaluation of service providers and support the establishment of effective outsourcing management in line with regulatory requirements. This includes contract structuring, risk analyses, governance models, and preparation for audits.
We structure the supplier and partner ecosystem and develop clear governance and management mechanisms. Our support ensures that service providers deliver reliably, comply with regulatory requirements, and contribute strategically to business success.
Our guiding principles
Our Path to Success.
01
Short lines of communication.
We make decisions
quickly and well-informed.
02
Deep expertise.
Our expertise is both practical
and strategic.
03
As equals.
We work in partnership –
with clients and within our team.
04
Closely aligned.
Our project work is clear,
transparent, and collaborative.
05
Responsible.
We take responsibility –
professionally and personally.
06
Creative thinking.
We don’t offer off-the-shelf solutions.