Workforce payments platform adds new strategic bank and card issuing partner
TAMPA, Fla., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Branch, the premier workforce payments platform, today announced that it has added Lead Bank, Member FDIC, an industry-leading bank serving top fintechs, as a new strategic banking partner. Lead Bank will serve as an additional card issuing partner for the workforce payments platform as Branch continues to expand into new workplaces, industries, and marketplaces.
Lead will become a sponsor bank for Branch's award-winning suite of workforce payments solutions including the Branch App and Card, which provide a digital banking account and debit card, as well as Branch's White Label products, which offer custom branded payment solutions for businesses. Branch powers fast, flexible payment options for both W-2 and 1099 workforces at the nation's leading companies, including cashless tips and mileage reimbursement, earned wage access products, 1099 contractor payouts, off-cycle payments, paycards, and direct deposit options.
"We're excited to work with Branch, one of the fastest growing companies in fintech, fueled by ever-rising demand for seamless workforce payments," said Lead Bank CEO Jackie Reses. "Branch and Lead both believe in an innovation-first approach to banking services, and together we can use technology to improve the financial lives of businesses, their workers, and their customers."
The partnership with Lead will support the growth of the workforce payments platform as it expands in key industries such as hospitality, gig platforms & marketplaces, staffing services, construction, logistics, and agriculture.
"Branch and Lead share a commitment to delivering experience-driven financial services and serving as trusted partners that propel innovation," said Branch CEO Atif Siddiqi. "We look forward to having them as a partner that fuses regulatory expertise with modern technology and can help us further scale our offerings as we provide fast, flexible payments experiences to more workplaces."
Branch has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies and productivity partners in the nation by Deloitte and Inc. Fintech Breakthrough recently named Branch "Best Payment Enablement Platform" in 9th Annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program.
About Branch
Branch is the leading workforce payments platform that helps businesses deliver fast, flexible options for workers to get paid. Whether it's sending earnings to employees or contractors, companies choose Branch because they know that faster payments can help them strengthen worker loyalty, save time and money, and drive business growth. Earners that sign up with Branch can receive a free bank account, quick access to earned wages, rewards, and personal finance tools to help them manage their cash flow between pay cycles. Branch partners with the nation's leading companies in hospitality, healthcare, gig platforms & marketplaces, and staffing services. Branch has been honored with a Webby Award—Best Financial Services, FinTech Breakthrough Award, Gartner Eye on Innovation: Financial Services, and Great Place to Work Certification. To learn more about Branch, visit https://www.branchapp.com and follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
About Lead Bank
Lead is a state-chartered bank building technology-first, compliant banking infrastructure. Its banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform delivers programmable products designed for direct integration into transaction workflows—enabling fintechs, consumer, and digital asset companies to scale with compliance and creativity. With decades of experience navigating complex regulations and developing modern technology, Lead supports partners in bringing innovative financial solutions to market. In addition to its BaaS platform, the company offers full-service business and personal banking to clients across the U.S.
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