Overview

• In July 2023 BaFin prohibited Payone from handling hundreds of high-risk clients after uncovering serious deficiencies in its anti-money laundering controls
• Payone processed over €50 million in transactions for adult, dating and gambling platforms in 2019 alone, with some flows rerouted through other Worldline subsidiaries
• Belgian regulators have launched formal money laundering probes into Worldline over potential violations tied to Payone’s residual dealings with dubious merchants
• June 2025 disclosures sent Worldline’s share price down more than 38%, and Payone faces estimates of up to €130 million in lost revenue from ending noncompliant operations
• Payone and Worldline say they have strengthened due diligence, installed a BaFin-appointed supervisor and terminated nonconforming business to prevent further lapses