Ibanera acquires ESA Technologies to bring its digital and fiat payment tools to LATAM’s vibrant sports and fan markets
Ibanera, a global fintech leader specializing in compliant digital finance infrastructure, has announced the acquisition of ESA Technologies, a Latin America-focused mobile technology company known for building official mobile apps for some of the region’s most celebrated sports franchises.
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The strategic acquisition marks a major step in Ibanera’s ongoing expansion across Latin America, enabling the company to seamlessly integrate its next-generation financial products such as cross-border payment systems and crypto-enabled solutions into platforms already used by millions of fans every day.
Powering Fintech Through Passion
Founded in Canada, ESA Technologies has carved out a strong presence across Latin America through its mobile app infrastructure, which is used by top-tier football (fútbol) clubs to offer fans a connected digital experience. These apps enable over a million users to do more than just follow their favorite teams—they allow fans to purchase match tickets, buy official merchandise, interact with sponsors in real time, join AR-based contests, and stream live content, all from a single platform.
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Following the acquisition, Ibanera will embed its suite of digital finance capabilities directly into ESA’s mobile ecosystem. The result will be a frictionless payment experience that empowers fans across Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Argentina to access financial tools from within the same platforms where they already engage with their teams.
“This is an exciting leap forward for us,” said Jondalar Diepeveen, CEO of Ibanera. “By combining fintech innovation with the passion and energy of sports, we’re creating financial experiences that feel natural, engaging, and built into fans’ everyday lives.. “By integrating our digital financial infrastructure directly into platforms that fans already use and trust, we are redefining what financial services can look like in the digital age.”
A Win-Win for Fans, Clubs, and Fintech
ESA Technologies’ existing partnerships with leading sports clubs will remain intact, and the company’s app suite will continue operating under the ESA brand for now. However, Ibanera will assume full control of the company’s applications and intellectual property, setting the stage for accelerated innovation and expansion.
With mobile engagement and digital consumption soaring across Latin America’s sports landscape, the acquisition comes at a pivotal moment. Ibanera sees an exciting opportunity to tap into ESA’s strong local presence and dedicated fan following to make digital financial tools more accessible and intuitive for a mobile-first generation of sports lovers.”
“Sports fans in Latin America are among the most passionate and digitally engaged in the world,” said Diepeveen. “This acquisition places us right at the intersection of fintech, fandom, and mobile technology—and that’s where the future is heading.”
Building a New Financial Frontier in LATAM
The sports industry in Latin America is experiencing exponential growth, and Ibanera’s move reinforces the increasing role of embedded finance and digital assets in everyday consumer experiences. This acquisition not only broadens Ibanera’s operational footprint in the region but also positions the company as a key driver of fintech transformation across industries that thrive on engagement and loyalty.
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As the lines between entertainment, commerce, and financial services continue to blur, Ibanera’s integration of financial infrastructure into the sports ecosystem highlights the potential of fintech to meet users where they are—and redefine how they interact with money.
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