EARLY backers of Wise, formerly TransferWise, scored a windfall this summer when the company chose to direct list on the London Stock Exchange. Wise allows private investors to sell existing shares, rather than a new issuance, through an intermediary-underwritten IPO. Trading opened with £8 shares and an £8bn market valuation — making billionaires of founders Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Käärmann. Wise invites customers to own a piece of the company through a loyalty scheme programme for up to £100 in bonus shares. The BV judging panel recognises Wise, a repeat programme winner, with the 2021 award for Best Value Creation Money Transfer Services (Europe).
