Haris Karonis

Haris Karonis, born in 1974 in Athens, Greece, is the Founder and CEO of Viva Wallet, a prominent European cloud-based neobank. He co-founded the company in 2000, initially focusing on telecom software before transitioning into payment solutions. Under his leadership, Viva Wallet has become a leading provider of electronic payment services, operating in 24 countries and recognized for its innovative technologies like the Viva Terminal App and Smart Checkout payment gateway.12

Karonis's journey began with the establishment of Realize, which evolved into Viva Wallet. The company has significantly impacted the European payments landscape by pioneering eWallets in Greece and forming strategic partnerships to enhance its market presence. Notably, JP Morgan acquired a 48.5% stake in Viva for €800 million in 2022, marking a significant milestone for the fintech firm.13

Despite this success, Karonis has faced challenges, including a legal dispute with JP Morgan over growth limitations imposed by the bank. He alleges that JP Morgan's actions have hindered Viva's expansion into markets like the U.S., claiming that their contractual agreements create "perverse incentives" that restrict the company's potential.34

Karonis is known for his commitment to innovation and has been instrumental in positioning Viva Wallet as a key player in the fintech sector, aiming to streamline payment processes for businesses of all sizes across Europe and beyond.24