About the client
Zytara is a fintech startup that launched in 2019 with a mission to deliver a fully digital banking platform tailored for Gen Z and gaming/esports communities.
Zytara offers standard banking services: checking and savings accounts, virtual and physical debit cards — combined with gaming-inspired personalization: limited-edition branded debit cards, customizable card skins, and a built-in merchandise shop featuring e-sports, gaming and music brands.ion: limited-edition branded debit cards, customizable card skins, and a built-in merchandise shop featuring e-sports, gaming and music brands.
Business context
Zytara set out to create a digital banking app tailored to Gen Z and gamers — a neobank that blends financial tools with personalization and gamified experiences. Geniusee has been supporting the product since 2018, extending Zytara’s team with mobile development expertise.
The app needed to combine standard banking features with game-inspired elements such as customizable card skins and interactive modes. It also required strong parental controls, enabling parents to set spending limits, monitor transactions, send funds, and manage savings — all within a secure, family-friendly platform.
Customer review
“Geniusee team provided conscientious engineers with hearts of gold. The team members treated the product like they were owners. They cared deeply about the outcome and worked diligently to meet accelerated project timelines, often outside regular work hours. The senior team members were self-sufficient and often brought solid technical ideas to solve problems. They were communicative and highly collaborative in system design processes and all other product and software development lifecycle phases.”
Billy Mullins
CTO Zytara
Assure compliance with regulatory requirements regarding sharing the private information of minors and other restrictions
Ensure security of online banking according to third-party integrations with banks based on penetration tests
Organize smooth workflows and synchronization among teams from different countries and time zones
Align cooperation with a designer from the client side and implement changes quickly
Solutions we implemented
End-to-end mobile banking development
We built Zytara’s mobile apps for iOS and Android, implementing secure onboarding, account management, transactions, and family banking flows. Our team ensured that all core financial operations were stable, intuitive, and compliant with industry security standards.
Gamification and personalization experience
To support Zytara’s Gen Z focus, we implemented card-skin customization, interactive modes, and a store with branded merchandise from gaming, e-sports, and music partners. These elements created a more engaging experience and differentiated the product from traditional banking apps.
Parental control and family banking workflows
We developed dedicated flows that allowed parents to set spending limits, track transactions, send money, manage savings accounts, and apply restrictions — all within a single, secure environment tailored for kids and teens.
Integration of banking services and blockchain components
Our team integrated third-party banking services for payments and card operations, ensured compliance and security, and enabled blockchain-based functionality that supports digital asset management and full NFT lifecycles.
Registration of adults, children, teens, and parents
The platform supports separate registration flows for adults, teens, children, and parents. All private and financial information is handled securely, and access is limited based on age-appropriate permissions to comply with regulatory requirements.
QR code to link with parents
Each child’s app generates a unique QR code that connects their profile to a parent’s account. Once linked, the app enables a secure communication flow, including an in-app chat between kids and parents.
Early access code for beta testing
For the initial release, the first hundred users received an emailed link granting early access. Subsequent logins and test entries were automated to streamline participation throughout the beta program.
Control over transactions
Parents can monitor their child’s transaction history, track account balances, and set spending limits. These controls provide families with full visibility and help guide responsible financial behavior.
Cash files according to law requirements
All stored financial information adheres to legal and regulatory standards. The system includes high-level data protection and a dedicated protection program designed to safeguard sensitive information.
Security assurance
Security was central to development. The platform relies on an API gateway, strong safety protocols for children, and strict protection of private and financial data. Features include biometric login, penetration-tested components, and blockchain-based technology for digital assets.
Third-party integrations
The app connects directly to banking systems to support cash replenishment, transaction processing, and automated communication between the app and the bank. These integrations ensure reliable financial operations within the platform.
App and card design
Users can choose from multiple app modes and a variety of card skins, including designs inspired by e-sports teams. They can also order a physical card that reflects their chosen design, enhancing the personalized experience.
Gen Z–friendly banking experience
We delivered a gamified neobanking app where kids and teens can use virtual and physical cards, complete transactions, earn money from parents, and build financial literacy through interactive design.
Secure, age-based user roles
The platform introduced three protected user categories—Kids, Teens, and Adults—supported by blockchain-based security and strict safeguards for personal and financial data.
Digital assets and licensed merchandise support
Users gained access to a built-in shop with official gaming and e-sports merchandise, along with the ability to manage digital assets and complete NFT lifecycles within the app.
Family-centric financial controls
Parents received full oversight with real-time monitoring, spending limits, transaction history, and savings management, ensuring a safe and transparent financial experience across iOS and Android.
