With almost 600 new firms joining the US-based company's network every day, the UK is currently Stripe's second-largest market.

These businesses will be the first globally to have access to Pay by Bank, Stripe's first Open-Banking-powered payment option. Pay by Bank, a real-time, low-cost payment option that lets customers pay straight from their bank account, is already in use by a few businesses.

Through the Stripe Capital product, which proactively qualifies businesses for funding based on their transaction history and business history, UK firms who operate directly on Stripe can now receive flexible financing to invest in their expansion. The following business day, funds are credited to approved accounts, and companies repay the amount when they make money.

According to Stripe, only 50% of UK small firms' bank loan applications were approved last year, down from 80% in 2011. Businesses in the US that financed by Capital saw a 114% increase in sales growth over their rivals.

Marketplaces and platforms in the UK who use Stripe Connect will be able to use Stripe Capital to provide funding to their own consumers later this year.

John Collison, co-founder of Stripe, states: "The payments tools and financing options we’re launching today will help money move around the economy faster and make it easier for businesses to invest when they see an opportunity to grow."

Additionally, Stripe launched a new office this week at 201 Bishopsgate in London, where it will house its growing engineering, sales, partnerships, and operations teams.

"The UK is a great location to launch Stripe because of its talent, infrastructure, and financial hub, but that's only half the story. Additionally, businesses in the UK are growing rapidly as they eagerly modernize their financial systems and go global. That's what makes us believe that the UK should step up its efforts right now," Collison says.