Audrey Marks Regains Paymaster as Company Targets Diaspora Fintech Expansion

Ambassador Audrey Marks is again in full control of Paymaster Jamaica Limited after buying back the business from telecommunications company Digicel Group. The deal makes her the sole owner of the payment agency she founded, which allows customers to handle bills, remittances and service subscriptions in one place.

The purchase brings to a close talks that started in 2024, before Marks took up her present public duties as minister of efficiency, innovation and digital transformation and member of parliament for Manchester North Eastern.

Through the transaction, Marks acquired the 80 per cent shareholding Digicel owned in APM, the parent company of Paymaster Jamaica Limited.

Marks launched Paymaster in 1997. Since then, the company has become one of Jamaica’s best-known payment service operators, catering to households, companies, government bodies and communities islandwide through a broad service network and payment technology.

Marks said customers should see no disruption in Paymaster’s daily business.

She described the reacquisition as a move that takes Paymaster back to its entrepreneurial base while opening another stage centred on expansion, upgrading and stronger customer service.

“Paymaster has always been about innovation, accessibility, and delivering value to our customers. This transaction allows the company to build on its strong foundation while positioning for future growth opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven environment,” Marks said.

Marks also said she would not take part in running Paymaster from day to day because her Cabinet and parliamentary responsibilities leave little personal time and could create possible conflicts of interest.

“I will be entering into strategic management arrangements for the day-to-day operation of the company,” she told The Gleaner.

According to Marks, the decision to buy back Paymaster came after Digicel’s ownership changed and its new leadership placed greater emphasis on telecommunications instead of other business areas.

“With the change in ownership, I therefore saw an opportunity to come back and transition Paymaster to a fin tech company,” she said.

Marks said new technology gives Paymaster room to widen access for Jamaicans, both locally and across the diaspora.

She said the company intends to enter overseas markets by reaching diaspora customers through digital channels as well as physical outlets.

“The goal is to make it easier for Jamaicans to access financial and other services that are affordable and acceptable,” Marks said.

“Paymaster extends its appreciation to Digicel for its partnership and support over the years and looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders as it embarks on this exciting new phase of growth and transformation,” Marks added.