The infrastructure behind the rail
Phela is not a feature bolted onto existing banking software. It is a purpose-built infrastructure layer that connects bank lending systems to employer payroll systems. Designed for bank technology, risk, and operations teams evaluating Phela as a partner.
Payroll Integration Engine
Connects to whatever the employer uses. The employer does not need to switch systems, install software, or change their process. Phela embeds into where the employer already works.
Excel payroll support
For employers who run payroll on spreadsheets, Phela provides a free payroll automation tool that embeds deduction logic directly into their existing workflow.
Payroll API integrations
Integrates via API with PaySpace, Workpay, Seamless HR, and Navision. These platforms cover an estimated 60% of Uganda’s formal payroll market. One integration connects every employer.
Payroll cycle management
Supports monthly payroll cycles with multi-level sequential approval workflows. Deduction instructions are embedded in the payroll run and execute automatically.
NIN-anchored. Persistent. Enriched over time.
Every employee on an integrated employer’s payroll receives a Phela profile anchored to their National Identification Number (NIN). This is the employee’s financial identity on the rail.
What the profile carries
Verified salary, employment history, credit limit based on affordability, transaction history, repayment track record, and merchant activity. All data updates in real time.
Persistence across jobs
When an employee changes employers, their Phela profile moves with them. Credit history, repayment track record, and all accumulated data carry over to the new employer.
Employee portal
Employees access their profile through Phela’s portal: view credit limit, available balance, transaction history, and active deductions. Quick actions include accessing credit and advances.
Collections routed to your bank. Reconciliation built in.
When payroll runs and deductions execute, the collected funds are routed directly to the bank’s designated collection account. Phela does not hold borrower funds. The money moves from the employer’s payroll to the bank’s account with reconciliation data attached.
Bank-grade from day one
ISO 27001 certified
Covers information security management across the platform, including data handling, access controls, incident response, and third-party risk management.
Data encryption
Employer and employee data is encrypted at rest and in transit. Decrypted only at login with explicit consent. No bulk extraction. No standing access.
PDPO registered
Phela is registered under Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), governing how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and shared.
UMRA licensed
Phela operates under a license from the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA), governing its role as a financial services intermediary.
For employers still on Excel, we built a free payroll tool
Many employers across Africa still run payroll on spreadsheets. Instead of requiring them to switch systems, Phela provides a simple, zero-cost payroll automation tool that integrates directly into their existing Excel workflow. It embeds deduction logic, automates calculations, and connects them to the Phela rail — all without changing how they already work.
Zero cost
No licensing fees. No per-employee charges. The tool is free because the value is in the connection to the rail.
Works with existing workflows
Employers don't need to learn new software or migrate data. The tool plugs into their current Excel-based payroll process.
Fully integrated
Deductions, reconciliation, and employee profiles are all connected to the Phela infrastructure. The employer gets automation; the bank gets data.
Ready for your due diligence
Your technology and risk teams can review Phela’s architecture, security posture, and integration approach. We are built for bank due diligence.
Book a Technical Review