From the Streets of New York to Your Checkout Counter: The Story of Universal Processing
Twenty-two years ago, New York was full of opportunity, and full of challenges.
Beyond the bright lights of Manhattan, in the neighborhoods of Queens, Brooklyn, Chinatown, and Flushing, countless immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners were facing difficult realities…
Language barriers. Complex financial systems. Overseas customer service. Limited access to basic banking support.
They were hardworking, determined, and full of dreams. Yet too often, their needs went unheard.
I. The Beginning (2003–2012)
Born in the Community. Raised on the Streets.
In 2003, Universal Processing was founded by Saint Hung, who was then still a college student.
As he spent time walking through local communities, he saw the daily struggles of small business owners:
- Restaurant owners in Chinatown struggling to understand complicated English credit card agreements
- Grocery store owners in Brooklyn unable to access financial services due to limited credit history
- Beauty salon owners in Flushing trapped in inefficient overseas support systems
- Communication obstacles that slowed their growth and increased stress
These entrepreneurs were the heartbeat of New York’s economy, but the financial system at the time failed to truly serve them.
As an Asian immigrant himself, Saint deeply understood these challenges. He realized that business owners did not just need a payment system, they needed a partner who truly understood their situation.
This clear and practical belief became the foundation of Universal Processing.
II. Brand Evolution
Four Eras. One Unchanging Mission.
Over the years, our logo has evolved through four major transformations.
Each change reflects not just a new design, but a deeper commitment to our merchants.
- 2003–2007: A simple and focused identity, rooted in serving immigrant communities
- 2007–2012: As we expanded across New York, our brand became more professional and refined
- 2012–2024: A decade of growth and challenge shaped a stronger, more modern identity
- 2024–Present: Our new brand symbolizes clarity, transformation, and our evolution into a Full-Service Provider (FSP)
III. The Turning Point (2012–2024)
Growth Through Storms. Strength Through Change.
During this period, Universal Processing grew from a fast-moving startup into a national company, with offices in New York City, Flushing, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Boston, as well as an international technology office in Taipei.
Like our merchants, we experienced economic and industry upheavals:
- The 2009 global financial crisis
- The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
Each crisis reshaped us. We do not chase short-term transactions, we align our success with the long-term success of our merchants. Only when our clients survive and thrive, do we truly succeed.
IV. Becoming a Full-Service Provider
A Historic Milestone
In 2024, uP achieved a transformative milestone, becoming a Full-Service Provider with our own Bank Identification Number (BIN).
This achievement:
- removed third-party delays
- improved funding speed and reliability
- enhanced stability
- solidified our financial independence
It placed uP among a rare group of fintech companies with full control over the entire payment lifecycle, demonstrating not only financial strength, but a long-term commitment to serving our merchants with stability, speed, and independence. As the second Asian American–owned company in U.S. history to achieve this milestone, we proved that focus, resilience, and execution create real strength.
V. Industry Impact
Walking With Merchants When It Mattered Most
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Universal Processing was selected as the only fintech company nationwide among over 450 organizations to join the small business recovery program led by the SBA and USPAACC.
Through this initiative, we helped 495 small businesses access critical funding, training, and disaster recovery resources. The U.S. Small Business Administration described us as a
“Trusted and culturally knowledgeable partner.”
At the same time, our CEO Saint and COO Bufan personally delivered 16,000 medical masks to hospitals and clinics throughout New York. Saint and Bufan visited hospitals across New York
and distributed medical supplies directly to frontline workers.
After that, we continued supporting our communities through:
- Small business workshops
- Neighborhood outreach
- Community meals
- Education and resource programs
We believe a company does not only provide services – it should also serve the people. When asked why a fintech company would invest so much time and cost into community service, Saint often replies, “we grew up in these communities. When they need help, we simply do what neighbors are supposed to do.”
VI. Recognition & Leadership
Over the years, Universal Processing has received multiple national honors:
- USPAACC Fast 100 Asian American Business (four years)
- Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) ISO of the Year Finalist
(First AAPI-owned company in history) - U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Growth Accelerator
- Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies (five years)
VII. Twenty-Two Years of Commitment
And the Future Ahead
Our mission is simple: To create fair opportunities for small business owners, especially those who are underserved, overlooked, or underestimated.
For 22 years, we have lived by our core values: PACT
Be Partners
- We are committed
- We pursue opportunities
- We bring growth
Be Accountable
- We are ethical
- We embrace transparency
- We make no excuses
Be Compassionate
- We are affable
- We support people
- We serve the community
Be Transcendent
- We are exceptional
- We do it right
- We hold nothing back
A New Headquarters. A Continuing Journey.
This year, our headquarters moved to the heart of New York:
📍 215 W 40th Street, Floor 8, New York, NY 10018
From a small office to a national platform, from the streets of New York to merchants across the country, the journey continues.
As the year comes to a close, we at Universal Processing would like to sincerely thank you. This holiday season, we wish you peace, success, and a strong year ahead.
Learn More About Us.
Contact us today for a free consultation on payment processing solutions that fit your business needs.
Call us at: 888.885.8358
Email us at: leads@letsgoup.com
