What High-Risk Payment Processing Really Looks Like, From FASTO's Growth Chief

Sarah Davis · 2026-08-04

If you run an adult business, you already know that getting paid is never as simple as it should be. Mainstream processors shy away, banks change policies overnight, and one wrong move can leave your revenue frozen for months. That's why this week's episode of Adult Site Broker Talk is worth your time. Johannes Kanter, Chief Growth Officer at FASTO, sits down with host Bruce to pull back the curtain on the messy, complicated world of high-risk payment processing. ### Meet the Guy Who Lives in the Payments Trenches Johannes isn't some executive who reads reports from a distance. He's in the weeds every day, leading marketing, content, partnerships, and business development for FASTO, a payment processor built specifically for adult businesses and other high-risk industries. His work covers everything from SEO and community building to podcast production and conference participation. He's also the host of the Hard-on Business podcast, where he talks shop with adult merchants about compliance, platform shutdowns, scaling, and the lessons that only come from real experience. On top of that, he publishes the High-Risk Wrap, a weekly LinkedIn newsletter that tracks regulatory updates across adult entertainment, gambling, dating, and subscription billing. The guy basically eats, sleeps, and breathes this stuff. Based in Tallinn, Estonia, he brings a European perspective that's especially valuable for merchants operating across the EU and the UK. ### Why FASTO Is Different From Your Average Processor FASTO exists because most payment providers won't touch businesses like yours. They see adult content, gambling, or CBD and run the other way. FASTO leans in. The company supports adult websites, cam platforms, creator marketplaces, dating businesses, gambling operators, and even nutraceutical brands. Their team has deep experience with the banking environments and regulatory requirements in the EU and the UK, which means they know how to navigate the red tape that trips up so many merchants. Here's what really sets them apart: - They maintain relationships with multiple banking institutions, so if one partner changes its policies, your payments don't grind to a halt. - They work with everyone from first-time founders to established operators moving serious volume. - They help legitimate MATCH-listed merchants and businesses that have had accounts terminated in the past. - They offer card processing, open banking, and custom multi-currency solutions with transparent pricing. That last point matters. If you're tired of hidden fees or sky-high rolling reserves, FASTO encourages you to bring your current payment arrangement to them for an honest review. Based on your processing history, they can often negotiate better pricing and more favorable terms. ### The Takeaway for Adult Merchants Bruce put it perfectly when he said, "Talking to Johannes was very informative on the subject of credit card payments. This is a good episode for anyone in the adult space." And he's right. Whether you're paying too much, stuck in a restrictive contract, or just want a second opinion, this conversation covers the practical side of payments that most people never think about until it's too late. Adult Site Broker, known as "the ethical broker," helps people buy and sell websites in the adult space. Bruce is a two-time nominee for XBIZ Community Figure of the Year, and Adult Site Broker Talk was a 2026 AVN Award nominee for Favorite Adult Podcast. You can follow Johannes on X @JohannesKanter. The episode is available starting today, so if you've ever wondered how to keep your payment streams flowing, this one's for you.