5 Cross-Border Payment Trends in 2025

1. Real-Time Payment Infrastructures 

Real-time payment systems are becoming increasingly popular for cross-border transfers as businesses and individuals demand faster, more affordable and transparent payments.

SWIFT’s Global Payments Innovation (gpi) speeds up cross-border transfers, reducing processing times from days to hours and offering near-real-time tracking. Domestic real-time platforms like Brazil’s Pix and Singapore’s RTP are starting to connect internationally, though full cross-border interoperability remains limited.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) leads Project Nexus, aiming to link global real-time payment systems and create a more efficient cross-border network.

Benefits include:

• Faster transfers, often within hours rather than days
• Improved end-to-end tracking and transparency
• More predictable cash flow for businesses
• Reduced exposure to currency fluctuations during transfers

Companies such as Lightspark use the Bitcoin Lightning Network to enable rapid, low-cost payments by converting fiat to crypto and back, offering speed without requiring users to handle cryptocurrency directly.

As these infrastructures advance, cross-border payments will become quicker and more accessible, supporting global trade and financial agility.

2. Blockchain and Stablecoins: Transforming Cross-Border Payment Trends

Blockchain and stablecoins are impacting cross-border payments by reducing intermediaries, lowering costs and allowing near-instant settlements. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins such as USDC and USDT (Tether) are pegged to fiat currencies, offering digital convenience without major price fluctuations.

Settlement speed is a major advantage. While traditional international transfers can take days, stablecoin payments settle in near real-time, operating 24/7 regardless of banking hours. This improves cash flow and shortens capital cycles for global businesses.

Cost savings can be substantial. By bypassing traditional banking layers, stablecoins reduce fees significantly, making small international payments more viable.

Notable companies like SpaceX accept stablecoins for Starlink payments in markets with unstable financial systems, mitigating foreign exchange risks and simplifying cross-border transactions.

Blockchain’s transparent public ledger provides an immutable audit trail, easing reconciliation and lowering dispute risks.

Alongside stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are emerging as a significant trend. Issued and regulated by governments, CBDCs aim to combine the benefits of digital payments with the stability and trust of central bank backing. Several countries are piloting or rolling out CBDCs to enhance payment efficiency, increase financial inclusion and strengthen regulatory oversight in cross-border transactions.

In volatile economies, stablecoins hedge against local currency instability, supporting more reliable international trade. However, regulations are still developing globally, so staying updated on compliance is essential. 

3. AI and Automation: Shaping Trends in Cross-Border Payments

AI is accelerating cross-border payments by automating complex checks and regulatory processes, cutting transaction times by up to 90% and reducing operational costs by 30–50% through minimising manual work. It also decreases transaction failures by addressing human errors, which account for many global payment issues.

AI improves fraud detection by identifying patterns and anomalies faster and more accurately than traditional methods. It supports compliance by monitoring regulations and automating documentation, lowering the risk of violations.

In currency conversion, AI analyses market data and economic indicators to optimise exchange rates and timing, improving real-time risk management despite inherent market unpredictability.

AI-driven insights from transaction data enable financial institutions to personalise services, optimise cash flow,and enhance customer support through instant, automated assistance.

4. Navigating Regulatory Complexities in Cross-Border Payment Trends

Cross-border payments face regulatory challenges due to diverse and often conflicting rules imposed by different countries. While standardisation efforts are underway, compliance remains a major hurdle.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) sets global standards for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing, promoting more consistent compliance. The G20 roadmap, launched in 2020, aims to reduce regulatory friction and improve payment efficiency worldwide.

Data localisation laws add complexity by requiring payment data to remain within certain jurisdictions, creating legal and operational challenges for multinational companies.

Many businesses turn to Regulatory Technology (RegTech) to automate compliance tasks like screening, monitoring, and reporting, improving accuracy and efficiency.

Regulatory sandboxes provide safe spaces for companies to test payment innovations under supervision, encouraging innovation while managing risk.

Even within standard frameworks like the EU’s Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2), variations in national implementation increase compliance complexity for businesses operating across multiple countries.

To navigate this, businesses should:

• Invest in adaptable compliance systems
• Collaborate with RegTech and security specialists
• Monitor regulatory changes actively
• Regularly train staff on compliance and fraud detection

5. Strategic Bank-Fintech Partnerships: Driving Innovation in Cross-Border Payment Trends

Traditional banks and fintech companies are joining forces to improve cross-border payments. These partnerships create faster, cheaper and more customer-friendly payment solutions that transform how money moves across borders.

Recent stats show that 62% of banks are working with fintech firms to improve cross-border payment offerings. 

One significant development from these partnerships is embedded finance. This directly integrates banking services, including cross-border payments, into business platforms and consumer apps. The result is an increase in multi-currency wallets and platforms.

Rapyd’s partnership with Belvo demonstrates this trend in action. By combining Rapyd’s global payments infrastructure with Belvo’s open banking technology, the collaboration enables seamless financial data access and payment services across Latin America. This partnership exemplifies how strategic bank-fintech alliances can accelerate cross-border payment innovation and expand financial inclusion.

These collaborations also boost financial inclusion, especially in emerging markets.

Payments and Payouts For Every Business

As a directly licensed local acquirer across the UK, Europe, Israel and Singapore, Rapyd provides higher authorisation rates and lower chargebacks.

Our platform combines card acquiring with the ability to accept 900+ alternative payment methods, send payouts to 190+ countries, and manage multi-currency business accounts—all in one solution. We’ve built our services to support businesses across industries, from ISOs and Payfacs to eCommerce, online gaming and online trading.

Take the first step towards transforming your global financial operations with Rapyd’s cross-border payment solutions.