#None #Thunes #Cross-Border Payments #Juniper Research

Introduction

In a world where digital payment technology has advanced at an unprecedented pace, the Thunes Research report reveals a critical gap in cross-border payment interoperability. Despite local payments becoming increasingly fast, over one billion people are left waiting for days to receive their international funds, highlighting a disconnect between local innovations and the global payment landscape.

The State of Cross-Border Payments

The first-ever Interoperability Index by Thunes and Juniper Research sheds light on the stark reality of international transactions. The report indicates that while 50% of recipients prioritize the speed of money transfers, the infrastructure often fails to meet these expectations. Consumers across various regions experience significant delays, revealing a point of critical concern in the financial sector.

Regional Insights

The report analyzed 50 countries and found notable regional differences in payment effectiveness:

• - Europe: Leading the world in interoperability, Europe boasts 16 out of the top 20 countries, primarily due to the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) system, allowing euro transactions to be processed within seconds. However, this seamless experience is largely confined to the Eurozone.

• - Americas: In the U.S., which ranks 21st despite its hosting of numerous cross-border firms, a distributed banking model slows down integration with real-time global networks. Brazil, with its successful PIX payment system, still grapples with delays due to stringent currency controls, affecting 42% of its international recipients.

• - Asia-Pacific: Singapore stands out in establishing direct bilateral connections but still lacks robust cross-border links. Both India and China fall short in facilitating international payments, with 46% and 30% of recipients respectively waiting several days for funds due to an internal focus that overlooks cross-border connectivity.

• - Middle East: Advanced technologies exist in markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, yet a significant portion of the population remains reliant on cash, limiting the scalability of digital cross-border networks.

• - Africa: Despite leading innovations in fintech, particularly mobile money in Kenya, the region's overall ratings suffer from diminished global bank correspondent relationships.

The Shift Toward Mobile Wallets

The report also notes the growing role of mobile wallets and payment applications in the international transfer landscape. Globally, 48% of participants named these tools as their primary means for sending money abroad. In many regions, these wallets serve as the first formal financial account for new users, showcasing their integral role in financial inclusion.

Challenges with Stablecoins

Despite their emerging popularity, only 11% of the global population frequently employs cryptocurrency platforms for international transactions. However, certain markets, particularly in Nigeria, display a higher engagement rate with digital assets. The disparity in awareness and regulatory understanding across different regions poses obstacles to the broader adoption of stablecoins and other digital currency alternatives.

Conclusion

Mathieu Limousi, Thunes' Marketing Director, encapsulated the findings succinctly: The contradiction in global finance is evident—while domestic payments have become instantaneous, the same cannot be said for cross-border transactions. Our Interoperability Index illustrates that the solution lies not in building new infrastructure but in enhancing connectivity among existing systems. True financial mobility will only be achieved when these isolated networks unite, ensuring that innovation transcends borders.

Download the Full Report

For a deeper dive into the findings, download the complete Cross-Border Payment Interoperability Index report from Thunes. This comprehensive analysis is crafted from a survey conducted with 6,763 respondents across ten countries, supported by extensive data and insights from the Global Findex 2025 database and other financial benchmarks.