Fintech Forward Newsletter - Issue 22
04 September 2025
In this week’s newsletter, we explore the trends and technologies shaping the future of cross-border payments, equipping you with insights to stay ahead of the dynamics reshaping the industry.
We begin by learning how global trade is changing how money moves across borders, giving rise to regional blocs that are building sovereign networks that favor local currencies and boosting financial access.
Within this evolving landscape, banks face mounting pressure to transform cross-border payments from a back-office cost into a strategic differentiator, driving investments in technology, regulatory compliance and customer-centric services. This innovation is also being driven by strategic partnerships, as we see with Finastra and Circle collaborating to deliver near-instant USDC settlements alongside traditional fiat transfers.
Meanwhile, industry consolidation and digital service expansions feature prominently in the latest ranking of the top 100 cross-border payment providers for 2025, as central banks and regulators push for lower costs and heightened efficiency amid geopolitical uncertainties.
The conversation converges at Sibos 2025, where FS leaders will tackle the migration to ISO 20022, data-enabled transparency and faster, cheaper global transactions.
The rise of regional cross-border payment systems
Global trade is shifting, and so is the payment infrastructure that supports it. While cross-border payments were once dominated by USD-based banking networks, CMA explains that regional blocs are now developing sovereign systems that favor local currencies, reduce transaction friction, and boost financial inclusion.
Celent: Banks should plan on future-proofing cross-border payments
Payments are evolving from a cost center to a competitive differentiator, with technology, regulation and customer demands driving rapid change, especially in cross-border transactions. For banks, standing still is not an option.
Finastra and Circle: Powering global stablecoin payments
Through integration with Circle, Finastra’s Global PAYplus customers can gain access to near-instant USDC settlement alongside traditional fiat payments, giving banks new flexibility and innovation in cross-border transactions without the need for standalone infrastructure.
Market Insights
Top 100 cross-border payment companies
Cross-border payments continue to evolve in 2025, driven by consolidation, partnerships, and growing digital services. Governments and central banks are pushing for lower costs and greater efficiency, while global conflicts and trade policies add further pressure.
Event
Sibos 2025
Sibos 2025 is focusing heavily on the future of cross-border payments, with sessions and discussions exploring how to achieve faster, cheaper and more transparent transactions through initiatives like ISO 20022 migration and the deployment of data-driven solutions.
Report
Metia Insight Studies
Use data driven insight to inform and improve your customer experiences, engagement and relationship strategies. Our insight studies give you actionable insights and practical recommendations, all built using advanced data science techniques and expert analysis.