Putting Business Growth First
Every product decision, infrastructure enhancement, and market expansion stemmed from the same goal: to support the people who build businesses. Whether helping a digital agency accept overseas payments, giving a fashion brand the tools to manage inventory across continents, or assisting a tech startup in managing operational expenses, the focus remained squarely on practical, usable innovation.
Businesses of all sizes and across sectors voiced a common request—greater flexibility in managing international transactions. They wanted better visibility into financial flows, lower costs, more automation, and seamless integration across systems. By investing in both local market integrations and scalable global infrastructure, service providers responded with tools that gave business operators more time and resources to focus on growth instead of administration.
The past year reinforced how vital it is to stay customer-centric. Building trust through transparent pricing, responsive product development, and reliable performance was at the heart of every interaction. Behind the scenes, strategic partnerships with banks, regulators, and local technology providers helped lay the foundation for solutions that met not only today’s expectations but tomorrow’s demands.
Speeding Up International Operations
Time is often the most critical asset for growing businesses, especially those operating across borders. In 2021, significant efforts were directed at improving the speed and reliability of cross-border transactions. Where traditional methods introduced delays, friction, and uncertainty, the shift toward real-time capabilities provided a dramatic improvement in efficiency.
By connecting directly to local payment systems around the world, financial technology companies created pathways for funds to move at previously unmatched speeds. As a result, transaction volumes surged. One platform recorded a fivefold increase in overseas transfers, a clear signal that businesses are increasingly opting for modern financial tools that prioritize speed and convenience.
These advances also reduced the operational burden on finance teams. Manual processes were replaced with automated features, including the introduction of auto top-ups. Instead of needing to transfer funds manually into business accounts, users could set thresholds and triggers to keep balances healthy, payments timely, and operations smooth.
Speed is more than just convenience—it’s a competitive edge. Businesses able to settle with suppliers faster, pay international staff promptly, or respond to real-time demand shifts are better positioned to grow. By investing in speed, these companies positioned themselves to meet the pace of modern commerce.
Reducing the Cost of Global Commerce
For years, international growth came with a hidden cost: excessive fees, unfavorable exchange rates, and outdated settlement systems. But in 2021, new alternatives emerged that helped reduce these overheads, giving businesses greater control over their margins and their money.
Strategic partnerships played a crucial role in this transformation. By negotiating directly with banks and integrating with diverse payment networks, financial platforms created pricing models that were both transparent and fair. Businesses could now operate across multiple countries without being penalized for crossing borders.
The results were measurable. A digital proposal company saved more than USD 7,000 per month by streamlining its transaction processes and replacing outdated solutions with a more efficient system. The company reduced both administrative overhead and payment fees, boosting its bottom line without changing its product or pricing.
Another example came from a marketing technology firm that previously relied on Stripe for USD collection but faced forced FX conversions back to GBP. By moving to a more flexible platform, they eliminated unnecessary currency conversion fees and maintained control over how and when they exchanged funds.
These examples highlight the broader trend: companies no longer need to accept inefficiency as a cost of doing global business. New tools are making it possible to operate internationally without compromise.
Supporting a World of Currencies
As companies expand their reach, the ability to transact in multiple currencies becomes increasingly important. Paying vendors in local currency, receiving revenue in the customer’s preferred denomination, or managing budgets in a regional context can make or break a cross-border strategy.
Recognizing this, major steps were taken in 2021 to broaden the availability of supported currencies. An additional 15 were introduced during the year, enabling businesses to hold, convert, and transfer funds in regions that were previously difficult or expensive to serve.
Newly added currencies included the Mexican Peso (MXN), Israeli Shekel (ILS), South African Rand (ZAR), Swedish Krona (SEK), Norwegian Krone (NOK), Czech Koruna (CZK), Hungarian Forint (HUF), Croatian Kuna (HRK), Romanian Leu (RON), Polish Zloty (PLN), Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), Nepalese Rupee (NPR), Pakistani Rupee (PKR), and Turkish Lira (TRY).
This broader currency access meant that businesses could avoid unnecessary conversions, reduce risk associated with fluctuating exchange rates, and offer customers a more localized experience. Whether paying a supplier in Bucharest or accepting payments from customers in Cape Town, the tools were finally available to do it quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
Automating Expense Management for Modern Teams
Business spending is no longer confined to a single office or department. Remote teams, global freelancers, and decentralized operations demand a new kind of spend management—one that’s both flexible and precise.
In response, virtual and physical multi-currency cards were rolled out to help companies control costs, delegate responsibility, and track spending in real time. Originally launched in Australia, these cards soon became available in Hong Kong and the UK, with plans to expand further.
These tools allowed businesses to assign cards to team members, set spending limits, and track usage across categories like digital advertising, SaaS subscriptions, travel expenses, and contractor payments. For teams using collaborative tools, it created a transparent environment where everyone had what they needed to work while finance teams retained visibility and control.
The cards could be used through Apple Pay and Google Pay™, as well as for online transactions. And in select markets, businesses gained access to centralized dashboards where all spending could be reviewed, categorized, and reconciled—eliminating the need for cumbersome expense reports and reimbursements.
This shift toward automated spend management represents a fundamental rethinking of how business expenses are tracked. Instead of reactive cost management, businesses now operate with proactive financial planning and real-time oversight.
Expanding Revenue With Enhanced Payment Acceptance
Reaching international customers is only half the battle—getting paid easily and efficiently is equally important. In 2021, new payment acceptance tools were introduced to make revenue collection seamless, whether the buyer was across the street or around the globe.
Among the most significant changes was the launch of an online payments solution that gave businesses access to over 170 markets with local payment method support. Customers could now check out using methods familiar to them, reducing cart abandonment and improving conversion rates.
Another milestone was the introduction of payment links. With this feature, businesses could generate simple URLs or QR codes to accept payments directly—no website or app required. It was particularly useful for consultants, solopreneurs, and field service professionals looking for fast, secure, and low-friction ways to collect revenue.
In addition, a new Japanese Yen account option was added to the platform’s existing lineup of global accounts. This allowed businesses selling into Japan to collect payments and hold balances in JPY, avoiding costly conversions and simplifying reconciliation.
These innovations helped businesses build localized experiences, create frictionless sales workflows, and improve cash flow across markets. In a world increasingly defined by remote transactions and digital engagement, the ability to accept payments with flexibility is essential.
Scaling Into New Regions With Purpose
To serve more businesses around the world, geographic expansion remained a top priority. In 2021, operations were launched across key global regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These additions marked a turning point—moving from regional service providers to truly global platforms capable of supporting customers in every major economic zone.
The groundwork laid in Australia, Hong Kong, and mainland China was reinforced with infrastructure improvements and deeper regulatory alignment. And early in 2022, a launch in Singapore added another strategic base, connecting businesses across Southeast Asia to modern financial tools.
Each new region introduced unique needs, user behaviors, and regulatory requirements. Meeting those demands required careful localization, new banking partnerships, and the deployment of support infrastructure tailored to regional expectations.
This expansion wasn’t just about geography—it was about accessibility. Businesses in these regions gained access to tools that helped them compete on a global stage, attract international customers, and streamline back-office operations.
Empowering Businesses to Launch Fintech Products
A major theme throughout 2021 was the emergence of businesses that no longer merely consumed financial services but started offering them. With access to robust APIs and embedded finance capabilities, companies were able to transform into service providers themselves—offering customers new and innovative ways to interact with money.
In the past, becoming a financial service provider required navigating complex licensing regimes, building from scratch, and managing regulatory risk. Now, companies can leverage turnkey infrastructure to launch products that once would have taken years and millions of dollars to develop. Whether creating branded payment flows, offering digital wallets, or providing international money movement, businesses now have the tools to operate like modern fintech companies without traditional barriers.
This shift empowered a new generation of product builders. Software platforms embedded payment solutions into their user flows. Marketplaces integrated treasury management features. E-commerce companies began offering multicurrency wallets and reward-based financial tools. By using modern infrastructure, these businesses dramatically accelerated their go-to-market strategies while deepening engagement with customers.
This trend is poised to grow even stronger in the years to come. As more companies realize that financial services can become an extension of their core offering, the need for secure, modular, and compliant systems becomes critical. Last year laid the foundation for a future in which embedded finance becomes the standard—not the exception.
Unlocking Revenue Opportunities for Platforms
In 2021, technology platforms increasingly sought to monetize their ecosystems by offering financial capabilities to their users. From marketplaces and SaaS providers to gig economy platforms and software aggregators, these businesses wanted more than just efficiency—they wanted new revenue streams.
One of the ways this became possible was through the adoption of integrated payment processing and money movement features. By embedding these capabilities into their platforms, companies created new value for users while retaining a portion of the revenue generated from each transaction.
An example of this model in action is a wealthtech company that partnered with financial infrastructure providers to launch a suite of new investment tools. By offering access to ASX trading and launching a self-managed super fund product in beta, the company attracted new users, strengthened its brand, and opened the door to international expansion. Its ambitions now include scaling into the United Kingdom, Brazil, and New Zealand.
These platform-led initiatives are a prime illustration of how financial services can drive growth beyond the core product. By owning the customer experience from end to end—onboarding, transaction, settlement, reporting—platforms create a differentiated experience that keeps users engaged and loyal.
More importantly, platforms that control financial flows are better positioned to build ecosystem-level value. They can identify spending patterns, cross-sell services, issue branded cards, and offer capital advances based on transaction data. In 2021, many companies began this journey—and the results were immediate and measurable.
Raising the Bar on Financial Security and Compliance
In a landscape defined by digital interactions, financial security is not just a necessity—it’s a promise to customers. That’s why security and compliance remained front and center throughout 2021. Companies invested heavily in protocols, certifications, and technology to ensure that user data, funds, and identities were protected at every touchpoint.
A significant milestone was the achievement of SOC2 Type 2 compliance, a rigorous third-party audit that validates internal controls, data handling, and information security practices. This certification gave customers confidence that they were working with partners who take their responsibilities seriously—building trust that extends across products and geographies.
Alongside formal certifications, continuous improvements were made to fraud detection and prevention systems. The Global Trade Point Network, a risk monitoring solution, was enhanced with better pattern recognition and machine learning models that could proactively identify suspicious activity. These updates allowed faster intervention, reduced exposure to fraudulent activity, and safeguarded customer funds.
Transaction monitoring models were also refined to improve accuracy and reduce false positives. Rather than relying on legacy systems, companies deployed adaptive algorithms that adjusted based on evolving trends and known attack vectors. This shift toward smarter, dynamic monitoring provided stronger protection while preserving a seamless user experience.
The rise of embedded finance and decentralized teams also introduced new security challenges. To address them, infrastructure providers began introducing more granular user roles, stronger authentication protocols, and audit trails that ensured transparency. Customers could delegate access to team members with confidence, knowing that permissions were tightly controlled and activity could be reviewed in real time.
As businesses continue to scale and regulatory landscapes become more complex, the importance of security and compliance will only grow. But thanks to the groundwork laid in 2021, many businesses are already positioned to meet those future challenges with confidence.
Protecting Merchants From Fraud
With the expansion of online payments, new challenges emerged—chief among them the threat of fraud. As more transactions moved online, bad actors followed, testing systems and attempting to exploit weaknesses. Recognizing this trend, significant resources were directed toward building world-class fraud prevention capabilities tailored to the unique needs of merchants.
One area of focus was in card-not-present fraud, where malicious actors attempt to use stolen credentials during checkout. Advanced detection systems were put in place to analyze transaction behavior, device fingerprints, and location data to flag potential risks. These systems didn’t rely on fixed rules alone—they learned and evolved based on real-world inputs.
Another area of focus was synthetic identity fraud, where fake profiles were created to open accounts or gain access to services. By leveraging data enrichment and external verification partners, platforms could validate identities more effectively and reduce the chance of abuse.
For merchants using online payments or accepting transactions through payment links, these protections were built in automatically. There was no need to purchase third-party tools or manage fraud workflows manually. Instead, the security layer worked behind the scenes—preventing chargebacks, safeguarding inventory, and ensuring that only legitimate buyers made it through the funnel.
The commitment to fraud prevention wasn’t just about security—it was also about scalability. By reducing loss rates and manual review times, merchants could grow with confidence, knowing that their platform was built to withstand both volume and complexity.
Simplifying Onboarding for Faster Adoption
In late 2021, new onboarding experiences were introduced to help businesses get started faster. Whether they were launching an online store, joining a marketplace, or expanding into a new region, time-to-value was a key metric. Lengthy sign-up processes and documentation requests often discouraged users before they could realize the benefits.
To address this, a streamlined onboarding flow was designed—minimizing friction while still meeting compliance requirements. Document uploads became more intuitive, approval times were reduced, and real-time guidance was offered throughout the process. Businesses could now go from sign-up to sending or receiving funds in hours, not days.
This improvement had a ripple effect. With lower barriers to entry, more businesses joined the ecosystem. They started experimenting with tools they might not have previously considered. And because their first experience was seamless, their long-term engagement increased.
For partners and resellers, the new onboarding experience also meant faster activation for referred users. Agencies, software platforms, and consultants could offer bundled solutions and see their clients onboarded in record time—turning relationships into revenue faster than ever before. Onboarding isn’t just the first step—it’s the start of a relationship. And making that step easy, efficient, and welcoming helped ensure that businesses started strong and stayed engaged.
Enabling Growth Through Strategic Expansion
Last year’s growth was not limited to digital features and product releases—it also involved geographic expansion into some of the world’s most important business regions. New market launches in the United States and across Europe and the Middle East helped ensure that companies in those areas could access modern financial infrastructure designed for today’s global economy.
These market entries were not approached casually. They required deep market research, local partnerships, compliance navigation, and cultural alignment. Teams worked to ensure that services met local business expectations while offering the global capabilities that users required.
The launch in Singapore early in 2022 represented the continuation of this strategy. As a key hub in Asia’s innovation economy, Singapore provided a gateway to Southeast Asia and a testing ground for new products that could scale across the region.
Each new market launch expanded the global reach of the ecosystem. It allowed more businesses to participate, offered more localized solutions, and brought more diverse voices into product development conversations. Expansion wasn’t just about scale—it was about inclusion and accessibility.
As infrastructure matured across these regions, more businesses were able to tap into capabilities that had previously been reserved for larger or more tech-savvy enterprises. Now, even small businesses in newly supported markets could send funds, collect payments, and manage currency risk with the same tools as their global competitors.
Preparing for the Future of Financial Technology
While much was achieved in 2021, many of the year’s initiatives were designed with long-term objectives in mind. The goal was never just to address short-term needs but to build a flexible and resilient infrastructure that could adapt to what comes next.
Product modularity became a core focus. Tools were built as components that could be activated or deactivated based on business needs. New payment methods were added with global scale in mind. Currency infrastructure was designed to accommodate regulatory shifts and regional preferences.
User feedback continued to guide product roadmaps. Features were refined, interfaces improved, and documentation expanded. Through user interviews, beta programs, and support channels, teams stayed close to the people they served—ensuring that the work being done in the background was truly aligned with real-world use cases.
As new opportunities emerge—from digital assets to new payment formats and real-time settlements—the systems built in 2021 are already equipped to support them. That’s the advantage of forward-thinking infrastructure: it doesn’t just meet today’s needs; it lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Putting Customers at the Center of Every Innovation
At the heart of every feature released and every market entered was a clear guiding principle: solving meaningful, real-world problems for business users. In 2021, this principle came to life in countless ways—from simplifying cross-border payments to streamlining global expense management.
The focus on customer impact wasn’t just philosophical—it translated into tangible improvements. Businesses across industries shared stories of how their operations became leaner, smarter, and more scalable. Whether a small design agency needed to pay contractors abroad, or a growing SaaS platform required global collection capabilities, the infrastructure they relied on evolved to meet those needs.
Throughout the year, product teams worked closely with users to identify friction points and iterate rapidly. This included expanding the types of currencies supported, adding new payout destinations, integrating with e-commerce platforms, and creating dashboards that visualized spending in ways that supported smarter decision-making.
The goal was simple but ambitious: to turn everyday operational tasks—getting paid, managing expenses, sending funds—into moments of efficiency, control, and growth. This commitment to user empowerment continues to shape product roadmaps and inform every customer support interaction.
Building Long-Term Relationships With Business Users
Growth metrics only tell part of the story. Behind every activated feature or processed transaction is a customer with ambitions, challenges, and a vision for the future. In 2021, that understanding led to deeper relationship-building across every touchpoint.
One of the most significant evolutions was the shift toward proactive customer engagement. Instead of waiting for support tickets or feature requests, dedicated teams reached out to learn how users were interacting with the platform—and where improvements could be made.
For startups, this meant receiving onboarding support that helped them understand not just how to use the tools but how to integrate them into their broader financial operations. For larger enterprises, it meant access to specialists who could help optimize international treasury strategies, navigate compliance requirements, or scale their payment operations in new markets.
Feedback loops played a vital role in this process. Every feature release was followed by usage data analysis and follow-up conversations. These insights fed into a continuous improvement cycle that allowed the platform to evolve in lockstep with user needs.
The result was a deeper level of trust and collaboration. Customers didn’t just use the product—they became co-creators of the roadmap. This collaborative spirit laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, customer-informed future.
Scaling Operational Capabilities for Resilient Growth
While customer-facing features often take the spotlight, 2021 was equally defined by behind-the-scenes investments in scalability and reliability. As user volumes grew and transaction complexity increased, the ability to maintain performance became critical.
To address this, significant upgrades were made to core infrastructure. Systems were redesigned for greater redundancy and availability, ensuring uninterrupted service across all time zones. Processing pipelines were optimized to handle spikes in volume without delay. Real-time monitoring and alerting systems were introduced to detect anomalies before they impacted end users.
These investments were not just about preventing outages—they were about building a foundation for exponential growth. Platforms capable of scaling with customer success become trusted partners over time. Whether supporting a small business processing hundreds of dollars or an enterprise handling millions per day, the underlying systems held strong.
Operational excellence also extended to compliance and regulatory alignment. As new regions came online, teams worked closely with local regulators to ensure that every product met jurisdiction-specific requirements. Legal frameworks, data handling procedures, and transaction reporting protocols were adapted to ensure smooth operations without disruption. This operational agility allowed companies to deliver a consistent experience worldwide—one that didn’t require customers to think about infrastructure but allowed them to benefit from it every day.
Creating Seamless Global Experiences
The most successful global businesses are those that can operate locally while thinking globally. In 2021, new tools and services were launched to help businesses mirror that mindset by creating seamless global workflows that felt native no matter the market.
One of the ways this was achieved was by supporting a wider range of local payment methods. Instead of forcing buyers to use unfamiliar systems or deal with complex conversions, platforms enabled payments through familiar, localized channels. This not only improved conversion rates but also built trust with end customers.
Settlement capabilities were also upgraded. Businesses could now collect in one currency and settle in another without delays or high fees. Whether managing inventory in Germany, marketing in Brazil, or paying freelancers in India, the complexity of managing multi-market operations was significantly reduced.
Tools for managing foreign exchange were introduced with flexibility in mind. Instead of being locked into daily spot rates, businesses gained the ability to convert when it made the most sense—protecting their margins and creating predictability in their financial planning.
By eliminating the barriers traditionally associated with international business—such as payment delays, unclear pricing, and restricted currency options—companies were empowered to scale faster and serve customers more effectively, no matter where they were located.
Supporting the Digital Transformation of Financial Operations
The financial departments of modern companies are undergoing rapid digital transformation. Manual reconciliation, offline approvals, and fragmented payment systems are giving way to integrated, real-time financial operations that drive both efficiency and insight.
Recognizing this shift, 2021 saw the launch of several features aimed at helping finance teams modernize their workflows. Automation tools allowed users to schedule payments, set alerts for low balances, and even automate transfers between currency balances. Reconciliation tools synced with accounting software, minimizing manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.
Expense management capabilities also advanced. Teams could set role-based permissions, define budgets by department, and categorize expenses automatically—all from within a centralized dashboard. This empowered finance leads to monitor spend without chasing receipts or managing spreadsheets.
Access to historical financial data improved visibility and informed strategic decisions. Companies could analyze past trends to forecast cash flow needs, identify overspending categories, and plan future expansions with greater accuracy.
In effect, finance teams became more agile and data-driven—better equipped to respond to change and lead business growth initiatives. These improvements are a critical piece of the broader puzzle of business transformation, where finance is no longer a support function but a strategic growth driver.
Elevating the User Experience With Simplicity and Power
No matter how robust a platform’s backend systems are, the front-end experience determines how users perceive value. In 2021, major investments were made to simplify interfaces, reduce clicks, and surface insights where they were most needed.
Navigation was restructured to match how users think—not how systems are organized. Key actions, such as sending a payment, viewing transaction history, or managing cards, were brought to the forefront. Onboarding tutorials and tooltips made it easier for new users to become power users in less time.
Mobile interfaces were refined to offer parity with desktop features. This ensured that users could perform critical functions on the go—whether approving a payment, generating a virtual card, or checking the status of a transfer.
Customization options expanded. Users could create reports tailored to their business needs, set preferences for alerts, and configure dashboards that reflected their priorities. This level of personalization allowed businesses to make the platform their own.
By making the platform both simple and powerful, these changes helped users engage more deeply. They spent less time learning the system and more time using it to solve problems and create value.
Deepening Commitment to Regional and Global Partnerships
A key theme throughout the year was the importance of ecosystem collaboration. Growth did not happen in isolation—it was supported by a wide array of partners, including banks, regulators, software platforms, and financial service providers.
Partnerships with local banks enabled faster clearing times and lower costs in key markets. Collaboration with regulatory bodies ensured that offerings remained compliant while fostering innovation. Integration with accounting, e-commerce, and ERP platforms created seamless experiences for users, who could now manage their entire financial operation from a single interface.
These partnerships extended the platform’s reach, enhanced product capabilities, and opened new channels for growth. They also enabled co-innovation—where partners collaborated on new solutions that neither could build alone.
For users, this meant more integrated experiences and faster access to new features. For example, accounting software integrations reduced month-end closing times. E-commerce integrations simplified settlement flows. Treasury tools became more intelligent thanks to shared data sets and shared objectives.
Ecosystem thinking will continue to be a cornerstone of future growth. As businesses demand more specialized solutions, the ability to integrate deeply with best-in-class partners will remain essential.
Listening, Learning, and Leading With Intent
Every feature launch, customer interaction, and infrastructure upgrade in 2021 came with an important backdrop: a commitment to listening and learning. Product roadmaps were shaped by real-world user feedback. Strategy sessions were informed by trends from the frontlines of global business. Support processes evolved based on customer pain points and success stories.
This culture of curiosity and humility allowed companies to serve their users better. Instead of guessing what businesses needed, they asked. Instead of assuming what worked, they tested. And instead of resting on early success, they remained focused on continuous improvement.
This mindset led to breakthroughs in how feedback was collected, analyzed, and actioned. Teams monitored user sentiment, conducted interviews, and reviewed thousands of data points to guide their work. Internal forums were created to ensure that insights from support, sales, and product teams were shared across the organization.
More than anything, the past year demonstrated that the best way to lead is by listening. Customers are not just recipients of innovation—they are co-creators. By recognizing that and acting on it, the ecosystem became more responsive, inclusive, and effective.
Conclusion
The past year has been one of remarkable progress, transformation, and momentum. Across every region, product, and partnership, the mission remained clear: to remove friction, unlock opportunity, and empower businesses to grow globally without compromise.
From expanding financial infrastructure and launching innovative features to deepening platform capabilities and reinforcing security, every milestone achieved in 2021 was a direct result of listening to customers and responding with action. Businesses of every size—from early-stage startups to global enterprises—benefited from solutions that were faster, simpler, and more transparent.
New currencies and markets were added, making it easier than ever for companies to operate internationally with precision and control. Real-time payments, intuitive spend management, and flexible onboarding made cross-border operations less complex and more accessible. Fraud prevention models and compliance certifications set a new benchmark for trust and resilience.
But these accomplishments are only part of the story. What truly defined the year was the collective ambition of the businesses served—those who saw the opportunity to break barriers, move faster, and think bigger. Their innovation and determination inspired every roadmap decision, every product refinement, and every strategic investment.
As we look to the future, the commitment to empowering global business remains stronger than ever. That means continuing to scale infrastructure, forging new partnerships, and delivering tools that not only keep pace with change but anticipate it. It also means staying close to the builders, dreamers, and leaders who are redefining what it means to operate a borderless business in a connected world.
To every customer, partner, and team member who made this journey possible—thank you. The milestones of 2021 are just the beginning. Together, we’re not only building financial tools, we’re creating the foundation for a future where opportunity truly knows no boundaries.