Financial inclusion has already proven itself to be a key component in realising opportunities in the digital era. In most emerging markets, the market share of digital payments has increased significantly compared to traditional financial services, as these solutions offset the limitations brought about by infrastructure gaps, high transaction costs, and regulatory hurdles.
While many advancements in cross-border payment technologies have managed to bridge this divide, continuous improvements in their connectivity and accessibility to customers are still necessary to fully drive global financial inclusion. It helps that the wider market recognises the success and value of API-powered payment infrastructure, which offers fast, low-cost, and transparent transactions.
By enabling remittances, mobile top-ups, and business payments across over 100 countries, these solutions empower migrant workers, small businesses, and underserved populations to participate in the global economy safely and seamlessly. Whether the country’s business landscape has a more sophisticated financial infrastructure, or in the case of developing countries, is still in its growing phase of financial inclusion, there is a tangible impact of accessible digital finance and what it means for long-term economic empowerment.
This is the fundamental thesis behind Tranglo, a cross-border payment hub with a proven track record in business payments, remittances, and mobile payment solutions. Founded in 2008 with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and London, Tranglo operates a global network spanning 100+ countries, 2,500+ banks, 80+ digital wallets, 300+ mobile operators, and 60+ cash pickup partners with hundreds of thousands of touchpoints. Committed to the highest standards of security, Tranglo is ISO 27001 certified, ensuring robust information security management across its operations.
Also read: Bridging global payment borders and remittances with Tranglo
Serving the unbanked in the digital era of global payment hubs
More than half of the population, or millions of people in Africa and the CIS countries, remain unbanked or underbanked, unable to access essential financial services. Despite high amounts of remittances and payments flowing through these areas, this exclusion limits participation in the global economy, reduces financial resilience, and stifles entrepreneurial growth across entire communities.
Tranglo aims to bridge financial gaps by providing seamless, secure APIs that enable real-time transactions. Through an uninterrupted and full suite of options, Tranglo allows its users to scale across borders, particularly in its newly launched channels in 28 African and 5 CIS countries since last year.
One product that stands out for Tranglo is its ability to enable financial institutions and businesses to make payments through Tranglo Connect, its proprietary cross-border payments solution. It seamlessly integrates payout and partner services, unifying the end-to-end process with direct API access. With Tranglo Connect, companies can make payments to over 100 countries reliably and securely.
As additional financial safeguards are needed, Tranglo aims to “target and enhance financial connectivity and provide a more reliable and cost-effective way for migrant workers to support their loved ones.” Tranglo Group CEO Jacky Lee emphasised this in a press release at its expansion launch in August last year, to support CIS payout countries including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, with more to follow. Aside from migrant workers experiencing more reliable remittances, rural households are also able to top up mobile wallets. Beneficiaries can pick up the cash in USD or Euro within 15 minutes.
He adds, “We are excited to enter the CIS region, where remittances are a crucial economic pillar for many families. This expansion aligns with our commitment to bridging financial gaps, improving financial inclusion and empowering communities through seamless cross-border payments.”
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Empowering the livelihood of millions of SMEs and stakeholders by solving issues caused by late payments
Low-cost, transparent payments also serve to empower key groups that are often overlooked, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and SMEs that access global suppliers. The United Nations has identified that despite being the backbone of the global economy, representing over 90% of businesses and contributing significantly to employment and GDP worldwide, many SMEs face persistent disruptions due to late payments, inefficient payment systems, and high transaction costs. These challenges limit business growth, disrupt supply chains, and create financial bottlenecks that hinder long-term sustainability.
Nearly two-thirds of SMEs cite late payments as a major obstacle, while 55% of large organisations admit to delaying supplier payments beyond agreed terms. According to a World Bank study, the average global remittance cost is 6.2% per transaction, further straining business profitability. As businesses increasingly expand across borders, the need for faster, cost-effective, and seamless payment solutions has become more pressing.
In response, earlier this year, Tranglo launched an enhanced version of Tranglo Business, an all-in-one payment solution designed to help SMEs overcome cash flow challenges. The latest version introduces a new user interface (UI), seamless self-onboarding experience, and fixed transaction fees. Covering more than 60 countries, the solution aims to streamline payment processes and enhance financial predictability, providing businesses of all sizes with greater control over their cash flow.
Tranglo Business enhances liquidity and payment speed for SMEs across industries
Tranglo Business caters to corporates of all sizes, particularly non-money services businesses, including academic institutions, goods and services providers, import/export traders, tourism and e-commerce businesses, global freelancing and outsourcing platforms, and gig workers.
Also read: Stablecoins could unlock US$6.2T for ASEAN SMEs: Metacomp study
Designed for speed and efficiency, Tranglo Business enables real-time, real-time FX rates and multi-currency transactions, helping businesses to maintain liquidity and adapt to changing market demands. With transactions processed instantly and available 24/7, SMEs can ensure funds are available when needed. Fixed transaction fees eliminate the unpredictability of fluctuating charges, enabling more accurate financial planning. The new self-onboarding feature minimises manual processes and allows users to start transacting in a shorter time. The upgraded UI UX delivers a more intuitive and seamless cross-border payment experience.
Lee said: “SMEs are the driving force of global economic growth, yet cash flow challenges remain a persistent barrier. At Tranglo, we are committed to empowering businesses with faster, more transparent payment solutions. With our new UI, seamless onboarding, and fixed rates, we are creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem that supports SME growth.”
Crypto adoption as a parallel track
The future of cross-border payments is being reshaped by stablecoins and hybrid models that integrate both fiat and crypto rails. Stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and Ripple’s RLUSD are increasingly used to transfer value across borders, reducing costs from nearly 10% via traditional methods to under 2% on blockchain rails. Pegged to fiat currencies, these digital assets reduce transaction fees while enabling near-instant transfers, including to mobile wallets in underserved regions. What once took days to settle can now be completed in minutes, offering faster, cheaper, and more reliable options for migrant workers, SMEs, and the unbanked.
Governments are also recognising this potential, piloting regulated, currency-pegged stablecoins to balance innovation with trust. Initiatives like Hong Kong’s e-HKD and Singapore’s Project Orchid reflect a growing shift toward digital currencies that combine blockchain efficiency with regulatory oversight. Together, these efforts are accelerating financial inclusion, providing millions of people in emerging markets with safer and more accessible ways to send, receive, and store money.
Echoing this global shift, Tranglo has built a hybrid infrastructure that supports both fiat and crypto settlements. Through its partnership with Ripple, Tranglo powers Ripple Payments across Asia and emerging markets, enabling instant settlement using XRP as a bridge currency. This eliminates the need for pre-funded accounts and unlocks liquidity on demand, extending modern financial services to regions where they are most needed.
Also read: Blockchain boom: The Philippines’s rise in Southeast Asia’s crypto scene
Sustainable financial inclusion driving economic resilience and scalable global integration
Tranglo’s global expertise has pushed fintech innovation in markets that need intervention the most. As cross-border payments become more accessible and interconnected, Tranglo goes beyond providing aid and lays the foundation for economic empowerment. By participating in empowering individuals, Tranglo also boosted the creation of global digital identity, credit histories, and formal economic participation. Likewise, small businesses can reap the benefits of a boosted local economy, job creation, and intra-regional trade.
For more information on how Tranglo can expand opportunities for you and your business, visit their website to learn more.
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This article is produced by e27, sponsored by Tranglo.
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Featured Image Credit: Tranglo
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