Moving money between countries.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW AND EXPENSIVE
Several institutions in the chain Currency conversion Compliance checks at each step No single scheme spanning all jurisdictions
WHAT CORRESPONDENT BANKING IS
Banks holding accounts with each other to settle across borders.
WHY IT ADDS COST
Each intermediary charges, and deducts from the amount.
WHAT THAT MEANS
The recipient may receive less than was sent, unpredictably.
WHAT ALTERNATIVES EXIST
Providers with local accounts in both countries, netting flows Money transfer operators Card-based transfers Stablecoin-based transfers, where lawful
WHAT NETTING MEANS
Matching flows in both directions so money need not cross at all.
WHY THAT IS CHEAPER
No cross-border settlement occurs per transaction.
WHAT TO COMPARE BETWEEN PROVIDERS
The total cost: fee plus exchange margin
The rate actually applied Delivery time Whether the recipient receives the full amount
WHY THE EXCHANGE MARGIN MATTERS MOST
It usually exceeds the visible fee.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The regulatory position for the flows you handle.
WHY
Cross-border movement is closely regulated, and rules change.
