4 B2B FinTech platforms enabling cross-border trade in Europe

By Gloria Methri

As global commerce becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to conduct efficient cross-border trade has become a critical differentiator for businesses looking to scale internationally. According to a 2023 report by the European Commission, nearly 70% of European businesses are engaged in international trade, and the demand for seamless, reliable payment solutions is only increasing.

In this evolving landscape, FinTech companies are simplifying cross-border transactions, offering businesses the tools to manage international payments, compliance, and currency exchange with unprecedented ease. These platforms are not only enabling smoother financial flows but are also opening doors to emerging markets, creating new avenues for growth.

Let’s look at four FinTech platforms in Europe that are transforming cross-border trade, providing businesses with the infrastructure needed to compete in a globalised economy.

• Aptoide

Aptoide, a Lisbon-based FinTech platform, is an emerging player in cross-border mobile app payments. Its platform enables developers and businesses to distribute and monetize apps worldwide, offering seamless in-app payments and monetization tools in multiple currencies. Aptoide provides an alternative app store solution, beneficial for businesses in regions with limited access to mainstream platforms like Google Play.

• Commerzbank

Commerzbank is one of Germany’s largest banks and a prominent player in facilitating cross-border trade, especially within Europe. With a global presence, Commerzbank offers businesses access to a wide range of international payment solutions, including foreign exchange services, international cash management, and trade finance. Its services are tailored to meet the needs of both large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By leveraging its expertise, businesses can optimise their cross-border payment flows and reduce the complexities associated with international trade.

• Currencycloud

Currencycloud, a UK-based FinTech, is making cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent for businesses. The company provides a cloud-based platform that offers businesses a comprehensive suite of services for global payments, including real-time foreign exchange (FX), payment routing, and multi-currency accounts. Currencycloud’s platform allows companies to embed payment solutions directly into their applications via APIs, enabling them to execute cross-border transactions with ease.

• PPRO

PPRO specialises in facilitating cross-border payments by providing access to local payment options around the world. It primarily offers digital payment solutions to businesses and banks, allowing them to scale their local payment services through a single connection, essentially serving other businesses rather than individual consumers directly, making it a business-to-business operation within the financial technology sector. PPRO’s primary clients are payment service providers, enterprises, and banks that want to offer a wide range of local payment methods to their customers across different regions.