Thunes and WireBarley launch real-time cross-border payments service

By Parth Prabhudesai

Thunes and WireBarley have launched a real-time cross-border payment service, aimed at strengthening remittance flows across Asia and key global corridors.

The partnership connects WireBarley to Thunes’ Direct Global Network, enabling its 1.1 million users to send money across seven sending countries and 520 payout corridors. The integration also introduces real-time payment capabilities into South Korea, expanding access for both individuals and businesses transacting across markets such as the United States, Australia, and Vietnam.

South Korea remains a significant remittance market, with outbound flows reaching $7.45 billion in 2024. The digital remittance segment is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 16.7% through 2030, underlining the increasing demand for faster and more efficient payment solutions.

The collaboration is designed to reduce friction in international money transfers by enabling instant settlement and improving connectivity across regions. WireBarley will benefit from access to Thunes’ global infrastructure, which spans more than 140 countries and supports over 90 currencies, while Thunes strengthens its presence in North Asia through enhanced coverage in South Korea.

“Our collaboration with WireBarley represents a shared vision to remove fragmentation in global money movement,” said Peter De Caluwe, CEO of Thunes. “By enabling real-time payments, we are helping to build a more connected and efficient global financial ecosystem.”

John Joongwon Yoo, CEO of WireBarley, added: “This partnership allows us to deliver seamless cross-border payment services while accelerating our expansion across key international markets.”

The move reflects a broader shift in the payments industry, where fintech firms are increasingly adopting direct network models and real-time infrastructure to compete with traditional correspondent banking systems. Faster transaction speeds, wider corridor coverage, and improved user experience are becoming critical factors in capturing growing cross-border payment demand.