How to Build a Leaner, Smarter Money Service Business in 2025

In an era of rapid regulatory change, rising customer expectations, and digital disruption, how can money service businesses (MSBs)—companies that facilitate the transfer, exchange, or payment of money—not only survive but thrive?

In our recent webinar, we gathered our top experts and unpacked the most pressing challenges facing MSBs today and shared proven strategies to help you scale, streamline compliance, and embrace innovation.

Here are the top takeaways.

1. Scale Smarter with our All-in-one Hub

A major pain point for MSBs is integrating with multiple systems and partners from send and payout providers to value-add services like ID verification platforms, open banking tools, and payment gateways.

RemitONE Hub™ solves this by offering two flexible options: connect via a single API or use our ready-made interface. Either way, you gain instant access to a global network of payment companies with the likes of Visa, Mastercard, Orange, MoneyGram, and many more.

With access to over 2.5 billion bank accounts and 3 billion wallets, the RemitONE Hub™ gives you the tools to scale without stress. You stay in control of your payouts, partner terms, and operations—all from one place.

We’ll help match you with the right partners based on your target corridors and budget to help meet your goals. What normally takes years, we help you achieve it in a few months.

2. Shortcut to Launch into New Corridors

Expanding to new corridors can feel like a maze of licences, banks, and paperwork. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With our Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS), you can plug into our network of licensed partners across the UK, EU—and soon, the US and Canada. That means you can go live faster, spend less upfront, and stay fully compliant—without going it alone

3. Stay Compliant with Compliance Manager™ (COM)

Compliance and fraud prevention remain top priorities for MSBs. Our Compliance Manager™ (COM) automates 80% of those repetitive manual checks, runs real-time KYC/AML screening across 350+ global sanctions lists, and helps you monitor risk scores, transaction patterns, and suspicious activity.

And it’s not just for MSBs. For central banks and regulators, COM offers live visibility into incoming and outgoing remittance flows—making it easier to track volumes accurately and close those reporting gaps.

In short? You stay compliant, catch fraud early, and get to focus on growing your business.

4. Reduce Costs and Settlement Delays with Open Banking

We know how frustrating slow settlements and high fees can be—especially when you’re trying to keep things efficient. That’s why we support open banking. You can tap into direct bank-to-bank payments, which means faster processing times, fewer card-related fees, and reduced friction that often comes with traditional payment methods. We’ve already rolled this out across the UK and Europe through our partners, and it’s making a real difference.

Even in countries without open banking, we provide alternative integrations with local processors.

5. Offer Multifunctional Wallets for the Future of Finance

Let’s be honest—digital wallets aren’t optional anymore. They’re a core part of how people move money today, and we’re making sure our clients are ready for that shift.

We support everything from peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, airtime top-ups, prepaid cards, and wallet-to-wallet transactions. Whether your customers are paying for groceries, sending money to family, or topping up Netflix—we’ve got it covered.

We’ve also made sure our wallets connect to telcos, banks, and blockchain partners all with compliance built in from the get-go.

It’s all part of how we’re helping MSBs stay relevant, inclusive, and ready for whatever comes next.

6. Leverage a Flexible Platform Built for Growth

One recurring theme throughout the webinar: flexibility is key. Whether you’re a startup finding your footing, a licensed MTO looking to scale, a send or payout partner, a central bank, or a sub-account issuer like an e-money institution, your needs will keep evolving. That’s why we’ve built our platform to move with you. Our white-label solution adapts to your regulatory landscape, your operations, and your goals—without locking you into one way of working.

Because here’s the thing: if your platform isn’t flexible, you can’t adapt. And if you can’t adapt, you’ll get stuck—while your competitors sprint ahead.

Worse still, you’ll waste valuable time patching together workarounds instead of moving forward. We’ve seen it too many times, which is why we’ve made it our mission to keep things open, partner-friendly, and ready for what’s next.

Real growth happens when your platform moves with you—not against you.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Business?

The remittance and payments landscape is shifting fast, and the businesses that thrive are the ones that stay agile, compliant, and connected.

At RemitONE, we’re not just building software. We’re helping MSBs grow smarter, launch faster, and operate with confidence, no matter where you’re headed next.

If any of these challenges sound familiar, or if you’re curious about what’s possible with the right tech and support behind you, we’d love to talk.

Book a free consultation call with our expert consultant or drop us an email for any questions at: sales@remitone.com

How Banks Can Reclaim Their Role in Cross-Border Payments with RemitONE

Banks, once the cornerstone of international payments, are finding themselves sidelined. Senders and receivers have now joined forces, pushing banks out of the equation.

But all is not lost. By embracing cutting-edge tools and software, banks can avoid being bypassed by larger MTOs and telcos. By connecting via a simple API to the RemitONE Hub™, they gain access to a multitude of MTOs, banks, and telcos worldwide, enabling them to send or receive various payment types, including cash, bank account, airtime, utility bills, and mobile wallet payments.

The Challenge: Banks on the Sidelines

The traditional banking model for international money transfers is facing significant disruption. People now have access to digital services that make transfers quick and easy with just a tap on their phone. Fintechs and money transfer operators (MTOs) help senders move money faster and cheaper, while aggregators and telecoms ensure it reaches even the most remote places.

Which leaves the lingering question: Where does that leave banks? How can they stay relevant in this shifting landscape?

The Solution: The RemitONE Hub™

RemitONE offers a powerful solution by acting as a bridge between banks and the wider fintech ecosystem.

The RemitONE Hub™ is a secure, flexible platform to manage and process money transfer transactions. Powered by modern technology, it offers real-time transaction monitoring, tracking, detailed reporting, and customisable features, all offered within a white-labeled solution.

What makes the RemitONE Hub™ stand out?

Relevance: connects all key entities in the supply chain—MTOs, banks, and telecoms—ensuring that every participant benefits from the ecosystem.

Flexibility: seamlessly integrates with existing systems, allowing banks to plug in with minimal disruption. Alternatively, it can replace outdated money transfer platforms, and infrastructure, offering unmatched adaptability.

R1 EcoSystem™: gain access to the expansive RemitONE network to open doors into untapped corridors and unlock fresh revenue streams. Take a look at a quick snapshot below:

Here’s how RemitONE Hub™ reconnects banks to the global money transfer network:

1. Connecting Sending Partners

Sending Partners: The entity responsible for originating the fund transfer, whether through a digital platform or traditional method.

On the sending side, the RemitONE platform integrates with:

Fintechs

MTOs

Aggregators

2. Empowering Receiving Partners

Receiving Partners: The entity that receives the funds on behalf of individuals or businesses, whether through a digital platform or traditional method.

On the receiving side, RemitONE connects banks to:

Fintech

MTOs

Aggregators

Telecom Operators

This interconnected framework ensures that banks remain an integral part of the financial journey, from sender to receiver.

With RemitONE’s all-in-one system, the complexity of managing multiple platforms is eliminated, saving your team valuable time and reducing the risk of human error. With fewer systems to manage, your processes become more efficient, allowing your bank to operate smoothly, stay ahead of competition, and remain fully compliant—staying firmly in the good books of regulators.

Conclusion: The Future of Banking in Cross-Border Payments

The financial world is moving forward, and so must banks. By embracing platforms like RemitONE, banks can transform potential challenges into opportunities, becoming central players in the global money transfer network once again.

We’ve already empowered leading banks like Stanbic Bank, Banco do Brasil, Attijariwafa, and UBA—and you can be next.

The RemitONE Hub™ is not just a solution; it’s a lifeline for banks striving to stay ahead in a rapidly digitising world. With its ability to connect banks to the innovators driving the money transfer revolution, RemitONE ensures that no one gets left behind.

Book a FREE consultation with our expert consultants, and let’s get your bank back in the cross-border payments game.

Driving Innovation and Customer Trust: The Role of Compliance, Speed, and Transparency in the Evolving Payments Landscape | IPR Global 2024

In today’s fast-evolving payments landscape, security, compliance, and customer expectations are more interconnected than ever. As businesses strive to innovate and meet the growing demand for faster, more transparent payment solutions, integrating compliance from the start is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity.

We gathered our panel of experts from top companies in the field to share their insights and strategies.

Panellists:

Michael Bermingham, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, Nium

Anastasia Serikova, VP, Head of Revenue and Growth, Visa Direct at Visa

Kunal Choudhary, Money Transfers Strategy Lead, Worldpay

Mitchell Fordham, Chief Revenue Officer & Co-founder, eSIM Go

Moderator:

Oussama Kseibati, Business Development Officer, RemitONE

1. Balancing Innovation with Security: How Are Companies Integrating Compliance to Enhance Trust in the Payments Landscape?

In the evolving payments landscape, security and compliance aren’t just obstacles—they’re integral to innovation and customer trust. Michael highlighted that integrating compliance directly into product development can actually streamline processes rather than create friction. By building end-to-end solutions that embed compliance from the start, companies can meet regulatory standards, mitigate fraud risks, and open doors for more secure, seamless transactions. This approach not only can potentially position companies as leaders in compliance but also offers clients and partners a smoother, more reliable service.

Anastasia echoed Michael’s view, emphasising that products must work in close harmony with compliance. Open, continuous dialogue with regulators is crucial to ensuring that innovation and security progress together. Recent cross-border payment targets set by the Financial Stability Board—such as the goal for 75% of cross-border payments to arrive within an hour, with the remainder arriving within one business day by 2027. While challenging, it can push the industry to ultimately improve transparency and customer satisfaction.

2. Shifting Customer Expectations and the Impact of Seamless Payments and Remittances on Satisfaction

Customer expectations should naturally evolve as innovation progresses, highlighted Kunal. If they aren’t changing, something’s off. He broke this down into three key areas: transparency, speed, and convenience. Worldpay’s recent report found 84% of consumers want one-click payments, 67% prioritise ease of use when choosing a preferred payment method, and an impressive 97% say that fast payouts are crucial for a positive remittance experience. Integrating these elements into your payment processes is essential for a seamless customer journey.

When it comes to customer loyalty, fees are a major factor—73% of respondents consider them when choosing a remittance provider. Even more telling, 98% said transparency from the beginning of the transaction is key to keeping them loyal. In contrast, hidden fees or a lack of transparency can break trust, leading 20% of customers to abandon a transaction and seek alternatives. Failure to meet expectations on transparency or fees could leave customers feeling blindsided, eroding their confidence in the brand.

Michael added to Kunal’s point, highlighting the growing demand for real-time payments. Today’s customers want to know exactly where their money is at every step of the journey. While speed is crucial, transparency about the transaction’s status throughout the process is just as important. Customers are increasingly frustrated when they don’t have visibility into the status of their payments, which can detract from their overall satisfaction.

3. Case Studies: Leading Companies Elevating Customer Experience

Mitchell shared how Western Union is utilising eSIM technology to enhance customer convenience and loyalty. Through their digital wallet, the company offers eSIM options that allow customers to stay connected while travelling abroad, making it easier to manage finances, communicate with family, and access their services. This added benefit not only enriches the customer experience but also helps retain users by offering more value. Additionally, this approach allows Western Union to gather data that can be used to further refine and improve their services.

Worldpay, one of the largest payment acquirers, has a robust global infrastructure supporting over 180 markets and processing more than 50 billion transactions in multiple currencies. This vast expertise enables them to help merchants expand into new markets and enhance the customer experience, pointed out Kunal. Worldpay’s ability to innovate in fraud prevention through AI and machine learning helps ensure flag fraudulent activity beforehand and prevent it moving forward. While their focus on offering a wide range of payment options helps meet diverse customer needs. Their continued commitment to enhancing the payments experience through these technologies has enabled merchants to expand into new markets with greater confidence, benefiting both businesses and customers alike.

A growing trend in the payments industry, highlighted by Anastasia, is the increasing demand for faster, more transparent payments, particularly for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). A notable example is Revolut’s instant payouts for businesses, a service powered by Visa Direct. This has been driven by the need for speed and clarity in payments.

4. Promoting Financial Inclusion Through Payments and Remittances in Underserved Regions

In regions like Latin America, particularly Brazil, the introduction of real-time payments through PIX has been a game-changer. This system allows users to send and receive payments instantly, bypassing traditional banking systems and making financial transactions more accessible. Additionally, the ability to store and use foreign currencies in digital wallets is helping underserved populations meet daily financial needs, especially in times of crisis. This has opened up new opportunities for individuals, such as remote workers and freelancers, who can now receive payments from employers across different regions without relying on traditional bank accounts.

Anastasia highlighted several initiatives powered by Visa that contribute to financial inclusion. She shared how Visa has facilitated rapid state payouts during crises, such as in Guatemala following a natural disaster. Through Visa’s payment rails, the government was able to distribute funds quickly to almost 3 million people. Looking ahead, Anastasia predicts that digital wallets are expected to play an even larger role in financial inclusion, making it easier for people in underserved regions to access financial services.

Mitchell also discussed the significant role of mobile operators in providing financial services to underserved regions, particularly through companies like MTN and Digicel. However, a more innovative approach where not only can money be transferred between phone numbers, but the mobile operator also provides a SIM card to the recipient. This creates opportunities to better understand user behaviour, track interests, and gather insights about customer segments. By offering mobile plans at affordable rates, these operators are able to deliver a range of services that offer more value than just low fees, which in turn helps foster stronger brand loyalty and financial inclusion.

What next?

At RemitONE, our commitment is to provide you with cutting-edge technology, compliance solutions, an expansive network, and expert guidance to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of remittances. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, we’ve got you covered.

Want to see how RemitONE can elevate your business? Book a free consultation to discover how we can supercharge your business

Revolutionising Money Transfers: 4 Key Trends Shaping the Future

This article is brought to you in partnership with Worldpay, written by Kunal Choudhary, Money Transfers Strategy Lead at Worldpay.

The landscape of international money transfers is going through a shift, driven by evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. For money service businesses (MSBs), staying ahead of these changes could be key to success.

Let’s explore these trends and how Worldpay could help businesses navigate this transformation.

The need for speed

In today’s hyper-connected world, consumers need convenience, speed and security when it comes to moving their money. A recent study revealed that over three-quarters of consumers (77%) now expect instant payments¹. Money transfers are often time sensitive, so long waits for funds to clear may mean switching to an alternative provider. This shift in expectations is compelling MSBs to revamp their infrastructure to facilitate fast transfers while adhering to complex international regulations.

As a leading payment processor², we could help you to provide the quick, secure, and cost-effective money transfers your consumers are looking for. By incorporating our decades of expertise and authentication solutions, you can expand your reach and offer faster transfers around the world.

Digital wallets on the rise

Industry projections suggest that by 2027, digital wallets are projected to account for almost half ($25 trillion) of global transaction value³. This surge is fuelled not only by the ease of paying with just one tap, but also by the built-in two-factor authentication and tokenisation, this payment method offers.

One in five financial services customers would switch platforms if their preferred payment method was unavailable⁴. That’s why it’s important to incorporate secure and flexible options that meet those needs and help with enhancing loyalty. Worldpay’s solutions could facilitate direct integration between MSB platforms and popular wallet apps, simplifying orchestration and compliance while enabling a dynamic user experience.

The Personalisation Paradigm

Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for tailored experiences that reflect their individual needs and preferences³. One-size-fits-all approaches are no longer sufficient.

To keep pace with consumers, MSBs might look into innovative technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) as a route to personalisation. AI could empower merchants to understand and predict customer needs better, offer customised solutions, and of course, automate. Worldpay is harnessing AI and machine learning together with extensive transaction and biometric data to help you make intelligent decisions in real-time.

The Fraud Prevention Imperative

With the volume of digital transactions rising⁵, the risk of fraud is also becoming a major concern⁶. Ensuring a safe environment for online money transfers is becoming a top priority for maintaining customer trust and compliance with regulations.

Worldpay’s fraud solutions use rich data from 52bn annual transactions to help detect and predict fraudulent activity to help protect consumers.

Embracing the Future

The money transfer industry stands at a crossroads, with emerging technologies and shifting consumer preferences reshaping the landscape. MSBs that can successfully navigate these trends – offering rapid transfers, embracing digital wallets, personalising experiences, and fortifying fraud protection – might be best positioned to thrive in this dynamic market.

Collaborating with an experienced payment provider could be a game-changer for MSBs looking to stay competitive. By tapping into advanced solutions and deep industry expertise, businesses can accelerate their transformation and deliver the smooth, secure, and personalised experiences that modern consumers expect.

To chat to one of Worldpay’s experts today, please visit https://www.worldpay.com

Sources:

Meet Worldpay at IPR Global 2024

Meet Platinum sponsors, Worldpay at IPR Global this September. Don’t miss out on this unmatched opportunity to connect with their team.

Get your tickets today, spaces are limited: https://global2024.ipr-events.com/

RemitONE Liveness Feature™ Coming Soon: Real-Time Biometric Authentication for Digital Money Transfers

We are excited to announce the introduction of the RemitONE Liveness Feature™, brought to you through our collaboration with GBG.

The pace of digital transformation has accelerated remarkably in recent years, driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This technological surge has reshaped numerous sectors, offering innovative solutions.

In the healthcare sector, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) integrated AI-driven facial biometric checks into their mobile app to simplify login procedures, minimising the need for in-person visits and accelerating the onboarding process. Similarly, airlines like Emirates and Delta have also adopted biometric facial recognition for check-in, security clearance, and boarding, streamlining processes and reducing physical contact. These innovations highlight AI’s transformative power in reshaping industries and improving operations.

At RemitONE, we have responded swiftly by introducing the RemitONE Liveness Feature™, to help your business comply with the Payments Services Regulations (PSR). These regulations require strong customer authentication for security, and our new Liveness feature ensures that you meet these standards.

What is the RemitONE Liveness feature™?

The RemitONE Liveness feature™ is an innovative tool that uses advanced biometric facial recognition technology for real-time authentication during customer onboarding when the customer is not physically present.

This technology includes liveness testing, which alongside facial biometrics, detects fraudulent attempts such as deepfake images or silicone masks used during selfie submissions. This ensures that the submitted biometric data originates from a genuine person who is physically present. By integrating this feature into your customer onboarding process, you can mitigate the risk of financial penalties and protect your company’s reputation.

Stay tuned for when this feature will go live. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Interview with Wayne Gould, former Head of Financial Services, Trust Payments | IPR Global 2023

We interviewed Wayne Gould, former Head of Financial Services at Trust Payments, during our Innovation in Payments and Remittances (IPR) Global event. Discover his insights on the event, including how it has facilitated the formation of new connections, strengthened existing ones, and more.

Watch the short interview now!

Interview with Priscilla Friedman, from CrossTech | IPR Global 2023

During our Innovation in Payments and Remittances (IPR) Global event, we met Priscilla, COO of CrossTech, to share her thoughts on the payments and remittance events industry.

Priscilla Friedman has an extensive background in operations management, strategy, process improvement, consulting and training. Her role as a Chief Operating Officer with CrossTech involves optimising operations, organising and managing events, and relationship management whilst building upon the company’s legacy.

Watch the full video to find out what she has to say.

RemitONE Feature Focus Webinar: Securer Transactions, Anti-Fraud Tools & White-Label Mobile App

In this webinar, our speakers will unveil powerful tools to combat fraudulent onboarding, ensure secure transaction management on both Android and iOS, and gain centralised control of your branded mobile app for seamless operations.

Each quarter, we will host live webinars to explore and demonstrate updates and improvements to the Money Transfer Engine, and chat with our valued clients about features they want to implement or wish to see in the future.

For more information on enabling new features on your system, contact support@remitone_admin

What next?

At RemitONE, our commitment is to provide you with cutting-edge technology, compliance solutions, and expert guidance to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of remittances. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, we’ve got you covered.

Want to see how RemitONE can elevate your business? Book a free consultation with our experts today!

RemitONE Winners of the CrossTech ‘White Label Provider’ of the Year Award at CrossTech World 2023 in Miami, USA!

We are thrilled to announce that RemitONE has achieved the ‘White Label Provider’ Award at the CrossTech Awards 2023 in Miami, USA. This milestone highlights our relentless pursuit to tailoring top-notch solutions for our clients and their customer’s needs to ensure a seamless and satisfied user experience. Esteemed industry judges, renowned for their expertise, acknowledged the significance of our technology.

Representing RemitONE at the event, our Assistant Marketing Manager, Harriet Garcia, accepted the award and expressed our gratitude to everyone involved in our journey to success.

At RemitONE, we’re continuously evolving to match market trends, our system has been reviewed by global regulators and central banks, prioritising the utmost security for our clients’ data. Moreover, this achievement reflects the dedicated efforts of our exceptional team at RemitONE, whose dedication to innovation and delivering outstanding results has been pivotal to our success.

This award stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to pioneering advancements in the payments and remittance industry, ultimately enriching the lives of migrants and their families worldwide. To explore our award-winning Money Transfer Software, reach out to us at sales@remitone.com.

Mastering Modern Compliance: Adapting to the Changing Landscape and Overcoming De-risking

The essence of your money service business (MSB) survival lies in compliance. Every passing year brings forth changes, demanding continuous vigilance to keep pace with evolving laws and regulations, ensuring sustained compliance for business operations.

Join us in this discussion as we explore the dynamic trends shaping compliance, uncovering strategies to proactively anticipate and adapt to upcoming changes, enabling businesses to stay ahead.

Moderator

Rob Ayers, Business Development, Bates Group

Panellists:

Ibrahim Muhammad, Senior Payments Consultant, Finxplor
Nadeem Qureshi, CTO, USI Money
Jonathan Jensen, Global Regulatory Policy Advisor, GBG

How has the landscape of compliance in payments and remittances changed over the years and what are the driving forces behind these changes?

Ibraheem reflected on the earlier era in the mid-’90s when operations took precedence over compliance, with front offices catering to customers and back offices managing processes without dedicated compliance teams. However, events like 9/11 marked a turning point, prompting companies to recognise the vital role of compliance and the necessity for dedicated compliance teams. Ibraheem believes technology advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving customer expectations as the primary driving forces behind these changes.

Jonathan also observed a heightened emphasis on a risk-based approach in recent years, noting a departure from rigid, prescriptive regulations to more flexible frameworks

Nadeem echoed the sentiments of his fellow panellists and shed light on the pandemic-induced surge in regulatory pressure, compelling firms to prioritise operational resilience programs. Regulators increasing demand on firms to implement such programs was another noticeable shift, reflecting the evolving nature of compliance requirements in response to global challenges.

Can you provide examples of regulatory changes which have had a significant impact on the payments and remittance industry? How have organisations adapted to comply with these changes?

In the wake of the pandemic, there’s a growing emphasis on implementing resilience and operational strategies. There are concerns firms are unprepared for the Consumer Duty regulation that commenced in July 2023. This regulation demands higher standards for customer care, aligning products/services with customer needs, and ensuring fair pricing. Nadeem discussed essential considerations for firms, such as ensuring tailored customer services for individuals with disabilities and effectively identifying the needs of vulnerable customers. He cautioned that many firms have yet to implement these regulations in their operations, suggesting seeking advice from advisors, consultants, and relevant departments to avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.

Jonathan also noted a recent regulatory change acknowledging the advantages of technology. He highlighted the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group’s (JMLSG) publication advocating for biometric checks to prevent fraudulent onboarding, showcasing a regulatory shift towards acknowledging and leveraging technological advancements for enhanced security and fraud prevention in the industry.

We at RemitONE have recently collaborated with GBG to introduce the RemitONE Liveness feature™, a vital defence for our clients in today’s technology-driven world. The risk of impersonation looms large, causing considerable financial losses for companies due to fraudulent activities. Therefore, safeguarding your system with this tool is crucial to combat fraudulent onboarding effectively.

This technology includes liveness testing, which alongside facial biometrics, detects fraudulent attempts such as deepfake images or silicone masks used during selfie submissions. This ensures that the submitted biometric data originates from a genuine person who is physically present. By equipping your systems with this tool, you can effectively prevent fraudulent onboarding, reducing the risk of severe financial losses and potential damage. Looking ahead, such advancements promise a future where companies can safeguard their operations more effectively, fostering trust and security with their customers.

This feature is coming soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when it goes live.

What are the primary reasons behind financial institutions’ decisions to de-risk and how can payment providers mitigate the impact of de-risking on their operations?

There is a growing need for stringent policies within banks to combat financial crime, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by cross-border regulatory disparities, as noted by Nadeem. Banks weigh commercial viability and transactional volume heavily, often leading to sector exits. However, with the evolving landscape, there are more available options like payment service providers and EMIs offering umbrella accounts, catering to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transfer operators.

There are also different regional variations approaches to de-risking. Ibraheem referenced a case where a UK politician’s account closure, sparked media attention on political implications, which led the FCA to address the issue, by tightening regulation. Stakeholders should take a collaborative approach in the payment ecosystem for a more nuanced, risk-based approach rather than blanket policies. There is also a UK trend of reluctance in onboarding PEPs due to high incorporation costs, this reinforces the need for a risk assessment based on sectors and jurisdictions rather than denying access. This approach could streamline onboarding while minimising risks associated with certain customers.

The panellists collectively agreed with the necessity for adaptive, risk-centric approaches within financial institutions to mitigate de-risking impacts on payment providers and foster a more inclusive yet secure financial landscape.

What role does customer due diligence (CDD) play in modern compliance efforts and how can organisations balance customer experience with the need for rigorous customer due diligence requirements?

CDD is the core of compliance, but there needs to be a balance between conducting necessary checks without disrupting the customer experience, as expressed by Jonathan. Leveraging appropriate technology to streamline processes and ensure a seamless experience for customers while effectively fulfilling CDD requirements is crucial.

Ibraheem highlighted the varying approaches taken by companies, tailoring due diligence based on regions and types of products or services offered. He explained that transactions to high-risk jurisdictions warrant enhanced due diligence, while those to lower-risk areas could involve less stringent checks for customer convenience. Additionally, Ibraheem pointed out that different services, such as cash pick-ups versus account transfers, require varying levels of scrutiny, aligning due diligence with the nature of the service provided.

Nadeem echoed the sentiments of Jonathan and Ibraheem, emphasizing the importance of aligning enhanced due diligence (EDD) with the commercial model, service type, and territorial risks. He underscored the benefits of applying a risk-based approach, suggesting that robust internal systems established through such an approach can yield long-term benefits for organisations in compliance efforts.

What next?

Want to see how RemitONE can elevate your business? Book a free consultation with our experts today!