Thunes, known as the Smart Superhighway for global money movement, has announced a strategic partnership with WireBarley, a payment platform in the Asia-Pacific region to deliver real-time, seamless cross-border payment solutions for businesses and individuals across key corridors, including South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Vietnam.

This partnership showcases a mutual commitment to digital transformation and is set to accelerate WireBarley’s international growth.

Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes, said, “Our collaboration with WireBarley represents a shared strategic vision to remove fragmentation in global money movement. It’s a perfect example of how Thunes’ Direct Global Network can serve as a catalyst for fintech innovation and growth through real-time cross-border money movement.” 

“By bridging the gap between South Korea and the rest of the world, we are supporting Thunes’ presence in North Asia and empowering WireBarley to scale their vision of a borderless financial ecosystem,” he added.

Improved payment capabilities for WireBarley users

By integrating with Thunes’ Direct Global Network, WireBarley’s 1.1 million users will gain access to enhanced payout capabilities and faster remittance services spanning seven sending countries and 520 payout corridors. Notably, this integration enables real-time payments into South Korea, a critical market for both companies.

John Joongwon Yoo, Co-Founder and CEO of WireBarley, stated, “Thunes is a core strategic partner in our mission, built on the strong trust we have developed over the years and our shared commitment to a market-leading spirit. Together, we will deliver game-changing and seamless cross-border payment services in real time across multiple countries and regions, while accelerating our regional presence and strategic business expansion.”

Strategic impact and market expansion

This partnership sets a new standard for cross-border payments in South Korea, enhancing B2B and consumer transactions for quicker and easier processing.

Thunes is expanding in South Korea to enhance B2B and consumer transactions, solidifying its status as a fintech hub and addressing the growing need for efficient capital movement.

This would strengthen the country’s status as a fintech hub and meet the rising demand for efficient capital movement.

It is to be noted that South Korea’s outbound remittances reached $7.45 billion in 2024. With the digital remittance sector projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7% through 2030, this partnership strategically positions both companies at the forefront of the region’s digital finance evolution.

The partnership is a strategic two-way gateway. It provides Thunes with localised expertise in South Korea’s complex market while supporting WireBarley’s ambitions to scale as a global fintech player.