Cross-border payments in supply chains: The new backbone of global trade

Modern supply chains rely on three critical flows: physical, informational, and financial. If the physical flow involves goods and tangible assets, and the informational flow governs operational data, then the financial flow serves as the lifeblood that keeps everything moving in sync. In global commerce, this financial stream is especially vital, ensuring continuity, trust, and efficiency in cross-border activities.

Cross-border payments are no longer a final step but a foundational requirement for stable supply chain operations. A seamless capital flow sustains the movement of goods, reinforces trust among stakeholders, and prevents supply chain disruptions.

As supply chains undergo digital transformation, infrastructure is evolving—from physical logistics to financial logistics—where financial technology (fintech) plays a central role in restructuring global capital flows.

Fintech reshaping financial supply chains

Fintech is driving digital transformation in global payments. A standout development is the rise of real-time payment (RTP) networks, which reduce cross-border transaction times from several days to mere seconds. Initiatives such as SWIFT’s global payments innovation (gpi) and the Bank for International Settlements' Nexus project are paving the way for a faster, more secure, and interoperable global payment system.

Blockchain and stablecoins are also redefining the landscape of cross-border payments. By eliminating intermediaries, blockchain significantly reduces costs and speeds up settlement. Stablecoins like USDC and USDT, pegged to fiat currencies, provide digital convenience with price stability. At the same time, blockchain enhances transparency and security, minimizing fraud and enabling auditable transaction trails.

Embedded finance is another major trend, integrating financial services directly into business platforms. Through API-based infrastructure, businesses can embed payment initiation, invoice financing, and receivables management into their existing workflows. This not only shortens processing time but also reduces cash flow risks and operational friction.

9Pay: Enabling smoother payments in global supply chains

As a cross-border payment intermediary licensed by the State Bank of Vietnam, 9Pay has emerged as a standout Vietnamese fintech contributing to the global financial supply chain. Through solutions like its 9S - collection and disbursement service and 9Remit international settlement service (developed in partnership with banks), 9Pay helps international businesses connect with the Vietnamese market seamlessly, transparently, and in full compliance with regulations.

9Pay's real-time transaction processing (T+0), with no limitations on volume or value, is a key advantage. With an annual payment volume exceeding USD 10 billion, the platform delivers high operational stability—crucial for maintaining resilient supply chain operations.

Its data infrastructure enables partners to monitor transactions in real time and reconcile accounts with accuracy and transparency. Integrated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities also allow 9Pay to analyze user behavior, personalize financial services, and support decision-making through real-time data.

9Pay is a strategic partner to leading banks, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions. Its reputation is built not only on robust technology but also on its ability to scale across regional and international markets.

With the principle of “Global payment, Local trust,” 9Pay shows that fintech’s role goes beyond digitalizing money flows—it lies in building the foundations of trust, connection, and sustainable growth in the digital age of commerce.