Thunes and WireBarley have unveiled a partnership designed to streamline international money transfers. Announced recently, during Money20/20 Asia, the collaboration aims to deliver instant, efficient cross-border payment options for both businesses and consumers, particularly targeting key routes involving South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Vietnam. The integration connects WireBarley’s platform directly to Thunes’ payment infrastructure.
This move grants the fintech firm’s customers improved access to rapid payout services spanning seven originating countries and more than 520 destination corridors.
Notably, the alliance also introduces real-time inbound payment capabilities to South Korea, addressing longstanding demands for speed in one of the region’s most advanced financial landscapes.
South Korea’s remittance sector has shown robust expansion, with outbound transfers reaching $7.45 billion in 2024.
Industry forecasts suggest the digital segment of this market could expand at a compound annual growth rate of 16.7% through 2030.
By joining forces, the two companies are well-positioned to capture opportunities in this thriving environment while modernizing how capital moves for both corporate and individual users.
The partnership creates a bidirectional bridge that benefits both organizations. WireBarley gains enhanced global reach and technical capabilities to support its expansion ambitions, while Thunes deepens its footprint in the Korean market through localized insights and operational expertise.
This synergy is expected to reduce fragmentation in international transfers, offering greater speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes, highlighted the alignment in vision: the companies share a goal of eliminating barriers in global money flows.
He described Thunes’ network as an enabler for fintech advancement, fostering seamless connectivity between South Korea and international markets to support a more integrated financial world.
John Joongwon Yoo, Co-Founder and CEO of WireBarley, emphasized the trust built over years of collaboration.
He noted that the partnership will accelerate delivery of innovative, real-time services across regions, bolstering WireBarley’s growth trajectory and presence in Asia-Pacific and North America.
Founded in 2016, WireBarley has established itself as a dynamic player in regional payments. It was among the first Korean remittance services to extend operations into Australia and North America.
The company operates a sophisticated system handling foreign exchange, treasury functions, and compliance across multiple corridors, serving both personal and commercial needs.
It recently expanded its profile through a partnership with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) starting in the 2026 season.
Thunes operates a direct global network supporting real-time transactions in over 140 countries and 90 currencies.
Its platform links to mobile wallets, bank accounts, and cards through diverse payment methods, backed by advanced treasury and compliance tools.
Clients include major platforms like Uber, Deliveroo, Grab, and various financial institutions. This alliance underscores the accelerating shift toward instant cross-border solutions in Asia. By combining strengths, Thunes and WireBarley are focused on enhancing user experiences but also contributing to the broader evolution of digital finance, setting standards for efficiency and accessibility in high-growth corridors.
