Global Banks Have Accelerated Cross-Border Payment Speeds
Financial institutions are integrating blockchain and new digital networks to improve international settlement times.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Financial Services
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Banks are updating their infrastructure to enable real-time cross-border payments as global demand for faster settlement grows. Current progress shows over half of wholesale payments are now credited within one hour, though industry experts remain skeptical about reaching 2027 targets.
Why it matters
Financial institutions are under significant pressure from both clients and global policymakers to make international transfers as efficient and trackable as domestic payments. Meeting these speed benchmarks is essential for the modernization of the global financial architecture.
In 2025, 54.6 percent of wholesale and 35.4 percent of retail cross-border payments were credited within one hour. The Financial Stability Board has set a goal to increase this rate to 75 percent for both categories by the end of 2027.
The players
Deutsche Bank
This multinational investment bank and financial services company is headquartered in Frankfurt and maintains a significant global presence.
Financial Stability Board
This international body monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system to promote international financial stability.
DBS
Headquartered in Singapore, this multinational banking and financial services corporation is a prominent player in Asian currency-clearing systems.
Partior
This technology company provides a blockchain-based platform designed to enable real-time interbank clearing and settlement.
The details
Banks are embedding new settlement architecture and blockchain technology into internal operating models to link traditional correspondent channels with domestic fast-payment systems. Deutsche Bank recently utilized this approach by completing its first euro-denominated cross-border blockchain payment in September 2025 through a partnership with Partior.
Timeline
September 2025: Deutsche Bank finalized its first euro-denominated blockchain payment.
2025: The Financial Stability Board tracked wholesale and retail payment speed data.
End of 2027: The target date for reaching a 75 percent one-hour payment credit rate.
Market Landscape
This transition to real-time settlement mirrors the G20 cross-border payment enhancement program requirements. These upgrades position legacy institutions to compete more effectively against emerging fintech networks and regional clearing systems.
Customers can expect more transparent and trackable international transfers as banks integrate faster digital settlement networks. These infrastructure changes aim to reduce the time money spends in transit, effectively lowering the latency currently experienced in global banking.
The takeaway
The move toward real-time global settlement is creating a more efficient ecosystem for international trade and personal remittances. Readers should anticipate faster transaction times, though widespread adoption remains tied to ongoing infrastructure investments across the banking sector.
Further reading
For more on industry infrastructure trends, visit our Financial Services section.
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Do you expect international money transfers to become faster and cheaper in the coming years?
