Inside Job Innovación y bancarización a través del bienestar
To Keep in Mind Pioneering the Future of Cross-Border Payments
Welcome to this special edition of our magazine, celebrating the CrossTech Fintech Payments Conference 2024—a cornerstone event for professionals in B2B, fintech, and international payments. Our mission is to enrich learning, catalyze growth, and spur innovation in the international payments arena, equipping businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Therefore, the outstanding success of our conferences is a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of our esteemed sponsors and exhibitors; Mastercard, UniTeller, Bitso Business, Bantrab, Banco Daycoval, NetXD, Paysend, NIUM, Almond FinTech, Flex Money Transfer, Sights Pan, and Banco W.
Their innovative contributions are driving transformative change across global financial services. By fostering collaboration and sharing groundbreaking insights, they set new standards for efficiency and integration in payment solutions, thereby enhancing connectivity and fostering economic opportunities worldwide.
We hope you enjoy this edition, filled with insights and stories of progress made possible by our incredible partners. Their steadfast support and dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration have been vital in shaping a thriving, integrated future in fintech. As we explore these pages, we share their excitement for the promising opportunities ahead, where together, we will continue to break new ground and forge fresh pathways in the dynamic landscape of financial technology. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and growth.
Priscilla D'Oliveira COO, CrossTech
Diego Muñoz
AROUND THE WORLD
Navigating the Fintech and B2B Expansion within cross-border payments
INSIDE JOB
TO KEEP IN MIND
INDUSTRY LEADER
STEFANY BELLO
Senior Vice President | Digital Partnerships Retail & Commerce, Latin America & the Caribbean
• AGENDA
• CONFERENCE FLOOR PLAN
• HIGHLIGHTED PANELS
• SPEAKERS
The 2024 CrossTech Innovation Awards is an event recognizing exceptional contributions in the cross-border payment industry. It focuses on the latest technological innovations that enhance efficiency, security, and access to financial services. The awards emphasize the importance of creativity, leadership, and innovation in shaping the future of cross-border payments, highlighting the integration of traditional fintech and emerging blockchain/crypto technologies. This year, the event is notably enriched by Mastercard as its exclusive sponsor, whose commitment to innovation significantly impacts the sector's evolution. Mastercard's involvement underscores the importance of visionary leadership and technological prowess in driving advancements in the industry.
This award recognizes fintech companies that innovate cross-border remittance solutions prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and reliability.
Fintech companies leveraging blockchain technology and crypto-based solutions to create transformative cross-border payment networks.
This award recognizes outstanding women leaders who have significantly contributed to the cross-border payments industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
This prestigious award recognizes mature companies that have established themselves as leaders in the fintech industry for five years or more.
Priscilla D'Oliveira Friedman CrossTech, COO
In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology (Fintech) and business-to-business (B2B) growth, navigating regional opportunities and challenges becomes not only a complex endeavor but also a potentially rewarding one. As the industry continues to expand, companies are increasingly looking to tap into new markets, each with its unique regulatory, cultural, and economic environment. This article seeks to shed light on the intricate landscape of Fintech and B2B growth, offering insights and practical strategies from industry experts to navigate these waters successfully.
The global Fintech market is thriving, driven by innovative technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile payments. The market, which was valued at approximately $150 billion in 2021, is projected to soar to over $320 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% (Market Research Future). This growth, however, is not uniform across all regions.
Asia-Pacific (APAC) has emerged as a hotspot for Fintech innovation, thanks in part to the rapid digital transformation in countries like China, India, and Singapore. For instance, in Southeast Asia alone, 70% of the population uses at least one form of digital payment (eMarketer). Similarly, Europe, bolstered by its unified regulatory framework under the PSD2 directive, provides fertile ground for Fintech companies looking to offer cross-border services.
Leveraging these opportunities requires a deep understanding of local market dynamics. Companies must conduct thorough market research to identify gaps in the financial services sector that can be filled with innovative solutions. Building strong relationships with local stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, and technology partners, is crucial for navigating the regulatory landscape and gaining market entry.
Despite the opportunities, the path to Fintech and B2B growth is fraught with challenges. Regulatory hurdles pose the most significant barrier to entry in many regions. Each country has its own set of financial regulations, which can be stringent and complex to navigate. For example, while the European Union offers a relatively harmonized regulatory environment, the US financial regulatory system is fragmented, with different rules across states. Navigating these regulatory waters requires a strategic approach, including investing in legal expertise and engaging with regulators early in the expansion process. Moreover, cultural and linguistic differences can also impact the adoption of Fintech solutions. What works in one region may not necessarily resonate with users in another due to differences in financial behavior, trust in digital services, and technology literacy. Companies must tailor their offerings to meet the local preferences and needs, which may involve redesigning their solutions or adopting new business models.
To overcome these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, Fintech and B2B companies should adopt a multi-faceted strategy. This includes:
• Local Partnership and Collaboration: Working with local partners can provide valuable insights into the market, help navigate regulatory requirements, and facilitate market entry.
• Regulatory Engagement: Proactively engaging with regulators can help companies understand compliance requirements, influence regulatory developments, and secure necessary licenses.
• Technology Innovation: Continuously innovating to offer superior, user-friendly solutions can help companies differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
As an industry expert, I suggest understanding and adapting to the local landscape is key to navigating the new dynamics of Fintech market.
Using Blockchain Technology for Faster, Cost-Effective Transfers
Félix Pago encountered substantial hurdles in the remittance landscape, primarily catering to businesses and individuals sending money to Mexico. Traditional methods were plagued by high fees, sluggish processes, and unreliability.
This success narrative delves into Félix Pago's collaboration with Bitso, which surmounted these challenges, introducing a swifter, cost-efficient, and user-centric solution.
1. High Fees: Traditional remittance methods imposed hefty fees, diminishing the recipient's funds. Conversely, Félix Pago's partnership with Bitso introduced a flat fee per transaction, markedly reducing costs.
2. Slow and Inconvenient: Traditional remittance methods we re often protracted, taking days or weeks. Félix Pago's WhatsApp-based service processed transactions in less than a minute, providing unparalleled speed and convenience.
3. Unreliable: Traditional remittance methods encountered delays and losses. Bitso's robust security measures ensured the safety of user funds, bolstering the reliability of the service.
Félix Pago's WhatsApp-based remittance service surpasses traditional options across various metrics:
• Speed: Transactio ns completed in less than a minute, compared to several days or weeks.
• Fees: A flat fee of USD $2.99 per transaction, significantly lower than traditional remittance methods.
• Convenience: Direct transactions from WhatsApp, eliminating the need for physical visits or complex websites.
• Security: Bitso's security measures mitigate fraud and theft risks.
• Scalability: The partnership facilitates expansion to more countries and users.
A comparison table delineates the advantages of Félix Pago's enhanced service through Bitso over traditional options.
The project's mechanics represent a strategic partnership between Félix Pago and Bitso. Félix Pago assumes responsibility for managing the user interface and integrating with WhatsApp, enhancing its brand visibility and customer engagement. Meanwhile, Bitso efficiently handles the complexities of blockchain technology and establishes direct connections to LATAM banking systems, bolstering Félix Pago's operational efficiency and market reach.
Faster time-to-market with seamless integration process; reaching integration within 1 day.
Enabling real-time payments without the need of prefunding, resulting in capital efficiency.
Leveraging our regulatory coverage and direct banking integrations to reach a wide audience in a compliant manner.
Premio a la inclusión financiera
Por promover la apertura de cuentas monetarias o de ahorro para migrantes guatemaltecos con pasaporte a través de la aplicación YoLo, Fintech Americas otorgó a Herbert Hernández, Gerente
General de Bantrab, el Premio Platino País, en la categoría Experiencia del Cliente.
Bantrab nace en 1966 con un compromiso genuino por promover el bienestar de los guatemaltecos. En 2022, el banco reflexiona sobre su misión y traza la Estrategia
Bienestar, la cual descansa en tres pilares: el financiero, el social y de desarrollo, y el digital.
Esta estrategia se ha convertido en la punta de lanza de la institución para promover la bancarización de los guatemaltecos a través de iniciativas innovadoras, como YoLo, una aplicación que permite abrir una cuenta monetaria o de ahorros, pagar y recibir dinero, mediante un proceso en línea y sin visitar ningún Centro de Negocios Bantrab.
Herbert Hernández, Gerente General de Bantrab, recuerda que YoLo, lanzada en 2020, se convirtió en una herramienta de bancarización durante la pandemia del COVID-19, porque únicamente se requiere que las personas validen su identidad mediante el escaneo de su Documento Personal de Identificación (DPI) o pasaporte y una selfi. A la fecha, más de 100 mil personas han sido beneficiadas con esta app.
Otra iniciativa que impulsa el banco son los Centros de Asesoría Financiera en Estados Unidos. En 2023, abrió ocho dentro de los
Yolo es la Billetera electrónica que te permite abrir una cuenta bancaria desde tu celular, pagar y cobrar sin contacto con un código QR o un link, solicitar productos, y hacer retiros de efectivo en cajeros, centros de negocio y agentes Bantrab. Todo de manera fácil, rápida y sin ir al banco.
consulados de Los Ángeles, San Francisco, San Bernardino, Maryland, Providence, Riverhead, Lakeworth y Raleigh, con el fin de facilitar a los migrantes guatemaltecos el envío de remesas, acceso a educación financiera y darles acompañamiento para que puedan adquirir un producto financiero en su país de origen.
Bantrab también cuenta con Remesas Bantrab, una aplicación para que los residentes en Estados Unidos realicen envío de dinero sin costo y en tiempo real a sus familiares y amigos en Guatemala.
Este esfuerzo se complementa con Mi Agente Bantrab, una red de comercios afiliados a Bantrab, en donde los clientes pueden realizar transacciones y gestiones bancarias. A la fecha, cuenta con más de 800 agentes bancarios en el territorio guatemalteco.
mil
Guatemaltecos han abierto una cuenta a través de YoLo.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the cross-border payments sector has undergone a remarkable digital transformation, marked by groundbreaking innovations. Yet, challenges persist for both businesses and individuals, from cost and transparency issues to the need for real-time options and robust transaction repair mechanisms.
In this dynamic landscape, financial institutions and corporations grapple with compliance, security, and operational efficiency concerns, navigating varying regulatory prerequisites across jurisdictions and countries.
UniTeller has emerged as an industry leader in enabling seamless movement of funds across international borders. With a global network spanning over 200,000 payment points and 4,200 banks and mobile wallets worldwide, UniTeller addresses the unique needs of its diverse clientele, providing comprehensive payment processing solutions that prioritize efficiency and security in every transaction.
UniTeller's vision positions the company as the primary provider of cross-border processing services, introducing a unique Product Suite designed to redefine cross-border payments.
UniTeller’s industry-leading “Remittance as a Service” platform, UniTeller Digital Link, equips businesses with flexible, end-to-end cross-border payment processing services. This platform, encompassing Full Turnkey White-Label solutions and API integrations, operates within a best-in-class compliance and licensing framework, enabling enterprises to conduct real-time cross-border payments without interruption.
UniTeller Cross-Border Send provides businesses with unprecedented access to real-time payments. A single API grants instant access to a diverse array of payment options—P2P, B2C, C2B, and even B2B—along with one of the most competitive payment networks spanning over 200,000 cash pick-up locations and 4,200 banks and mobile wallets across 100+ countries.
By leveraging UniTeller's simplified API, integration times are drastically reduced, and hidden costs are eliminated, simplifying the process with remarkable transparency. Businesses benefit from a seamless payment experience, complete with AML checks, transaction screening, distribution networks, and FX conversions.
UniTeller Cross-Border Pay empowers payer institutions with unique access to multiple transaction providers and networks through one single API integration. Payer institutions gain access to a network of money transfer operators (MTOs), corporations, banks, and retailers, driving cross-border transaction growth.
With the global B2B payments landscape projected to reach an impressive $54 trillion in 2023, the need for efficiency, reliability, and security has never been more paramount. UniTeller's International Business Payments Solutions offer a seamless avenue for transaction management, enabling enterprises to effortlessly process real-time, low-value payments to over 50 countries. With a robust payment gateway API and digital solutions, UniTeller facilitates streamlined cross-border payments for B2C, B2B, and C2B transactions.
Join us in embracing the future of cross-border payments—an era defined by efficiency, reliability, and security. Explore the comprehensive suite of UniTeller's services and solutions at https://uniteller.com/.
Sponsors
Partners
09:00 - 09:10
09:10 - 09:15
09:15 - 10:00
10:00- 10:45
MARRIOT MARQUIS
MAY 23, 2024
WELCOME PARTICIPANTS
2024 INNOVATION AWARDS LAUNCH
Future of CrossTech Payments: Navigating the Fintech Frontier in 2024
Moderator: Hugo Cuevas-Mohr (CrossTech)
Panelists: Alberto Guerra (UniTeller), Gabriele Zuliani (Bitso Business), Stefany Bello (Mastercard)
New York: Breaking Ground in Cross-Border Innovation
Moderator: Brion Bonkowski (Tern)
Panelists: Carlos Naudon (Ponce Bank) and Alfredo Sarria (99FinTech)
10:45 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:30
Sponsored by
COFFEE BREAK SPONSORED BY
Navigating Regional Opportunities & Challenges in Fintech Growth
Moderator: Priscilla D’Oliveira (CrossTech)
Panelists: Beatriz Bravo (Paysend), Alejandro del Rio Nicolau (Paymentology) and Kofi Owusu Nhyira (Nsano Limited)
12:30 - 13:15
Sponsored by
Fintech Transformation: From Investment to Returns
Moderator: Priscilla D’Oliveira (CrossTech)
Panelists: Brion Bonkowski (Tern), Lisa Lanham (GT Law), & Jairo Riveros (Paysend)
13:15 - 13:35 ANNOUNCEMENT BY
13:35 - 14:30
14:30 - 15:15
15:15 - 16:15
16:15 - 17:00
LUNCH SPONSORED BY
Fintech M&As: Learning from Market Experience
Moderator: Priscilla D’Oliveira (CrossTech) Panelists: Alberto Guerra (UniTeller), Ernesto Luciano (Former Intermex Wire Transfer), & Mark Corritori (Mastercard)
COFFEE BREAK
Compliance Discussion Forum: Global Compliance Trends and Future Regulatory Outlook for Cross-Border Fintech
Moderator: Kathryn Tomasofsky (MSBA)
Panelists: Luis Trujillo (PAARC), Amy Greenwood-Field (McGlinchey Stafford), & Adam Atlas (Adam Atlas Attorneys)
Compliance Discussion Forum: Best Practices: Building Trust and Security in Cross-Border Payments
Moderator: Juan Llanos (Félix Pago)
Panelists: Rob Ayers (Capital Compliance), Eduardo Díaz (UniTeller), & Brian Frankel (Payoneer)
Compliance Discussion Forum: Crypto Fintechs and Cross-Border Payments
Moderator: Marina Olman-Pal (GT Law)
Panelists: Giray Hasanali (ARF Finance) Christina Rea (RayCor Consulting), & Jesimin Berman (Papaya Global)
17:00 - 20:00
Fintech & Bank Partnerships
Moderator: Ron Mazursky (NYPAY)
Panelists: Luis Trujillo (PAARC) Hal Ramakers (Brightwell), & Rob Ayers (RemitOne)
WELCOME RECEPTION SPONSORED BY
10:00 - 10:15
10:15 - 11:00
11:00- 11:45
11:45 - 12:45
12:45 - 13:30
13:30 - 14:15
14:15 - 14:25
14:25 - 15:30
15:30 - 16:15
16:15 - 17:15
17:15 - 18:00 18:00 - 18:30
Fintechs: From Domestic to International Markets
WELCOME PARTICIPANTS
Moderator: Hugo Cuevas-Mohr (CrossTech)
Panelists: John Walsh (Sightspan), Michael Bermingham(NIUM), & Arnoldo Reyes (MoneyGram)
Growing a Fintech: Opportunities & Challenges (O&C)
Moderator: Juan Llanos (Félix Pago)
Panelists: Adam Swartzbaugh (Almond Fintech), Amar Das (Fast Funds) & Elisabeth Bohlmann (Qubika)
Sponsored by
COFFEE BREAK SPONSORED BY
Successful Partnerships in Cross-Border Fintechs & B2Bs
Moderator: Erick Schneider (CrossTech)
Panelists: Fernando Gutierrez (UniTeller), Puru Poudyal (iPay Remit) & James Cresswell (Paysend)
Driving Change: Women at the Forefront of Fintech Evolution
Moderator: Priscilla D’Oliveira (CrossTech)
Panelists: Priscilla Hazel (Nsano Limited)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY
LUNCH SPONSORED BY
Borderless Innovations: A Conversation with Cross-Border Payments Founders
Moderator: Priscilla D’Oliveira (CrossTech) Panelists: Adam Swartzbaugh (Almond Fintech), Manuel Godoy (Félix Pago), & Francisco Sánchez (MoneyTrans)
COFFEE BREAK
Discussing the Impact of Crypto and Stablecoins in Cross-Border Payments
Moderator: Erick Schneider (CrossTech) Panelists: Thales Freitas (Bitso Business) & Jacqueline Chilton (Pangea)
Portuguese Track: Insights do Mercado B2B Brasileiro: Tendências, Desafios e Oportunidades
Moderator: Priscilla D’Oliveira (CrossTech)
Panelists: Vivian Portella (B&T Cambio), & Robson Aranha (Banco Daycoval)
Sponsored by
CLOSING
Join us for an insightful panel discussion as we delve into the dynamic industry of CrossTech Payments within the Fintech landscape. Explore the latest trends and innovations shaping cross-border payments in the Fintech industry, from blockchain technology to artificial intelligence, and gain insights into the cutting-edge solutions driving transformation in payment ecosystems.
SPEAKERS
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring visionary founders and leaders in the realm of cross-border payments. Explore the innovative strategies, challenges, and opportunities shaping the landscape of global transactions. Gain insights into emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, and market trends driving the evolution of cross-border payments. Engage with industry pioneers as they share their experiences, successes, and visions for the future of international finance.
Join us for an engaging discussion as we unveil the intricate landscape of regional opportunities and challenges in the growth of Fintech. In this panel, industry experts will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the diverse terrain of Fintech expansion.
Participate in a thought-provoking panel discussion where industry experts discuss the intricacies of transitioning a Fintech company from a focus on growth-oriented investment to profitability. This session analyzes the opportunities and challenges inherent in this transformation, shedding light on the strategies and considerations essential for achieving sustainable returns in the Fintech sector.
Industry experts discuss the opportunities and challenges of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the cross-border payments industry. This session presents an exclusive chance to acquire invaluable insights derived from practical experiences, delving into the nuances of M&As and their ramifications on the Fintech domain.
Explore the intricacies of expansion and global growth. This session is tailored to examine the opportunities and hurdles encountered by Fintech enterprises as they transition from local to international markets, offering invaluable insights beneficial for entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors alike.
ALBERTO GUERRA UNITELLER PRISCILLA D’OLIVEIRA CROSSTECH ERNESTO LUCIANO INTERMEX WIRE TRANSFER FORMER MARK CORRITORI MASTERCARD HUGO CUEVAS-MOHR CROSSTECH ADAM SWARTZBAUGH ALMOND FINTECH
Embark on a journey of growth and discovery with our insightful session tailored specifically for Fintech entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts. This session deep dives into the dynamic landscape of Fintech growth, offering a comprehensive exploration of the opportunities and challenges that come with scaling your Fintech venture to new heights.
Come join us for an enlightening panel discussion where industry experts will explore the essential collaborations required for Fintech & B2B growth. This session will unveil the critical partnerships that Fintech and B2B companies must establish to thrive in the competitive landscape. From leveraging complementary Fintech partnerships to integrating essential components such as AI and regtech, we'll uncover the key stepping stones necessary for success in the evolving Fintech industry.
JUAN LLANOS FELIX PAGO ADAM SWARTZBAUGH ALMOND FINTECH ELIZABETH BOHLMANN QUBIKA AMAR DAS FAST FUNDS ERICK SCHNEIDER CROSSTECH FERNANDO GUTIERREZ UNITELLER PURU POUDYAL IPAY REMIT
ADAM ATLAS ADAM ATLAS ATTORNEYS
ALFREDO SARRIA 99FINTECH
BEATRIZ BRAVO PAYSEND
CHRISTINA REA RAYCOR CONSULTING
ERNESTO LUCIANO INTERMEX WIRE TRANSFER FORMER
ADAM SWARTZBAUGH ALMOND FINTECH
AMAR DAS FAST FUNDS
ALBERTO GUERRA UNITELLER
AMY GREENWOOD-FIELD MCGLINCHEY STAFFORD
BRIAN BONKOWSKI TERN BRIAN FRANKEL PAYONEER
EDUARDO DÍAZ UNITELLER
ELIZABETH BOHLMANN QUBIKA
ALEJANDRO DEL RIO PAYMENTOLOGY
ARNOLDO REYES MONEYGRAM
CARLOS NAUDON PONCE BANK
ERICK SCHNEIDER CROSSTECH
FERNANDO GUTIERREZ UNITELLER FRANCISCO SANCHEZ MONEYTRANS GABRIELE ZULIANI BITSO
GIRAY HASANALI ARF FINANCE HAL RAMAKERS BRIGHTWELL
HUGO CUEVAS-MOHR CROSSTECH JACQUELINE CHILTON PANGEA
JAIRO RIVEROS PAYSEND
JUAN LLANOS FELIX PAGO
LUIS TRUJILLO PAARC
MICHAEL BERMINGHAM NIUM
ROB AYERS CAPITAL COMPLIANCE EXPERTS
THALES FREITAS BITSO BUSINESS
JAMES CRESSWELL PAYSEND
KATHRYN TOMASOFSKY MSBA
MARCELO THEODORO INTERMEX
PRISCILLA D’OLIVEIRA CROSSTECH
ROBSON ARANHA BANCO DAYCOVAL
VIVIAN PORTELLA B&T
JESIMIN BERMAN PAPAYA GLOBAL
KOFI OWUSU-NHYIRA NSANO LTD
MARINA OLMAN GT LAW
PRISCILLA HAZEL NSANO LIMITED
JOHN WALSH SIGHTSPAN
LISA LANHAM GT LAW
MARK CORRITORI MASTERCARD
PURU POUDYAL IPAY REMIT
RON MAZURSKY NYPAY STEFANY BELLO MASTERCARD
Hugo Cuevas Mohr President & CEO CrossTech
Priscilla D’Oliveira COO CrossTech
Juan Posada Director of Business Intelligence
Ana González Director of Content
Andrés Orozco Conference Sales Director
David Lederman Marketing Director
Maria A. Garcia Sales & Community Manager
Marcela Molina Creative Manager
Diana Jofre Executive Assistant & HR Coordinator
Virginia Martínez Technology & Online Events Admin
Debbie Martell
Data Entry & Customer Service Analyst
Jennifer Holguin Lead Consultant
Isabel Cortes UK Consultant
Lourdes Soto COO GlobalReg
We are thankful to all our staff and the supporting team of collaborators who help us develop our conferences in each of the cities and regions we select to host them. Without their help, it would be impossible for us to give all the participants in our in-person and virtual events the unique experience we strive to give everyone attending.
21,000 IMPRESSIONS
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6 CONTRIBUTORS PER ISSUE
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