Cross-Border Selling Challenges

It’s an oxymoron, but in the era of AI moving funds from one account to another has been signaled as one of the major payments’ trends. Where’s the catch? Let’s take a look. Transferring funds between accounts is not a novelty, but rather one of the oldest and more basic payments’ use cases. And yet if you look at today’s increasingly complicated payments landscape, there is an entire debate going on, hooked on the principle that Account-to-Account (A2A) payments can lead the next wave of payments #innovation. The numbers from the 2024 Global Payments Report are telling: —     A2A was in 2023 the leading #ecommerce payment method in Finland, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Thailand —     In established card markets (Australia, Canada, UK, USA) A2A growth has been considerably slower —     In emerging markets (i.e. India, Brazil) A2A schemes have risen mainly due to strong government support as a means to achieve financial inclusion and promote digital payments, whereas in more advanced markets the use of A2A schemes is driven by collaborative initiatives between banks Despite their differences, A2A schemes across the globe have one common denominator: they are all local. Interoperability is almost non-existent (Alipay+ is an exception), reflecting a plethora of challenges: different geographies, local consumer preferences, infrastructure, regulation, etc. The rise of A2A #payments is driven by: 1. The proliferation of real-time rails that bring novel use-cases 2. The growth of Open Banking schemes (OB payments are by default A2A Payments) 3. Major actors (merchants, payments players) in an increasingly digital and mobile-first FS ecosystem looking for reliable, efficient and price-competitive payment alternatives 4. Regulation - the recently adopted Instant Payments Regulation (IPR) in Europe is a primary example Despite all the above and the attractiveness of the model, there are 2 main challenges holding back #A2A payments and schemes from dominating, especially in card markets: —  The lack of all the bits and pieces adding value around simple payments’ transactions: chargebacks, disputes, exceptions and fraud protection. These are areas where the big schemes (i.e. Visa, Mastercard) have a competitive advantage, having spent decades optimizing them —  Loyalty schemes and premium perks (i.e. hotel credits, airline miles, discounts) funded from card interchange fees (that don’t exist in A2A set-ups) that drive card adoption These challenges notwithstanding a significant part of the payments’ innovation is heading back to where it started from: the bank account. It’s not therefore by accident that the card networks have bought their way into the space (i.e. Mastercard has bought Finicity and Aiia and Visa has acquired Tink). In the new, multi-rail payments landscape A2A is here to stay. Opinions: my own, Graphic sources: Arkwright Consulting, The Paypers

The worst clause in international contracts? “Mediation first, arbitration next.” Sounds reasonable, looks friendly, and feels balanced. Until your client loses 12 months in procedural deadlock while the other side burns cash and leverage. Dispute resolution is not about fairness. It is about speed control. — Who benefits from delay? — Who survives procedural fatigue? — Who controls the narrative during that time? In cross-border deals, I rarely leave it open. “Mediation shall be initiated within 10 days of notice and completed within 30 days. If unresolved, either party may proceed directly to arbitration.” Something like this saved one of my clients a ton of legal fees. Because contracts are not about preventing conflict. They are about controlling what happens when conflict is inevitable.

Most import delays don't start at the port. They start at your desk - with bad paperwork. Standard Import Package: 1. Commercial Invoice  *Prepared By:* Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Broker, Importer  This document shows the sale between the buyer and seller. It lists the goods, their value, and payment terms. 2. Packing List *Prepared By:* Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Forwarder, 3PL      This list details how items are packed. It helps with inspections and logistics. 3. Bill of Lading / Air Waybill  *Prepared By:* Carrier or Forwarder   *Primary User(s):* Carrier, Customs      This is a contract for transport. It proves ownership and details the shipment. 4. Certificate of Origin *Prepared By:* Exporter / Chamber   *Primary User(s):* Customs      This document certifies where the goods come from. It can affect tariffs. 5. Import License / Permit *Prepared By:* Importer   *Primary User(s):* Customs      This license allows the goods to enter the country. It’s often required for certain products. 6. Insurance Certificate *Prepared By:* Insurer / Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Importer, Carrier  This certificate shows that goods are insured during transit. It protects against loss or damage. 7. Customs Declaration (e.g., Entry Summary, SAD) *Prepared By:* Broker/Importer   *Primary User(s):* Customs     This document provides details about the goods for customs clearance. 8. Other Documents *Prepared By:* Varies   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Importer  This may include inspection certificates, MSDS, or fumigation certificates. Common Mistakes & How to Prevent Them: 1. Missing or Incorrect HS Codes   *Prevention Strategy:* Use validated tariff classifications. 2. Inconsistent Descriptions  *Prevention Strategy:* Maintain a master data sheet for SKUs. 3. Wrong Incoterms *Prevention Strategy:* Align terms across all documents. 4. No Certificate of Origin *Prevention Strategy:* Pre-check FTA eligibility and requirements. 5. Incorrect Values *Prevention Strategy:* Ensure the declared value matches the invoice. 6. Wrong Consignee Details *Prevention Strategy:* Double-check against records. 7. Expired Import Permits *Prevention Strategy:* Track license validity in a compliance calendar. Final Compliance Checklist Before Submission: Are all documents complete & accurate?  Any region-specific requirements? Have all trade parties reviewed and confirmed? Smooth imports dont just happen. They're the result of documentation excellence. CTA: If you found this helpful, follow for more trade compliance insights.

Behind every smooth shipment is a stack of perfectly prepped paperwork. One thing I’ve learned in logistics? It’s not just about moving cargo, it’s about moving with confidence. And that confidence comes from getting the documentation right, especially when dealing with sea and air transport. Having managed global movements and studied port logistics during my MBA, I can’t emphasize enough how these documents reduce risk, streamline customs, and protect your business. Here’s a breakdown of the essential documents used in sea and air freight: Sea Freight Documents 1. Bill of Lading (BOL) – The most important shipping contract. Acts as a receipt and title to the goods. 2. Packing List – Helps verify cargo content, quantity, and packaging during clearance. 3. Commercial Invoice – Details the value of goods for customs duties. 4. Certificate of Origin – Confirms where goods were manufactured. 5. Sea Waybill – Similar to BOL but non-negotiable and faster for clearance. 6. Insurance Certificate – Shows the cargo is covered in case of damage or loss. 7. Import/Export License – Authorizes the legal entry or exit of goods. Air Freight Documents 1. Air Waybill (AWB) – Acts as a contract of carriage and receipt for air cargo. 2. Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) – Provides detailed shipping directions to the forwarder. 3. Commercial Invoice – Required for customs declaration and duties. 4. Packing List – Confirms the weight, dimensions, and item breakdown. 5. Dangerous Goods Declaration – Mandatory for hazardous cargo. 6. Certificate of Origin – Assists in trade agreements and duty benefits. 7. Insurance Certificate – Offers security in case of transit risks. Whether you're a student, admin, or supply chain professional, knowing these documents inside out will save time, money, and headaches. Which of these documents do you deal with the most? Or have you had any shipping drama because of missing paperwork? Drop your experience in the comments. Let’s learn from each other.

The digital payment ecosystem is transforming at rapid speed. Having worked in this field for eighteen years, I have witnessed some amazing changes firsthand. Here's how I think the world of digital payments will evolve in 2025 1. Cross-Border Payments in Real Time 2024 Highlight: "Real-time payment connectivity between Singapore's PayNow and India's UPI systems was introduced. My prediction is that India will keep growing its UPI network and establish new cross-border payment connections with MENA nations. India will become a key actor in the global payments scene as a result. Furthermore, when other nations join the network, real-time payment systems will be further integrated, Under the direction of the Bank for International Settlements – BIS, Project Nexus will be critical in interlinking fast payment systems, ensuring that cross-border payments are just as fast as local ones. 2. There is embedded finance everywhere. 2024 Highlight: Payments are becoming an unseen but essential component of consumer experiences in everything from e-commerce to healthcare. My prediction is that the embedded banking revolution will be spearheaded by digital-first platforms with sizable user bases, Superapps in these markets 3. ML and AI in Payments 2024 Highlight: AI-driven solutions are greatly enhancing fraud detection, personalisation, and customer insights. Large banks incorporated AI-powered systems that examine transaction patterns to spot irregularities and stop fraud before it begins. AI-powered chatbots & virtual assistants are becoming mainstream My prediction is that these trends will continue to gain traction. AI will also make proactive compliance management possible, guaranteeing organisations continue to adhere to changing compliance rules. 4. The Evolution of Digital Wallets 2024 Highlight: 90% of Southeast Asian and Indian consumers, according to a research, favour local co's over multinational giants. Local digital wallets like Paytm, PhonePe, GrabPay, and Gojek are controlling the market throughout South & SEA My Prediction: As localised features and integrations satisfy regional preferences, the "local eats global" trend will persist in the world's fastest-growing markets. 5. Increase in Contactless Transactions 2024 Highlight: Contactless payments are currently the preferred method of payment in developed economies, with nearly 90% of American consumers regularly using them. UK (93.4%), Australia (95%), Singapore (97%) have the highest adoption rates. Using NFC technology & QR-based solutions to reach a variety of populations, emerging nations are also rapidly catching up. In my opinion, contactless payments will eventually take the role of cash for in-store transactions worldwide. The adoption of mobile wallets and government incentives will hasten the transition in emerging nations. 👉 What patterns do YOU observe in the payments industry? Post your thoughts in the comments section! #BigIdeas2025 #LinkedInNewsIndia

Wiseasy and the Thunderbird School of Global Management introduce a compelling concept—Fourth Generation Payment Networks (4GPN)—as the next frontier in digital payments. The whitepaper frames 4GPN as a convergence point across four layers: 1. Universal Interoperability Beyond traditional card networks, 4GPN integrates real-time account-to-account payments, EMV, QR, CBDCs, stablecoins, and mobile wallets—designed to work seamlessly across channels, devices, and jurisdictions. 2. Embedded Intelligence and Compliance Risk mitigation is no longer limited to firewalls or fraud checks. 4GPN incorporates biometric authentication, AI-led fraud detection, and regulatory logic into its operational core—shifting compliance from reactive to real-time and contextual. 3. Inclusion as Infrastructure The report highlights that while 1.7 billion adults remain unbanked, 1.1 billion own mobile phones. 4GPN aims to bridge this gap by embedding mobile-first rails and digital identity into the network design—not as an overlay, but as native functions. 4. Modular Global Design From super-app ecosystems in APAC to mobile-led bancarization in LATAM, 4GPNs are meant to adapt. Their architecture supports plug-and-play modules tailored to local regulatory, linguistic, and operational conditions. The projected growth of the digital payments market—from $10.18 trillion in 2024 to over $32 trillion by 2033—is not just about volume. It’s about the need for systems that are resilient, open, and purpose-built for a multipolar, multi-asset future. This evolution will test existing networks, challenge siloed platforms, and redefine how we think about payment processing, compliance, and financial access. The whitepaper raises a few important questions: • Can real-time payments scale without shared trust frameworks? • Are central bank digital currencies being designed for interoperability from day one? • What role should private infrastructure providers play in bridging regulatory and technical standards globally? As we enter a decade of accelerated change, frameworks like 4GPN offer a useful lens—not just to imagine what’s possible, but to assess what’s necessary. https://lnkd.in/gt_7XMAW Industry insights Wiseasy #payments #banking #instantpayments #centralbanks #cbdc #stablecoins

Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, Cambridge Judge Business School - The Next Frontier in Digital Asset Market Infrastructure: Lessons from Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) - The latest report from CCAF maps the global transformation of market infrastructure through the lens of DPI — from real-time payments to digital IDs and consent-based data sharing. - The implications for the future of digital assets and tokenized finance are massive. Five Insights on the Infrastructure Shaping Digital Markets: 1. DPI Meets Traditional Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) - DPI like India’s UPI and Brazil’s Pix are converging with FMIs such as RTGS and clearing houses — redefining how value moves in a digital economy. - The ability for non-banks to directly settle in central bank money, as seen in Brazil’s Pix, shows how market rails are opening up. 2. Modular & Open-Source Infrastructure as a Competitive Edge - Open APIs, modular infrastructure, and consent-based data sharing create composable financial ecosystems. - Think of it like Lego blocks for finance — enabling fintechs, banks, and DeFi protocols to build faster, more tailored solutions, but governance and interoperability will be key to prevent fragmentation. 3. Emerging Markets Are Proving Grounds for Infrastructure Innovation - With 113 jurisdictions deploying at least one DPI pillar, emerging markets like India and Brazil are setting global precedents. - For example, India’s UPI processes over 17 billion transactions monthly, outpacing even Visa and Mastercard domestically 4. Regulatory Coordination is Lagging Infrastructure Development - The report warns of a regulatory "knowledge gap" — the pace of market infrastructure innovation is outstripping regulators' capacity to oversee risks like data misuse, concentration, and exclusion. - Coordinated, cross-border regulatory frameworks will be critical as DPI and tokenised markets mature. 5. DPI as a Catalyst for Tokenisation and Digital Assets - By embedding digital identity, instant payments, and secure data sharing, DPI creates the foundation for broader adoption of tokenised assets, programmable finance, and embedded financial services. - Without such infrastructure, digital asset markets remain siloed and friction-laden. Real-World Parallel - In tokenisation, the European Union’s DLT Pilot Regime is laying new rails for trading digital securities — but it’s jurisdictions with mature DPI that will have a competitive advantage in scaling these markets. So What? - For digital asset innovators, policymakers, and financial institutions: DPI is not just about financial inclusion — it’s the infrastructure layer for the future of digital markets. - The race is on to build, govern, and standardise this infrastructure globally — those who lead will define the next era of finance. Great work Pavle Avramović, Sanya Juneja, Yue Wu, krishnamurthy S and Bryan Zhang

The 6 moves we used to help a client get 8 positive replies in one day (including Unilever + Sainsbury’s)... from just 80 cold emails. I know I talk about loaclization a lot, but there's a reason! It is something that delivers "Consistent" results. I've talked to many teams that say they localize. What they usually mean is: They send the same English structure, swap in a few translated lines, and run it across five countries. Sorry, but this not localization. That’s distribution with subtitles. Localization is structural. It changes how you write, your persona and what you reference, not just what language you use. Here’s the framework we used to help one client turn 80 emails into: → 8 positive replies → 2 enterprise yeses → 0 spam flags 1️⃣ One country at a time. Don't be greedy 😈 Start narrow. Each market has its own tone, rhythm, and trust cues. You need time to focus, test and get it right . 2️⃣ Localized subject line We used local references that signal cultural awareness. No generic templates, no “quick question.” 3️⃣ First line: shared tension We started the email with a real friction point marketers in that country were dealing with. It resonated because it mattered. 4️⃣ CTA: ask, don’t push We invited them to share their approach, not book a 30-minute slot (that could be too much for many). Tone matters here more than you think. 5️⃣ Send at local time We tested into the best hours for each region. Mid-morning delivered the strongest results. 6️⃣ Use local proof The names/events/companies you reference shape how you’re perceived. Local examples beat global logos 90% of the time. We put all of this into the carousel including before/after email examples. PS: Here are a few tools that helped us build localized campaigns • Data & Enrichment: Clay, FullEnrich, Prospeo.io, BetterContact • Email Outreach: lemlist, Salesforge 🔥 • Personalization: Twain, Octave • Visitor Signals and Intent: Warmly, Dealfront, RB2B • Timing & Inboxing: MailReach, Folderly Inc. • Research & Context: Claygent, BetterContact • Workflows: n8n, Make (Pick what fits your stack, the structure matters more than the software). I promise I will stop talking about localization (for a while). Any other tips you used to localize campaigns missing here? please share below 👀. #outbound #europe #localization #b2b

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬: 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝? A single clause buried deep in your international contract could dictate that legal disputes be resolved in a foreign court, under unfamiliar laws—leading to skyrocketing legal costs, unexpected liabilities, and a significant loss of leverage. Many businesses expanding internationally assume that cross-border agreements function like domestic contracts. They don’t. Without strategic negotiation, companies may find themselves entangled in complex legal systems, facing enforcement challenges, regulatory pitfalls, or unforeseen liabilities 🤷♀️ Unlike domestic contracts, international agreements introduce unique risks, including: ➡️ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠: The counterparty may push for a jurisdiction that favors them—often at your expense. ➡️ 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬: Governing law impacts enforcement, damages, and even fundamental contract terms. ➡️ 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: Winning a case in one country does not guarantee enforcement in another. To safeguard your international agreements, consider these key strategies: ✅ 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐰 & 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 – Avoid jurisdictions known for inefficiency or bias. ✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐬 – Arbitration under ICC, SIAC, LCIA, or HKIAC can enhance enforceability. ✅ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Structured mediation, arbitration, and litigation can prevent deadlocks. ✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 – Address tax, compliance, and industry-specific licensing requirements. ✅ 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 – Collaborate with local experts to understand how contractual obligations will be interpreted. International contracts are a 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 —success depends on anticipating risks before they become costly battles. 𝐈𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. How does your company or you as a lawyer approach international contract risk management? Let’s discuss in the comments.

🌍⚓ Proactive Adaptation: How Non-EU Shipping Companies Can Lead Amid Decarbonisation Regulation The shipping industry is sailing into a new era of transformative regulations. 🌱 The EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations, along with the IMO’s net-zero target by 2050 and likely financial mechanisms being discussed at the next MEPC in April, are reshaping global trade and operations. For non-EU shipping companies, these aren’t just challenges—they’re opportunities to lead. 🔍 1. The Global Reach of EU Regulation The EU ETS will soon cover 100% of intra-EU voyages and 50% of trips to/from the EU, impacting even non-EU operators. 📉 The FuelEU Maritime rules add fuel intensity limits, effectively making the EU a global benchmark. 🌐 The question isn’t if these rules will affect you but how you prepare to minimize costs and disruption. 🤝 2. Beyond Compliance: Understanding Customer Impacts Carbon costs ripple through the supply chain. 🛳️ Cargo owners will increasingly demand transparency on emissions and look for partners who align with their sustainability goals. 🌟 Key questions to ask: • Who bears the cost of carbon? • Can green shipping become a differentiator? 🚀 By providing sustainable solutions and collaborating with customers, non-EU companies can strengthen relationships and build trust. ⚡ 3. Proactive Strategies: Shaping the Future Waiting to react leaves you vulnerable—proactive companies are already shaping their own future. 🌟 Here’s how: • 🌍 Engage globally: Join IMO and regulatory discussions to influence policies. • 🛢️ Secure green fuels: Lock in supply contracts now for a cost advantage. • 🚢 Invest in tech: Adopt future proofed vessels and retrofits to stay ahead. 📊 4. Navigating Complexity Across the Business The regulatory landscape is multilayered. 🌐 Shipping companies must align responses across all departments: • 📦 Procurement: Embed carbon costs into sourcing and contracts. • ⚙️ Operations: Optimize fleets for emissions limits. • 💰 Finance: Forecast carbon costs and align investments with decarbonisation goals. • 💬 Customer engagement: Share emissions data transparently and co-create sustainable solutions. 🌟 5. Unlocking Opportunities Amid Challenges The regulatory environment offers opportunities for those who adapt early: • 🤝 Win customers willing to pay for green shipping. • 💡 Cut costs with energy-efficient technologies and fuels. • 🏆 Build a reputation as a leader in decarbonisation. 💡 The time to act is now. Waiting for regulations to force your hand isn’t an option. Be proactive, engage with stakeholders, and lead the transition. Those who embrace the challenge will not only comply—they’ll thrive. #Decarbonisation #Shipping #EUETS #FuelEUMaritime #Sustainability #GreenShipping #ClimateAction #MaritimeIndustry #NetZero2050  🌍⚓